31 October 2009 Salzburg, Austria

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 thirty-two 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 promote 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 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 in Washington, D.C. for initiating, organizing, hosting, and supporting the conference co-chaired by Vinod Daniel (Australian Museum) and Debra Hess Norris (University of Delaware, USA).