Background & Introduction

The International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) was established in 1965 to serve as an international non-governmental organization concerned with the conservation, protection, rehabilitation and enhancement of immovable cultural property i.e. architectural heritage including monuments, groups of buildings and sites, historic towns, gardens and landscapes as well as archaeological sites. ICOMOS holds a consultative status with UNESCO and a good working relationship with regional inter governmental organizations throughout the world. ICOMOS activities are governed by a set of Statutes adopted by its 5th General Assembly in Moscow on May 22d, 1978. Its administrative structure includes a General Assembly that meets every three years, an Executive Committee with 12 elected members plus the bureau and five co-opted members, and the Advisory Committee that comprises of the chairs of all National Committees (NCs) and International Scientific Committees (ISCs). As of October 2008 ICOMOS has more than 7500 members involved with more than 110 National Committees and 28 International Scientific Committees of this network.

The International Secretariat of ICOMOS is in Paris through which co-ordination and collaborations between NCs & ISCs is accomplished.

Administrative Structure:

GENERAL ASSEMBLY meets every three years and is open for all members to participate
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, comprises of the managing body with 12 elected members, plus the members of the Bureau and 5 co-opted members
ADVISORY COMMITTEE, Chairs of the National and International Committees

For further details visit www.icomos.org