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.