This year, the ICOMOS Annual General Assembly, Advisory Committee meetings, and Scientific Symposium will be held in Lumbini, Nepal, from 11 to 19 October 2025. Organized by ICOMOS Nepal, these events will take place in one of the world’s most sacred sites. Inscribe as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Lumbini is revered as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Its historic Asoka pillar inscription and the enduring remains of Buddhist viharas and stupas, spanning from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD, provide important evidence on the origins and nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centres.

The significance of this year’s venue underscores the fundamental role of heritage in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 and SDG 17. In this spirit, the ICOMOS SDG Working Group is delighted to announce a special session on [date], centered on the theme [theme]. Through presentations and panel discussions, we will explore the year’s key topics: Conflict, Forces of Nature, and Heritage for Peace, highlighting the vital contributions of heritage to the SDGs through compelling case studies.

Join us in Lumbini as we examine the diverse ways heritage can provide pathways toward achieving sustainable development. Events will be held in a hybrid format, and recordings of all panel discussions will be made available on our YouTube channel.

We look forward to seeing you in Lumbini!