Siem Reap, March 13, 2024 – The illustrious city of Siem Reap is poised to serve as the venue for the upcoming sessions of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Sites of Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk (ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk), marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Cambodia's Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, will helm the proceedings, highlighting the pivotal role of international collaboration in heritage conservation endeavors.

Commencing on March 14, 2024, the 38th Technical Session is geared towards convening a diverse array of global experts specializing in restoration and conservation. Taninai Ichitomo, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, and Pierre Vincent, Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of France in Cambodia, will co-chair the session. This platform aims to facilitate an in-depth assessment of ongoing restoration endeavors, foster knowledge exchange, and formulate advanced technical recommendations to ensure the enduring preservation of the ancient temples nestled within these historic sites.

The subsequent day, March 15, heralds the commencement of the 30th Plenary Session, a pivotal gathering led by Jacques Pellet, the Ambassador of France, and Atsushi Ueno, the Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia. A key focal point of this session will be the deliberation on the Joint Intergovernmental Declaration crafted at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on November 15, 2023, with a specific emphasis on charting the course for the future safeguarding and development of Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk.

Delegates will delve into novel initiatives encompassing conservation endeavors, developmental projects, research undertakings, archaeological endeavors, educational initiatives, and sustainable development practices within the vicinities surrounding the Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk sites. These deliberations hold paramount importance in delineating the trajectory of future preservation strategies, ensuring the enduring protection of these ancient marvels for posterity.

The convening of these sessions in Siem Reap serves as a testament to the unwavering global commitment towards safeguarding cultural heritage and underscores the collaborative synergy between nations and international experts in this domain. The outcomes of these deliberations are eagerly anticipated, as they hold the promise of shaping the future conservation and development paradigms for two of Cambodia’s most revered historical sites.