SHARJAH.- The 20th International Summer School on Youth and Heritage (ISSYH20) has officially concluded in Bosnia-Herzegovina, marking a significant milestone in education for cultural conservation and preservation.

Organized by the International Forum Bosnia (IFB) in collaboration with the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and its Regional Centre in Sharjah, this year's programme brought together 23 young heritage professionals from diverse backgrounds.

The programme provided participants with an immersive field experience, featuring visits to significant cultural sites throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Sarajevo, Mostar, and Stolac. Participants learned about the region's tangible and intangible heritage and its vital role in peacebuilding and post-crisis community recovery.

Running from July 24 to August 9, 2025, the program included lectures, seminars, and practical workshops focused on the concept of heritage, its significance, and strategies for the preservation, reconstruction, and restoration of damaged heritage sites. Additionally, trainees had the opportunity to share their heritage and experiences, particularly in terms of intangible expressions, during the "Cultural Mosaic" evenings.

The theme was ‘The Significance of Cultural Heritage in Promoting Peace and Resilience in Post-Conflict Societies’. Participants engaged in various activities aimed at enhancing their understanding of heritage preservation, including workshops, field visits, and collaborative projects and initiatives.

“The 20th International Summer School for Youth and Heritage has not only celebrated two decades of uniting global youth for peace and heritage but also paved the way for a brighter future in cultural preservation,” said Amra Hadžimuhamedović, Director of the Centre for Cultural Heritage at International Forum Bosnia. “The lessons learned and connections made during this transformative experience will inspire participants to advocate for their cultural heritage and contribute to the resilience of their communities,” she added.

“The ISSYH20 has set a strong foundation for future editions, with plans to expand the curriculum and reach even more young people passionate about heritage,” said Anwar Sabik, Programme Officer (Training and Field Projects) at the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, emphasizing the importance of the programme for empowering youth. “The ISSYH20 is not just about learning; it’s about inspiring the next generation of heritage professionals to take action in their communities. Participants leave with a wealth of knowledge, skills, and connections that will undoubtedly shape their future endeavors in heritage preservation. The program successfully highlights the critical role of youth in safeguarding cultural heritage and fostering peace.”

The ISSYH20 was opened with a ceremony at the Memorial Centre in Sarajevo, with addresses by the Director-General of ICCROM, Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral; Nasser Al Darmaki, Deputy Manager of the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah; Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović, the Secretary General of Europa Nostra; and the acting Mayor of Sarajevo, Predrag Puharić.

The school programme included master classes by: Amra Hadžimuhamedović, Desmond Maurer, Rusmir Mahmutćehajić, and Dervis Hadžimuhamedović from International Forum Bosnia; Boris Trapara of the Institute for the protection of Cultural Heritage of Sarajevo Canton; Nedim Pustahija of the Historical Museum, Sarajevo; Amra Šarančić Logo from Mostar; Sofya Shahab and Safet Hadžimuhamedović of Stirling University’s Centre for the Science of Place and Memory; and Rohit Jigyasu from ICCROM, Aaref Abraham, a leading human rights barrister at the Doughty Street Chambers, and Shadia Touqan, former Director of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage.

Hands-on practical workshops have become regular components of the ISSYH. This year’s workshops were on Heritage Survey Methods led by Anwar Sabik and Ahmad Badr Fatal (ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah); Wood Carving (led by Azer Rudić), and Free Hand Drawing of Heritage (led by Dana AlNafoury). There were four capstone studios on peace formation through small-scale heritage recovery projects, led by Amra Hadzimuhamedovic and Desmond Maurer, Amra Sarancic Logo and Orjana Leenassi, Sofya Sahahab and Jasmin Tabaković, and Rohit Jigyasu and Mustafa Humo.

During the school, participants visited several significant heritage sites in Bosnia-Herzegovina that have faced challenges due to past conflicts. These visits provided a firsthand look at the restoration efforts and the stories behind these cultural treasures. The field visits highlighted the powerful narrative of Mostar’s cultural revival and how restoration work transcends mere reconstruction, serving as a means to rebuild the social fabric of communities. They also attended sessions of the 20th International Conference on Unity and Plurality in Europe, held in Mostar, also organised by the International Forum Bosnia.