MALAYSIA is expected to welcome over 1,500 delegates from over 130 countries in October as it prepares to host the 22nd Icomos General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026 (GA2026) in Kuching this October to shape the future direction of global cultural heritage conservation. This makes it one of the largest international gatherings on cultural heritage ever hosted in Malaysia.
(Icomos is the International Council on Monuments and Sites, which works to protect historic buildings, towns, and cultural sites around the world.)
The initiative will bring together architects, planners, engineers, archaeologists, museums, tourism professionals, universities, conservation practitioners, and civil society to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage greater national engagement in heritage conservation.
The hosting of GA2026 also reinforces Malaysia’s ambition to showcase its rich cultural heritage, strengthen international collaboration, and leave a lasting legacy for heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, andprofessional exchange.
The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Minister Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says the symposium represents an important milestone for both Sarawak and Malaysia.
“Beyond welcoming the world’s heritage professionals, this is an opportunity to showcase Sarawak’s living heritage, cultural diversity, and our commitment to sustainable tourism.
“GA2026 will not only streng-then Sarawak’s position as a leading destination for culture and sustainable tourism, but also create new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and lasting partnerships in heritage conservation,” he says.
Icomos Malaysia president Faisal Abd Rahman also describes the opportunity to host this assembly as a “once-in-a- generation” opportunity for the country.
It is important for Malaysia to build lasting partnerships that strengthen heritage conservation, international collaboration and public appreciation of heritage through this event, as Faisal explains that cultural heritage today intersects with many fields.
“The future of heritage depends on architects working with archaeologists, planners working with communities, universities working with practitioners and government working alongside civil society.
“This initiative provides a national platform for that collaboration,” he says.
The National Heritage Depart-ment has also recognised GA2026 as a programme of national importance, expressing its full support for Malaysia’s role as host of the assembly.
The event will also serve as Malaysia’s international platform to reflect on and celebrate Unesco’s 80th year through a series of public programmes, exhibitions and community engagement activities.
GA2026 will be held in Kuching from Oct 17 to 24 with the theme “Living Heritage: Respect, Enhance, Accept, Partnership”.
For more information, go to www.icomosga2026.org.my.
