World Heritage Day 2025

📅 Date: April 18, 2025 (Friday)

🎯 Theme: “Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 years of ICOMOS Actions”

Introduction

Every year, World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS), is observed on April 18. This day serves as a global reminder of the need to preserve and protect cultural heritage across the world. It also honors the dedicated efforts of individuals, communities, and organizations in heritage conservation.

History and Background

The concept of World Heritage Day was initiated by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982 and approved by UNESCO in 1983. Since then, this day has become a worldwide platform for raising awareness about the importance of heritage and promoting strategies for its protection.

2025 Theme and Focus

For 2025, ICOMOS has announced the theme:
“Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 years of ICOMOS Actions.”

This year’s observance coincides with the 60th anniversary of ICOMOS, which was founded following the 1964 Venice Charter. The theme highlights the growing threats to heritage posed by natural disasters and armed conflict, while also reflecting on six decades of ICOMOS’s achievements and lessons.

It emphasizes:

• Prevention and mitigation of hazards
• Conflict preparedness
• Resilience-building at heritage sites
• Emergency response and recovery planning
• Global collaboration across organizations and communities

Why This Theme Matters

• 🌪 Climate-induced disasters, earthquakes, floods, and armed conflict are increasingly damaging world heritage sites.
• 🛠️ There’s a rising need for systematic preparedness and response mechanisms.
• 🧠 The theme encourages reflection on both scientific innovation and traditional knowledge systems.
• 🤝 Collaboration between UNESCO, ICOMOS, governments, NGOs, and communities is key to heritage protection.

Global Events and Engagement

ICOMOS invites non-member organizations, academic institutions, civil society, and World Heritage Sites to organize local activities under the 2025 theme. These can include:

• Heritage walks and site visits
• Seminars and webinars
• Disaster preparedness drills
• Storytelling and traditional practice showcases
• Youth engagement campaigns

Noteworthy Global Heritage Sites at Risk

• Palmyra, Syria: Severely damaged due to conflict.
• Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: Earthquake damage.
• Venice, Italy: Facing threat from rising sea levels.
• Sundarbans, India & Bangladesh: Vulnerable to cyclones and sea-level rise.
• Historic Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Subject to rapid urban development and climate stress.

Reflections and Future Outlook

As ICOMOS marks 60 years in 2025, it encourages us all to ask:
🔹 How can we better prepare our heritage sites for future crises?
🔹 What can we learn from decades of experience?
🔹 How can communities become more resilient and involved in this mission?

Conclusion

World Heritage Day 2025 is not just about celebrating the past, but about protecting it for the future. As disasters and conflicts continue to threaten our shared heritage, it becomes our collective duty to act—through preparedness, education, innovation, and unity.

Let this year’s theme serve as a call to action for governments, professionals, communities, and youth to stand together in safeguarding the legacies that define our identities.

🔗 Learn more and explore official updates at: ICOMOS official website.