Blue Shield International, together with our partners, the Hellenic National Committee of the Blue Shield and the Monument’s Men and Women Foundation, are delighted to welcome our National Committees, National Committees in formation, and invited partners to our 2026 Conference, General Assembly and Training Course in Athens, Greece, as we come together to celebrate 30th Anniversary of the Blue Shield, founded 6 June 1996.
Since our establishment in 1996 we have gone from strength to strength. On this important anniversary, it’s a good opportunity for us to come together as a heritage protection community and reflect. Where have we come from? Where are we going, and how can we better protect heritage in crisis for the next 30 years (and beyond!)
The event will consist of:
- 23 October – The Blue Shield General Assembly and site visit (Blue Shield Members and invited guests only)
- 24-25 October – Conference on Cultural Property Protection (Public)
- 26 October – Training Day (Blue Shield Members and invited guests only)
We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Blue Shield 30 - The Past, Present, and Future of Cultural Property Protection
Dates
Friday 23 – Monday 26 October 2026
Location
Athens, Greece.
The General Assembly will be available in hybrid format with livestreaming and virtual participation.
Live-streaming for the Conference is being confirmed.
It is not possible to join the site visit or the training virtually.
Cost
We are not charging for this event. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided as part of the event.
Language
English.
We are currently exploring translation options.
Who is invited:
- The General Assembly and training are intended for Blue Shield National Committees, National Committees Under Construction, the Founding Four representatives on the international board, and invited guests, including those looking at creating national committees. We welcome representatives from all the national committees (not just Presidents/Chairs). If you have not received an invitation and believe you should have, please use the contact form to let us know.
- The Conference is public and we welcome all those interested in cultural heritage protection.
How do I register?
Registration will open shortly.
Registration closes on [TBC].
There is no cost for the events.
Download the programme: To Be Confirmed
Friday 23 October
VENUE: Acropolis Museum (south slope of the Acropolis, Dionysiou Areopagitou 15 Athens)
WHO: Members and invited guests only
AM Blue Shield General Assembly.
Hybrid. Link to be announced.
PM Guided tour – New Acropolis Museum and Acropolis
Evening event: Welcome Reception at the Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum, at the foot of the Acropolis
Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 October – Blue Shield 30 – the Past, Present and Future of Cultural Heritage Protection
In partnership with the Monuments Men and Women Foundation
VENUE: University of Nicosia (UNIC) Campus, Ellinikon development, Athens
WHO: General public – all welcome
Programme: TBC
Streaming: TBC
Evening Events: TBC
Monday 26 October
VENUE: War Museum Athens (Rizari 2-4, Athens)
WHO: Members and invited guests only
AM/PM: Blue Shield Training
Evening events: Reception at the Association of Friends of Museums, Hypatia Building, Patision Avenue (Epirou 2)
FINISH
Main Conference Venue (24/25 October)
The main event will take place at University of Nicosia (UNIC) Campus, Ellinikon development, Athens.
Venue website: UNIC ATHENS – https://www.unic.ac.cy/athens/athens-campus/
See more about: The Ellinikon
Venue address: No. 17, 29th Street
Elliniko 167 77
Athens, Greece
[ MAP TO FOLLOW ]
Travel details:
[ TO FOLLOW ]
Accessibility
Blue Shield International are committed to supporting accessible events. When you complete your registration form, please let us know how we can assist you.
Additional Venue Information
[ TO FOLLOW ]
Blue Shield International and the Hellenic Committee of the Blue Shield are working with a travel agency. Information will be available shortly.
The Blue Shield General Assembly 2026 will be held on Friday 23 October estimated 09.00 – 12.00 (Eastern European Time (EET).
The Agenda will include:
- Approval of the Annual Report and financial information
- Updates from the Working Groups (Countering Trafficking, Underwater Conflict Heritage)
- Matters arising from the Fulfilling Potential Governance Review
- Voting for positions on the Blue Shield Board (Elected Members representing National Committees and President).
Blue Shield members are welcome to submit items for the agenda by contacting the Blue Shield Secretariat.
Papers will be circulated one month before.
Names and details of those standing for election will be circulated two weeks before.
It is our intention to stream the General Assembly to our members who cannot intend in person. Voting will be conducted electronically for all members using Election Runner (as normal), and will open at least 24 hours early for votes to be submitted (given time differences). Further information will be released neared the time.
Visas: If you need an invitation in order to receive a visa, please indicate this when you register, and you will contacted in order to send an invitation letter. For more information on visas, see: https://www.mfa.gr/en/services/visas-for-foreigners-traveling-to-greece/
Travel from airport to Athens
- To follow
Greek currency – Euro
Money may be changed from any exchange office or bank, or you may use your credit card for payment.
