The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the Bosnia International Forum have announced the launch of the twentieth edition of the International Summer School for Youth and Heritage, which will be held until August 9 in various locations across Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Sarajevo, Mostar, and Stolac. This initiative aims to raise youth awareness of the importance of cultural heritage and its essential role in the recovery of communities, making it a rich educational experience that combines knowledge support with practical interaction.
Summer School Program
The summer school activities include a specialized training course in risk management and the documentation of cultural heritage during crises. This program helps inform youth about the fundamental principles of heritage preservation through practical training in disaster risk management, documentation techniques, and mapping.
Collaboration with the Bosnia International Forum
Aruna Francesca Maria Guglielmo, the Director-General of ICCROM, emphasized the importance of the partnership with the Bosnia International Forum, highlighting the positive impact of these courses on building participants’ essential skills for heritage preservation during challenging times. She stated, “Our collaboration with the International Forum in Bosnia embodies our belief that cultural heritage is not just about the past; it is a foundation for recovery and rebuilding, creating more inclusive and resilient communities, especially in post-conflict contexts.”
Wide International Participation
This current edition sees the participation of 23 trainees from 13 countries, enriching cultural interaction and experiences among participants. ICCROM maintains a leading role in supporting the learning process by providing specialized expertise and diverse resources to address contemporary challenges in the fields of heritage preservation and disaster response.
The educational plan also includes lectures related to the concept of heritage and its significance in Bosnia, especially following the historical events that have shaped it. Participants will visit cultural heritage sites and museums, as well as learn about digital heritage tools, enhancing their learning tools to achieve tangible progress in the field of heritage preservation.
Through this initiative, the International Summer School for Youth and Heritage continues to offer a unique educational platform for young professionals aged 20 to 35, contributing to cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange with multiple positive impacts benefiting communities.
Thus, ICCROM and the Bosnia Forum launch the “Summer School for Youth,” reflecting their commitment to integrating cultural heritage as a vital tool for recovery and building more resilient communities.