Building bridges to protect cultural heritage amid conflict and climate challenges
At the ANSCH (The Arab Network of Civil Society Organizations to Safeguard Cultural Heritage) Building Resilience Conference, supported by the Cultural Protection Fund of the British Council: “Building Resilience: Empowering Civil Society to Protect Heritage Amid Conflict and Climate Challenges,” held online on 19 October 2026, Europa Nostra Secretary General Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović highlighted the vital role of civil society, local communities and international cooperation in safeguarding (endangered) cultural heritage.
Credit: Europa Nostra
During the panel “International Organisations and the Future of Heritage Protection,” she underscored four priorities: connecting organisations and networks, sharing knowledge and expertise, strengthening the voices of local civil society, and building lasting partnerships across the Mediterranean and beyond. She highlighted that Europa Nostra aspires to expand its work to benefit the entire area of “Mare Nostrum”.
Credit: Europa Nostra
After her remarks, she later joined Alfio Gullotta of the European External Action Service (EEAS); and John Darlington, Director of Projects at World Monuments Fund Britain, for a discussion moderated by Xavier Casanovas of RehabiMed. Peter Stone, President of Blue Shield International, delivered a video message.
“We need to build bridges with fantastic organisations, many times working in very difficult circumstances across the Middle East, North Africa, and Northeast Africa,” Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović said.
