The aim of the discussion was to familiarise the audience with the characteristics of the international system of criminal responsibility for crimes against cultural heritage and to assess its adequacy from the perspective of 70 years since the adoption of the Hague Convention and 35 years since the adoption of its Second Protocol. The discussion addressed complex legal and ethical considerations shaping the contemporary discourse on sanctioning the destruction of cultural heritage resources, reflecting both on past achievements and on efforts to improve the mechanisms intended to ensure the effectiveness of actions in this field.

PANELLISTS:
• Dr Kateryna Busol, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy; British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL)
• Petra Kroupová, Czech National Heritage Institute
• Prof. Kamil Zeidler, University of Gdańsk

MODERATOR: Marek Świdrak, International Cultural Centre

The aim of this panel was to analyse the profound structural transformations in heritage governance in Central Europe over the past three decades, catalysed by rapid political and economic change. Participants explored the evolving configuration of heritage stakeholders and decision-makers, as well as the redefinition of their roles within a rapidly shifting landscape — from the growing engagement of civil society to the challenge of assuming responsibility for the preservation of “heritage without heirs”.

PANELLISTS:
• Marlena Happach, National Heritage Board of Poland
• Dr Irina Iamandescu, National Institute of Heritage of Romania
• Dr Zuzana Kochánková, Ministry of Culture of Slovakia
• Dr Vaidas Petrulis, Kaunas University of Technology

MODERATOR: Dr Katarzyna Jagodzińska, Europa Nostra Heritage Hub for Central Europe in Kraków

Sixty years after its adoption, the Venice Charter remains a cornerstone of the guidelines for the conservation and restoration of monuments, despite having been drafted in a very different historical context. The panel was devoted to assessing the enduring impact of this landmark document, examining its contemporary relevance, and evaluating the vitality of its principles in the context of evolving conservation practices.

PANELLISTS:
• Dr Aisha Darwish, ICOMOS Bahrain
• Prof. Tamás Fejérdy, ICOMOS Hungary
• Prof. Bogusław Szmygin, Lublin University of Technology, ICOMOS Poland

MODERATOR: Prof. Jacek Purchla, International Cultural Centre

Adopting an interdisciplinary perspective, this panel aimed to explore innovative strategies for using heritage as a dynamic force for positive change in contemporary society. The discussion focused on the multifaceted role of heritage in revitalising communities, strengthening social bonds, supporting identity, and generating economic benefits such as tourism, job creation and local development.

PANELLISTS:
• Andries Gryffroy, Flemish Parliament, Belgium
• Robert K. Huber, BHROX bauhaus reuse
• Dr Maja Kominko, Heritage Management Organization (HERITΛGE)
• Dr María Luz Martínez Seijo, Congress of Deputies, Spain

MODERATOR: Dr Michał Wiśniewski, International Cultural Centre

The theme of the Forum was shaped by two significant anniversaries falling in 2024: the 70th anniversary of the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (the Hague Convention) and the 60th anniversary of the International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites, commonly known as the Venice Charter. A key contextual factor was also the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has brought destruction to cultural heritage as well. These circumstances prompted a focus on issues such as criminal responsibility for crimes against cultural heritage, the broader question of responsibility towards heritage, the dilemmas of post-war reconstruction, and the role of heritage in wider processes of social, economic and cultural renewal.

This panel aimed to reflect on historical examples of diverse post-war approaches to shaping cultural heritage policy that may offer valuable insights for the development of strategies for the renewal of heritage in Ukraine. By highlighting successful initiatives and lessons learned, the discussion sought to identify the key challenges anticipated in this process of transformation and to provide perspectives and potential solutions for addressing the growing challenges in this field.

PANELLISTS:
• Aleksandra Brodowska, National Heritage Board of Poland
• Ondřej Chrást, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic
• Marta Cienkowska, Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, Poland
• Dr Sofia Dyak, Center for Urban History of East Central Europe, Lviv
• Oleksandra Kovalchuk, Odesa National Fine Arts Museum

MODERATOR: Dr Łukasz Galusek, International Cultural Centre