This international session was co-hosted by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Salzburg Global Seminars (SGS), and addressed the sustainability of cultural heritage. Sixty participants from thirty two countries produced an inspiring and thoughtful Declaration for the conservation of all collections. (soon to be followed by a full report). The Declaration is a clarion call for conservators to take action globally to protect our shared cultural heritage.

On the occasion of the Salzburg Global Seminar session on Connecting to the World’s Collections: Making the Case for the Conservation and Preservation of our Cultural Heritage, sixty cultural heritage leaders from the preservation sector representing thirtytwo nations around the world shared experiences to address the sustainability of cultural heritage.

The Assembly:

Recognizes that our global cultural heritage strengthens identities, well-being, and respect for other cultures and societies,

Affirms that cultural heritage is a powerful tool to engage communities positively, and, as such, is a driving force for human development and creativity,

Reaffirms that an appreciation of diverse cultural heritage and its continuity for future generations promotes mutual understanding between people, communities and nations,

Acknowledges that although we have made tremendous gains in the cultural heritage sector in education, facilities, new technologies, and partnerships, our global cultural heritage is threatened by continuing deterioration and loss resulting from a shortage of trained conservation practitioners, natural and man-made emergencies and environmental risks, including climate change, and limited investment, and

Recommends that governments, non-governmental organizations, the cultural heritage sector, communities, and other stakeholders work together to:

• Integrate conservation projects with other sectors to provide a lever for social and economic development,
• Commit to increased community engagement and raise public awareness regarding the at-risk cultural heritage,
• Strengthen the investment in research, networking, educational opportunities, and the exchange of knowledge and resources globally, and
• Promote responsible stewardship and advance sustainable national/regional conservation policies and strategies, including risk management.

The deliberations at the Salzburg Global Seminar for the Conservation and Preservation of Cultural Heritage have established a new collaborative platform to more effectively preserve the world’s cultural heritage and address global challenges now and in the future.

The Assembly thanks the Salzburg Global Seminar and the Institute of Museum and Library Services for initiating, organizing, hosting, and supporting the conference.