𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬’ 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐈𝐂𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐌 ICCROM takes note of the recent announcement by the United States of America regarding its withdrawal from the Organization. ICCROM is mandated by its Member States to promote the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage in all its forms through international cooperation, capacity building, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. The Organization’s work is grounded in the conviction that multilateralism is essential to safeguarding the world’s cultural heritage for present and future generations, and to preventing its irreparable loss. Since joining ICCROM in 1971, the United States of America has played a critical role as both a financial and technical partner, contributing its support and expertise to ICCROM’s work worldwide. This engagement has enabled the Organization to scale up and multiply its efforts and impact. At the same time, ICCROM has strengthened the capacities of American experts and institutions, helping to shape conservation theory and practice within the country. This reflects ICCROM’s effective model: when capacities are strengthened in one country, that country is equipped and empowered to influence the cultural heritage field and share knowledge with other Member States through ICCROM’s global convening role. Regrettably, this withdrawal will have a direct impact on ICCROM’s core capacities, with consequences for the Organization’s ability to deliver on its mandate. ICCROM will remain fully committed to working constructively with its Member States and strategic partners to advance shared objectives, uphold the enduring value of multilateral cooperation, and position cultural heritage as a solution to global challenges and evolving priorities. Our commitment will not change.

28 September 2025, Barcelona, Spain Within the framework of #MONDIACULT2025, ICCROM Director-General Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, addressed the Third High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-Based Climate Action delivering a powerful reminder that heritage is not a relic of the past — it is a catalyst for durable climate solutions.    From deadly floods and record-breaking heatwaves to islands facing the reality of disappearing under rising seas, the climate crisis is reshaping lives, livelihoods, and cultures. These are not isolated events — they are systemic, and they demand bold action.  “At ICCROM, we have answered this call with resolve. guided by our transformative vision of CARE — Conserve, Activate, and Recognize, highlighting the boundless potential of heritage, we are scaling up culture-based climate actions, anchoring into our new Strategic Framework 2026–2031 our unwavering commitment to Heritage for Durable Climate Solutions.”    Alongside this call to action, @ICCROM_DG emphasized five priorities for the global community:  1️⃣Channel more climate finance into culture-based solutions — prevention pays back.  2️⃣Invest in data — the oxygen of effective and informed actions. 3️⃣Invest in people — capacity building is the most strategic long-term investment.  4️⃣Make Culture a stand-alone, yet interconnected, goal in the next Global Framework.  5️⃣Ensure heritage is not just another casualty of this climate emergency.   “Leaving heritage behind is no longer an option.” #ICCROM #MondiaCult #CulturalHeritage

📣 Call for Abstracts! 📣 Do you have a story of how risk to heritage was reduced or resilience strengthened in your community, institution, or country? We invite you to share your story of change and be part of a global conversation on innovative approaches to disaster risk reduction. Selected abstracts will be developed into full articles with expert guidance and featured in an ICCROM publication. 📝 Deadline: 5 Nov 2025 🔗 Submit here: iccrom.org/news/call-abstrac…