Monuments Men and Women Foundation to Support Blue Shield International’s 30th Anniversary Conference

The Monuments Men and Women Foundation is proud to partner with and support Blue Shield International’s 30th anniversary conference, taking place in Athens, Greece, on October 24–25, 2026.

Titled “Blue Shield 30: The Past, Present, and Future of Cultural Property Protection,” the conference will bring together experts, practitioners, and members of the international heritage protection community to examine the evolution of cultural property protection, from its historical foundations to the urgent challenges facing cultural heritage today.

The program will consider the lessons of history, current best practices in the field, and the ways new technologies may help protect cultural heritage in times of armed conflict and crisis. At a moment when cultural sites, collections, archives, libraries, and monuments remain vulnerable around the world, this gathering offers an important opportunity to reflect on what has been learned and what must be strengthened for the future.

This work is deeply connected to the mission of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation. By honoring the legacy of the men and women who helped protect cultural treasures during World War II, the Foundation also seeks to advance a broader understanding of why cultural heritage protection remains essential today. The story of the Monuments Men and Women is not only a chapter of history; it is a continuing call to protect the shared cultural legacy of humanity.

A Call for Papers is now open for individuals interested in presenting academic research or practical work related to cultural property protection in armed conflict. Selected papers may also be considered for a peer-reviewed publication following the conference.

Learn more, register, and view the Call for Papers on the Blue Shield website, at https://theblueshield.org/blue-shield-general-assembly-2026/