A transformative journey to strengthen Disaster Risk Management for cultural heritage 

ICCROM launches READY Track 1 Online Foundational Training

We are living in an era of polycrisis—a convergence of interconnected crises that trigger cascading and compounding impacts. The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change-driven extreme weather events, disasters, economic instability, and ongoing armed conflicts are far from isolated incidents. They deeply interact with vulnerabilities embedded within our social, political, and cultural systems, producing unpredictable and far-reaching outcomes.  

Against this backdrop, on 16 June 2025, ICCROM launched the online foundational learning phase of READY Track 1 – Safeguarding Heritage Collections, Living Traditions, and Practices in the Face of Disasters, Extreme Weather Events, and Complex Emergencies. This intensive eight-month course is specifically designed to build and strengthen capacities for comprehensive disaster risk management (DRM) of cultural heritage – tackling the multifaceted risks posed by extreme weather events, disasters, and armed conflicts. 

This transformative journey is a call to action for cultural heritage professionals around the world to rise, strengthen resilience, and lead decisively in protecting heritage at risk from mounting crises. 

What is READY? 

READY Track 1

Led by ICCROM’s FAR programme and supported by the EU’s Creative Europe Programme and in partnership with DG EAC and EU Member States, READY is a 38-month initiative to build resilience for cultural heritage.  

The first training track, READY Track 1, is not simply training – it is a shift in approach. Blending online with in-person fieldwork, it encourages moving beyond outdated reactive mindsets to embrace systems thinking and community-centered engagement, positioning cultural heritage as a powerful beacon of hope, resilience, and recovery.

What participants will learn 

 READY Track 1 is an immersive journey, equipping heritage professionals to tackle growing and complex heritage crises by being able to: 

  • Map climate, conflict, and disaster risks to both tangible and intangible heritage. 
  • Engage local communities using traditional knowledge and participatory methods. 
  • Lead on-site damage and risk assessments for tangible and intangible heritage in complex emergencies. 
  • Coordinate with humanitarian actors and civil protection agencies for emergency response. 
  • Plan and execute emergency evacuations and salvage operations. 
  • Promote the integration of cultural heritage protection into local and national disaster risk management and climate adaptation strategies. 
  • Train and lead local teams of cultural first aiders. 
  • Transition from first aid to recovery, promoting peacebuilding through heritage. 

Meet the READY Track 1 cohort 

ICCROM launches READY Track 1 Online Foundational Training

25 outstanding professionals from 21 countries across the Creative Europe Programme are joining this first track. They were selected following an intensive and transparent process — including shortlisting and individual interviews, supported by READY’s technical partners  This group consists of professionals across diverse fields – cultural heritage conservation, museum management, archives, libraries, civil protection, fire departments, and disaster risk management – and bring with them the skills and commitment to make a lasting difference.  

This cohort will be trained as cultural first aiders and risk managers, equipped with the tools, skills, and resources to effectively manage current and future heritage risks and to coordinate with relevant stakeholders in providing first aid and promoting early recovery of cultural heritage during times of crisis. 

Powered by collaboration  

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, READY Track 1 is a model of inter-agency coordination and knowledge exchange supported by 17 technical partners: 

  1. Agency for Cultural Resilience 
  1. Centre des monuments nationaux 
  1. Department Of Antiquities 
  1. German Archaeological Institute 
  1. Dirección General de Patrimonio Cultural y Bellas Artes 
  1. Federal Monuments Authority Austria 
  1. International Council on Archives 
  1. Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia 
  1. Museum of King Jan III's Palace at Wilanów 
  1. Museus e Monumentos de Portugal 
  1. National Institute of Heritage 
  1. National Memorial to the Heavenly Hundred Heroes and Revolution of Dignity Museum 
  1. National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate 
  1. National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Heritage Sciences 
  1. Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage 
  1. Swedish National Heritage Board 
  1. UNDRR Regional Office for Europe & Central Asia 

Their combined force fosters the development of a pan-European network of cultural first aiders and disaster risk management professionals. 

Tools that transform 

Between field-tested manuals and innovative tech, participants will have access to:  

  • inSIGHT – A Participatory Game for Disaster Risk Governance 

  • PATH: Peacebuilding Assessment Tool for Heritage 

Plus, a brand-new READY App provides the course participants with 24/7 access on both mobile and desktop. The app keeps everyone fully connected and engaged with: 
✔ Real-time training schedules and live session links 
✔ Essential readings and interactive evaluations 
✔ Collaborative groupwork platforms and direct communication with mentors 

The READY journey begins 

Over the next eight months, READY Track 1 will evolve through four learning phases, culminating in in-person collaboration and on-the-ground application. The course is designed to enable participants to shape a cultural heritage that is more resilient and future-ready.   

#culturecannotwait