A total of 137 countries, including Bangladesh, will attend the two-day event that will focus on the most relevant issues and topics of concern on cultural heritage promotion and provide a platform to stimulate dialogue on sustainable approaches for the protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage in the world.

The 31st General Assembly of ICCROM coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Centre, said a media release received here from Rome on Monday.

The two-day event will focus on the most relevant issues and topics of concern on cultural heritage promotion and provide a platform to stimulate dialogue on sustainable approaches for the protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage in the world.

Delegations of ICCROM’s 137 Member States will meet to discuss and enhance the agency’s strategic directions and work plan, and review its activities for the past biennium 2018-2019.

It will elect its new governing Council. The event will also be an opportunity to welcome ICCROM’ newest Member State, Costa Rica.

A Thematic Discussion on “Decolonizing Heritage” will be held as part of the 31st General Assembly on October 31.

The ICCROM Award Ceremony, which is granted to individuals who have contributed significantly to ICCROM’s development, or who have special merit in the field of conservation, protection andrestoration of cultural heritage, will also be given on 31 October 2019.

In a statement on the occasion of the 31st General Assembly, Webber Ndoro, ICCROM’s Director-General, expressed his thanks and appreciation for the continuous support and collaboration of all Member States in the implementation of the programmes and activities of ICCROM.

“The generous contribution of the Member States of ICCROM is the main pillar of the success of all projects and programmes implemented by ICCROM in many parts of the world”, said Ndoro.