Looking back on the EPWG Europe Meeting and Symposium

On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March, the Emerging Professionals Working Group (Europe) Meeting and Symposium took place in Maastricht. Hosted by ICOMOS Netherlands, the event aimed to strengthen connections within the European EP network and to foster collaboration between the participating countries.

As one of the first in-person meetings of the European EP network, the programme mainly focused on networking and collective reflection. The first day included participant introductions and an interactive workshop session addressing the transformation of the EPWG and the future role of ICOMOS in Europe for emerging professionals working in the heritage sector.

The second day was dedicated to informal networking and a study visit in Maastricht, after which participants departed. The outcomes of the workshops will be synthesised in a short report.

Saturday

After a short welcome address by Ksenia Kiselova (Focal Point EPWG Europe), Mariana Pinto Leitão Pereira (board liaison member of ICOMOS International), and Martijn Stoll (Emerging Professional and board member of ICOMOS Netherlands), the meeting was formally opened by Björn Stenvers, President of ICOMOS Netherlands.

Following the opening remarks, participants introduced themselves. The introductions reflected the strong international character of the meeting, with Emerging Professionals representing more than 15 countries. This diversity provided a solid basis for knowledge exchange and networking, which formed a central objective of the symposium.

The presentations illustrated both theoretical and practical approaches to heritage management, as well as innovative methods for public engagement, knowledge transfer, and heritage interpretation. These presentations demonstrated not only the wide range of professional backgrounds represented within ICOMOS, but also the high level of engagement of its younger members.

Particular attention was given to the active involvement of Emerging Professionals in the work of the International Scientific Committees (ISCs), national committees, and thematic working groups.

Overall, the session highlighted the important role Emerging Professionals play in strengthening the organisation and contributing to its future development.

Following the lunch break, participants attended a presentation by Laura Piovan (ArCharis Architecture) on the renovation and conservation works at the Waalse Kerk in Maastricht. The presentation provided valuable insights into the complexity of such heritage projects, emphasising that conservation extends beyond material and technical aspects. Particular attention was given to the wide range of stakeholders involved, including the religious community, local residents, and the wider urban community. Following the presentation, participants were given the opportunity to visit the building and observe the ongoing works and conservation challenges on site.

Later in the afternoon, Mariana Pinto Leitão Pereira (ICOMOS International Board Liaison for Emerging Professionals) facilitated an interactive session focusing on the identity and role of Emerging Professionals within ICOMOS. The discussion addressed key questions concerning the identity of the EP network, the role of the working group, and the position Emerging Professionals should occupy within the broader ICOMOS organisation.

After a short break, the final part of the day began with a keynote lecture on Risk Preparedness delivered by Aparna Tandon (ICOMOS India). Her presentation addressed the complex challenges arising from the overlap between conflicts and disasters, and their impact on cultural heritage. Particular emphasis was placed on the role heritage professionals can play in risk preparedness and response, as well as on the importance of developing integrated strategies that address the interconnections between hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and capacity.

The day concluded with a brainstorming session focusing on the current status of the Emerging Professionals Working Group and the position of Emerging Professionals within the future development of ICOMOS. Participants reflected on opportunities to strengthen the network, increase visibility, and further define the contribution of Emerging Professionals to the organisation.

The session encouraged active participation and reflection among attendees. The outcomes of this discussion will be synthesised into a document, which will be shared with the ICOMOS National Committees and ICOMOS International to support the further development of the Emerging Professionals network.

Following the formal programme of the first day, the event continued with a historical city tour of Maastricht led by Ksenia Kiselova (Focal Point EPWG Europe), followed by a group dinner in the city centre. This informal programme provided additional opportunities for participants to continue discussions and strengthen professional connections in a more relaxed setting.

Sunday

On the second day, the Emerging Professionals visited the Maastricht Museum, where they learned more about the long and rich history of the city and its regional context. After lunch, the programme continued with a visit to the Bonnefanten Museum, where participants explored collections ranging from medieval art to contemporary works, further broadening the cultural context of the meeting.

Two Days of Exchange and Collaboration

Throughout the two-day event, lively discussions took place among the Emerging Professionals. Participants exchanged professional experiences, shared different perspectives, and established valuable international connections. The meeting not only strengthened the European Emerging Professionals network, but also contributed to building lasting relationships that will support future collaboration within the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).