ISSYH20 concludes in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Organised by the International Forum Bosnia (IFB) in partnership with the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and its Regional Centre in Sharjah, the programme brought together 23 young heritage professionals from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds.

Hands-on learning across Bosnia-Herzegovina

Running from July 24 to August 9, 2025, the summer school offered participants a rich and immersive learning experience. Through field visits to major heritage sites in Sarajevo, Mostar, and Stolac, participants explored the tangible and intangible cultural assets of the region and their essential roles in post-crisis recovery and peacebuilding. The programme combined academic lectures, seminars, and hands-on workshops focused on preservation, reconstruction, and restoration techniques. A cultural exchange segment titled “Cultural Mosaic” allowed participants to share heritage expressions from their home countries, fostering intercultural dialogue.

Theme: Heritage as a tool for peace and resilience

The central theme of this year’s edition was "The Significance of Cultural Heritage in Promoting Peace and Resilience in Post-Conflict Societies." Through collaborative projects, fieldwork, and direct engagement with heritage sites affected by past conflicts, the programme deepened participants’ understanding of how cultural heritage contributes to community resilience and healing.

Voices from the organisers

Amra Hadžimuhamedović, Director of the Centre for Cultural Heritage at IFB, emphasised the long-term impact of the programme, noting that it celebrates two decades of bringing together young people from around the world to advocate for peace and cultural preservation.
Anwar Sabik, Programme Officer at the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, added that ISSYH20 is more than a learning platform—it’s an inspiration for the next generation of heritage professionals, equipping them with the skills and passion to lead community-based initiatives.

Opening ceremony and distinguished speakers

The programme opened with a formal ceremony at the Memorial Centre in Sarajevo, featuring addresses by key figures including Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, Director-General of ICCROM; Nasser Al Darmaki, Deputy Manager of ICCROM’s Regional Centre in Sharjah; Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović, Secretary General of Europa Nostra; and the acting Mayor of Sarajevo, Predrag Puharić.

Masterclasses and expert guidance

Throughout the course, participants engaged in masterclasses led by renowned experts such as Amra Hadžimuhamedović, Desmond Maurer, Rusmir Mahmutćehajić, and Rohit Jigyasu. They also took part in hands-on workshops covering heritage survey methods, traditional wood carving, and freehand drawing. Four capstone studios offered opportunities to develop small-scale heritage recovery projects aimed at peace formation, guided by experienced mentors.

Field visits highlight post-conflict restoration

Site visits to culturally significant locations, many of which bore the scars of past conflict, provided invaluable context for the theoretical and practical lessons. In Mostar, a city emblematic of cultural revival, participants witnessed firsthand how restoration initiatives can serve not only architectural renewal but also societal healing.

Broader dialogue at Unity and Plurality Conference

The summer school coincided with the 20th International Conference on Unity and Plurality in Europe, held in Mostar and also organised by the International Forum Bosnia. This added a broader intellectual and cultural dimension to the participants’ experience, reinforcing the importance of heritage in promoting unity across divided societies.

A vision for the future

The successful conclusion of ISSYH20 stands as a testament to two decades of impactful youth engagement in cultural heritage and signals a promising future for continued international cooperation in this vital field.