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International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly 2023

31 AUGUST – 9 SEPTEMBER 2023
ICC Sydney hosted the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly 2023, welcoming over 1,800 delegates from more than 100 countries to reconnect face to face and collaborate with one another, bringing new World Heritage perspectives.
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1,854 participants from 100+ countries

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242 scientific symposium speakers across 89 sessions

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39 exhibitors participating in the Heritage Exposition

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Hosted throughout ICC Sydney Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre

OVERVIEW

ICC Sydney was selected to host the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly 2023. Welcoming 1,853 professionals from 100 countries across fields like heritage, archaeology, history, urban planning, architecture and academia, GA2023 focused on cultural heritage and conservation work throughout Australia and the world. ICC Sydney’s world class infrastructure and resources proved to effectively align with the event’s First Nations and sustainability goals, with the venue’s existing commitments and partnerships empowering a world class event experience.  

We’ve been pleased to welcome people to ICC Sydney from all around the world – around 100 countries – who will take away a stunning memory of their time in Sydney. This global gathering of ICOMOS focused on the rights, roles and responsibilities of Indigenous and First Nations custodians of cultural heritage.  We have been really delighted to receive a formal Welcome to Country from the representatives of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. The GA2023 Gala Dinner also showcased our Indigenous heritage, through performance by the Jannawi dancers and through the high class menu, ICC Sydney featured Indigenous ingredients in every item, in every course.

Prof. Richard Mackay AM, GA2023 Convenor, International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)  

First Nations forward 
ICC Sydney is proud to operate on the land (Tumbalong) of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, overlooking the water (Gomora) of Darling Harbour. Recognising Indigenous culture is deeply important, and this commitment is reflected in operation through our Reconciliation Action Plan and First Nations stream of the industry leading Legacy Program. This groundbreaking event greatly aligned in this vision through its focus on the rights, roles and responsibilities of protecting this cultural heritage. Not only was First Nations culture celebrated through a robust Indigenous Heritage program, but also observed in a Welcome to Country given by Legacy Program partner Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, and in a Gala Dinner menu by ICC Sydney’s expert Culinary Services team – featuring an indigenous ingredient in every dish.  
Sustainable event delivery 
In 2020, ICC Sydney was awarded the prestigious Silver Certification by EarthCheck – the world’s leading environmental certification and benchmarking program for the travel and tourism industry. ICOMOS partnered with EarthCheck to undertake its EventCheck assessment, reviewing the carbon footprint of the event. By choosing ICC Sydney, venue emissions accounted for just 5% of total event emissions, an impressively minimal impact due to the venue’s existing world class sustainable infrastructure and operations. Through ICC Sydney’s Legacy Program, GA2023 also utilised edible centrepieces, which were repurposed after the event for partners such as Matthew Talbot Hostel, making a positive difference in the community by feeding those in need.  
World class experience 
Situated within the city centre, the prime location of ICC Sydney enables easier networking between delegates and opportunities to experience all that Sydney has to offer. Its proximity to public transport options also makes travelling convenient and more environmentally friendly. Our experienced and diverse team members are always prepared to deliver world class customer service, ensuring a seamless and personalised event experience accommodating all diverse backgrounds and identities. 
ICC Sydney hosted the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly 2023, welcoming over 1,800 delegates from more than 100 countries to reconnect face to face and collaborate with one another, bringing new World Heritage perspectives.
ICC Sydney hosted the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly 2023, welcoming over 1,800 delegates from more than 100 countries to reconnect face to face and collaborate with one another, bringing new World Heritage perspectives.
ICC Sydney hosted the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly 2023, welcoming over 1,800 delegates from more than 100 countries to reconnect face to face and collaborate with one another, bringing new World Heritage perspectives.

The image of the Sydney Opera House is used under license from the Sydney Opera House Trust.