format
online
location
Catch all the presentations and discussions live on YouTube throughout the entire conference.
Seven decades after the adoption of the 1954 Hague Convention, the implementation of Cultural Property Protection in armed forces and armed conflicts remains a challenge.
In order to address this important issue, the Centre for Leadership and Defence Awareness of the National Defence Academy, supported by UNESCO and in cooperation with the Center for Cultural Property Protection of the University for Continuing Education Krems, the Austrian Society for Cultural Property Protection and Blue Shield Austria, is organising the international conference "Cultural Property Protection in the 21st Century: Meeting Requirements across the Forces".
This conference provides a platform for the discussion of current issues relating to cultural heritage and the protection of cultural property. International experts from the military, cultural heritage protection, academia and politics will discuss common challenges and opportunities for improved and sustainable implementation of cultural property protection by armed forces. In addition, the importance of tangible and intangible cultural heritage for society will be emphasised, as well as the added value of cultural property protection for military missions and operations, education and training.
The following live streams will be available to watch the conference:
November, 11 - Day1
The first day of the conference is dedicated to introducing the importance of cultural property and heritage for society and humanity. It will also look at their influence and benefits for the armed forces from a comprehensive perspective.
A central theme will be the protection of cultural property under the 1954 Hague Convention, which is emphasized as a crucial element in military missions and operations, conflict management and resolution. This includes aspects such as the destruction of cultural property as a war strategy, its manipulation for political purposes and the role of cultural heritage in peace-building processes.
November, 12 - Day 2
The second day will focus on the implementation of cultural property protection by the armed forces at strategic, tactical and operational levels.
Actions, opportunities and challenges in integrating cultural property protection into military education and training will be discussed. Specific training requirements and the protection of cultural property in military missions and operations will also be addressed.
November, 13 - Day 3
The third day will focus on international developments in the protection of cultural property, including the fight against illicit trafficking and the impact of political and ideological issues.
New technologies will also be discussed, in particular the intersection of artificial intelligence and military technologies for the protection of cultural heritage.
The conference will be held in English.
Please refer to the programme for full details.
In 2024, UNESCO celebrates the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. The 1954 Hague Convention was the first international legal framework entirely dedicated to the protection of movable and immovable heritage, setting a precedent for the preservation of heritage in international humanitarian law. Protecting cultural property, whether during peacetime or during armed conflict, means safeguarding the memories of peoples and societies, creating a shared memory of the world for generations to come.
Culture is an integral part of human identity and a source of resilience for communities. Instruments such as the 1954 Hague Convention aim to build and foster the foundations of respect, diversity and peace.
More Information
Tags
