4th KOBED’26 Heritage Security Congress

The International Heritage Security Congress will take place from 8 to 10 June at the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków, focusing on the safeguarding and protection of cultural heritage in the face of contemporary threats, crises and armed conflicts. The International Cultural Centre (ICC) is a partner of the event, and Agata Wąsowska-Pawlik, Director of the International Cultural Centre, is a member of the KOBED’26 Programme Council.

The International Heritage Security Congress 2026 is an initiative that serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, bringing together the academic community, public administration, uniformed services, cultural institutions and practitioners responsible for the protection of cultural heritage. This year’s edition of the Congress focuses on the practical aspects of securing and protecting cultural property – both at storage sites, during transport, and in situations of immediate threat. Particular attention will be paid to the protection of heritage during war, humanitarian crises and disasters, as well as to preparing historic cities to function under conditions of heightened risk.

The aim of the 4th Heritage Security Congress is to present current research, best practices and innovative solutions that support the protection of cultural heritage. The organisers invite participants to an interdisciplinary discussion on planning, organising and supporting conservation activities in areas affected by armed conflict or other difficulties, as well as on the need to update national and international regulations concerning the protection of cultural property.

The Congress programme will include, among other things, issues concerning the legal aspects of cultural heritage protection, the use of artificial intelligence and new technologies in security systems, protection against communication threats and manipulation, transport and logistics security, fire safety, the protection of historic cities, and the latest methods of conservation and storage of monuments. Participants will also be invited to take part in workshops, practical sessions and panel discussions, which will provide a space for the exchange of experiences and the presentation of innovative solutions.

KOBED’26 is organised by the Institute for Heritage Security, Wawel Royal Castle and the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków, supported by partners representing the most important institutions involved in the protection of cultural heritage in Poland, including the International Cultural Centre.

The conference is aimed at representatives of the academic community, owners and managers of historic buildings, staff of cultural institutions, uniformed services, public administration, research institutes, and all those professionally involved in the protection of cultural heritage. Conservators, archivists, museum professionals, specialists in civil protection and civil defence and practitioners involved in the security of cultural property are also invited to attend. The event will also feature ‘KOBED for Young People’, aimed at students and members of academic societies.

We invite you to join us!

KOBED’26 programme

More about the 4th Security Congress