General Discussion

Preservation professionals, advocates, and enthusiasts from throughout the Americas will gather November 17-21, for the ICOMOS Symposium 2025, a binational event exploring the shared heritage and preservation challenges of our region. The non-governmental organization's full name is the International Council on Monuments and Sites.

The symposium theme is Binational Historic Preservation Issues. The gathering will be held at the Centro Estatal de las Artes (CEART) in Ensenada, Baja California, with a special San Diego tour that underscores the binational ties and cultural exchange.

Call for Abstracts

Interested in sharing your work at this international symposium? Abstract submissions are open until October 15, 2025. Present your research, projects, or innovative ideas to a global audience of cultural heritage professionals.

Submit abstracts to simposiodelasamericas@gmail.com

Symposium Goals

The symposium also marks sixty years since the founding of ICOMOS and ICOMOS Mexico A.C., providing a pivotal moment for reflection on the state of heritage preservation in the Americas. Together, participants will consider the challenges and opportunities of the near future, including climate change, social conflict, disasters, and globalization, with the goal of charting a path forward to 2040.

While the symposium is international in scope, it may produce an important binational agreement for our region. When the Presidents of the ICOMOS Region of the Americas meet during the symposium, they are expected to create the Charter of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, and San Diego, California, a document of commitments and cooperation agreements to guide future preservation in our border region and throughout the Americas.

SOHO is proud to participate as an organizing partner of this significant gathering, which will convene academics, professionals, and community organizations from Mexico, the U.S., and Colombia to collaborate on scientific, community-based, and governmental approaches to heritage preservation.

ICOMOS Symposium 2025 offers a rare opportunity to engage in cross-border dialogue, build connections, and experience firsthand the rich cultural heritage of both Baja California and San Diego.