Day 5
To mobilize the means required to implement the 2030 Agenda through a revitalized Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable and with the participation of all countries, all stakeholders and all people.
Key quetions
How can the value of partnerships be recognized more fully? How can the contributions of a wide range of stakeholders be better communicated, to governments, the UN processes, to local communities and other stakeholders?
What innovative and high-impact partnerships can collections-based organizations establish within the heritage sector and beyond to advance sustainable development?
The value in foresight when activating heritage collections
This presentation focuses on how futures thinking, such as through Futures Literacy and Foresight, can benefit the heritage sector when activating heritage collections for sustainable development. It looks specifically on how insights from Foresight can help us identify new approaches to manage heritage collections today, and the value in cross-sectoral partnerships and participatory Foresight processes. The presentation approaches heritage as a future-making practice and process, which means that managing collections can contribute to create specific futures – sometimes at the expense of others. It will build upon a set of key insights to help us think differently about the value in heritage collections for the future, by providing some useful examples.
Senior Lecturer, Linnaeus University, UNESCO Chair on Heritage Futures, Sweden
Gustav is an archaeologist with a focus on critical heritage studies. He defended his dissertation in 2018 at Kiel University on difficult heritage. Thereafter, he worked at the Nordic Centre of Heritage Learning and Creativity (NCK) in Östersund, Sweden, where he explored questions concerning learning, digital tools and foresight in the heritage sector. He has been working with ICCROM to assist in its initiative on Strategic Foresight. Gustav is currently working as a senior lecturer at Linnaeus University, and he is connected to the UNESCO Chair on Heritage Futures.
12:20 – 12:50 (CEST)
Turning the rhetoric into reality: Four essential investments to make collaboration the ‘new normal’
The presentation explores the transformative potential of collaboration across societal sectors, stressing that effective partnering is essential for innovation, creativity, and expanding audiences. While highlighting the significant benefits of resource sharing and joint action, it candidly addresses the challenges: navigating differing interests, values, and systems among partners often leads to frustration and underwhelming results. Drawing on comprehensive research conducted in 2024 in partnership with the United Nations—which involved input from hundreds of participants around the globe—the address identifies the critical need to systematically accelerate and professionalize the practice of partnering if it is to succeed at scale.
The presentation outlines four key levels of investment required for this transformation. First, individuals must develop professional partnering skills, ideally through formal training and mentored development to foster reflective practice. Second, organisations must become institutionally “fit for partnering” by rigorously assessing and adapting their structures and processes. Third, robust mechanisms for collaboration are necessary, enabling stakeholders to convene, exchange ideas, and co-create solutions. Finally, establishing partnerships according to good practice standards—focusing on fundamentals, relationships, structure, management, and leadership—is crucial, sometimes necessitating investment in neutral facilitators. Collectively, these investments can make collaboration the norm and maximize its societal value
Executive Director, The Partnering Initiative, UK
Darian Stibbe is an internationally-recognised pioneer of the theory and practice of multi-sector partnerships (MSPs) and an eco-system builder: influencing and supporting transformational collaboration around the world. Previously a theoretical quantum physicist and NASA scientist, Dr Stibbe has spent the last 25 years working with the United Nations, international NGOs, foundations, multi-national companies and governments to drive effective collaboration and impact at scale.
Bridging Institutions: A Three-Year Collaboration Between the National Library of Greece and the Hellenic Ministry of Culture
A pioneering partnership has been launched between two Directorates of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and the National Library of Greece, establishing a National Node for ICCROM’s global initiative “Our Collections Matter.” Anchored in shared values and complementary missions, this three-year collaboration seeks to advance awareness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing cultural accessibility and fostering knowledge exchange across the heritage sector.
The programme’s objectives include assessing the current level of SDG literacy within cultural institutions, designing innovative public programmes for museums and libraries throughout Greece, and evaluating the impact of these initiatives over time. Although still in its early stages, the collaboration has already illuminated both promising synergies and inherent complexities.
This presentation will outline the foundational steps taken, the strategic vision shaping the partnership, and the anticipated challenges that may influence its trajectory. By sharing our experience, we aim to contribute to the broader discourse on institutional collaboration and inspire dialogue on sustainable models of cooperation within the public sector.
Book and Paper Conservator, National Library of Greece, Greece
Zoitsa (Zoe) Gkinni is a senior book and paper conservator at the National Library of Greece, specializing in rare collections, exhibitions, and preventive conservation. Formerly Head of the Paper Conservation Lab at the Directorate for Conservation / Hellenic Ministry of Culture, a researcher and an instructor at the University of West Attica, Zoe holds an MA from Camberwell College of Arts and a PhD from the University of the Aegean. She is a Fellow of the IIC, she publishes widely and serves in prominent roles with IIC and ICOM Greece, contributing to international heritage initiatives. She is a National Library’s Focal Point for ICCROM’s Our Collections Matter programme.
Conservator of Cultural Heritage-Museologist, Hellenic Ministry of Culture - Directorate of Conservation of Ancient and Modern Monuments, Greece
Maria Krini is a Conservator of Cultural Heritage (MSc) and Museologist (MSc). She has been working for over 20 years for the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, at the Directorate of Conservation of Ancient and Modern Monuments. She has actively participated in the design and implementation of the museum accreditation scheme in Greece in the topics of preventive conservation and museum storage management. She has also contributed in designing and delivery of educational programs for museum professionals. Her research interests are preventive conservation and conservation history, theory and ethics. She is one of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture Focal Points for ICCROM’s Our Collections Matter programme.
Archaeologist, Hellenic Ministry of Culture - Directorate of Archaeological Museums, Exhibitions and Educational Programmes, Greece
Athina Papadaki is an Archaeologist. She has been working for over 20 years for the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, currently at the Directorate of Archaeological Museums, Exhibitions and Educational Programmes – Department of Educational Programmes and Communication, where she designs educational kits, material and programmes for museum professionals and school educators. Her research interests are museum pedagogy, cultural management. She is one of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture Focal Points for ICCROM’s Our Collections Matter programme.
How partnerships with archives are shaping our sector support for archives across England
As well as being the official archive for the UK Government, The National Archives, UK, is also sector lead for archives of all types and sizes across England. As archive sector lead, funded by the UK Government, we provide free tailored advice, advocacy, resources, training and events to support archives across England in making their collections (digital and analogue) as inclusive and accessible as possible to their communities and audiences, whilst also preserving them for the benefit of future generations. Partnerships with individual archives, sector-based consultants, groups and networks, and other leadership and funding bodies in the heritage sector, are a crucial component of our approach to our leadership role, creating greater impact and progress than would be possible through working alone. This presentation will focus on how relationship-building and consultation with the archive sector, continually shapes our leadership offer, in this case in relation to the sustainable development of archives across England.
Sector Development Manager - London and Science & Technology archives, The National Archives, UK
Dr Helen Wilson ACR is ‘Sector Development Manager – London and Science & Technology archives’ in The National Archives’ (UK) Archive Sector Leadership Department. Prior to starting this role in 2023, Helen worked over 10 years as a UK Institute of Conservation (ICON)-accredited heritage scientist/preventive conservator and Sustainability Lead in The National Archives’ Collection Care Department. As steering group member of ICON’s Sustainability Group and co-Chair of ICON’s Heritage Science Group, Helen led a project evidencing a sector need to develop sustainability frameworks for heritage science labs and conservation studios. In her current role, Helen is leading the UK roll-out of the recently developed Carbon Literacy Training for Archives, Records and Special Collections and the development of a suite of online guidance focused on environmental sustainability in archives (available by 2026).
Beyond Preservation: Partnering for Heritage, Nature, and Sustainable Development
This presentation explores the transformative role of intersectoral partnerships in unlocking the full potential of collections and heritage for sustainable development. Drawing from the experience of the UNDP Latin America and Caribbean Environment and Energy team, it highlights how collections – understood as living assets – can serve as catalysts for community empowerment, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Through the example of the PROAmazonía initiative in Ecuador, the presentation illustrates how partnerships with Indigenous communities, governments, financial institutions, and the private sector can align nature conservation with sustainable livelihoods. It also emphasizes the importance of legal frameworks like the Escazú Agreement in protecting Indigenous heritage and environmental rights. The session concludes with a call to action for collections-based organizations to engage with development actors and position heritage as a driver of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable futures.
Programme Specialist, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - Latin America and Caribbean Environment and Energy Team
Costanza Landini is a sustainable development specialist at UNDP’s Regional Centre in Panama, focusing on environment, energy, and program coordination across Latin America and the Caribbean. She previously led strategic policy, innovation, and partnerships at UNDP Mauritania, with experience in climate finance, renewable energy, and resilience. Costanza has held roles at the UN in Colombia, Asia-Pacific, and the OECD, and holds dual master’s degrees in public policy from Sciences Po Paris and the Hertie School, plus a BA in international economics from Bocconi University.
The role of philanthropy in fostering heritage partnerships for sustainable development: the case of Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo in Northwest Italy
Culture Goal Manager, Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, Italy
Matteo Bagnasco is currently the manager of Culture department at Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation, where he has worked since 2010. In the past he has worked for the Municipality of Turin (Department Culture), for the University of Turin (Social Sciences) and has lectured on cultural policies and planning in various academic courses and masters. From 2020 to 2022 he was chair of the Art and Culture network of the Philanthropy Europe Association (PHILEA). Since July 2022 he has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Polo del 900 Foundation and since July 2023 of Centro Conservazione e Restauro in Venaria.
MANOS A LA OBRA: Community Collective Action for Sustainable Preservation
For the past 35 years, APOYOnline – Association for Heritage Preservation of the Americas has been actively involved in the collaborative construction of resources that support people and the development of their work dedicated to heritage preservation in the Americas and in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries. APOYOnline has been building bridges of connection to strengthen and empower professionals and communities and, consequently, increasing inclusion and access while reducing social inequalities, in a true process of social transformation in the region. With its program MANOS A LA OBRA, APOYOnline highlights the work developed within the scope of accessibility of resources and connections for people involved in cultural heritage, mobilizing regional and global networks. This initiative emphasizes concrete action and collective responsibility, encouraging communities to actively engage in preservation while fostering collaboration and solidarity across borders. Supported by regional partnerships and the dedicated work of hundreds of volunteers, APOYOnline continues to connect, empower, and transform communities and professionals in cultural heritage.
Association for Heritage Preservation of the Americas (APOYOnline)
The MANOS A LA OBRA project was developed by an international team of APOYOnline volunteers. Coming from diverse countries and professional backgrounds, they contribute collaboratively with their knowledge and experience to support cultural heritage preservation across the Americas and Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries. Breaking barriers and promoting sustainable preservation, the volunteers strengthen community-based initiatives and generate concrete impact on heritage preservation through partnerships. Their commitment advances APOYOnline’s mission of promoting communication, professional exchange, and inclusive access to information, while fostering opportunities for students and emerging professionals worldwide. Today, more than 6,000 members from diverse areas of cultural heritage in the Americas, Portugal, and Spain are connected through the APOYOnline network.
12:50-13:05 (CEST)
13:15 – 14:00 (CEST)
Secretary General, Network of European Museum Organisations (NEMO)
Digital Experience Manager, Parliamentary Service, New Zealand
Chief, Unit for Documentary Heritage, UNESCO
Dr. Banda is Chief of Unit for Documentary Heritage (Memory of the World Programme) at UNESCO. He is the winner of the 2008 Media Institute for Southern Africa Press Freedom Award and was the UNESCO Chair of Media and Democracy in the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, South Africa. A scholar of African political thought and media, he has taught and published in the areas of postcolonial theory and media, technology and development, civic education, community media, China in the African media landscape, media policy, etc.
Scientific representative, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Germany
Trained as a chemist and materials scientist. She has been working and managing cultural heritage research for over 20 years, focusing on the impact of climate change on cultural heritage, environmental monitoring of cultural assets, and promoting the green transition by implementing the concept of sustainability for green museums and cultural heritage buildings and collections. She has chaired the EU OMC (Open Method of Coordination) Expert Group of European Member States “Strengthening Cultural Heritage Resilience for Climate Change”.
Senior Policy Advisor, Joint SDG Fund
Marta provides high-level strategic advice across all areas of work of the Fund, including interagency matters, programme management and partnerships as well as investment strategies across priority thematic areas. Marta has over two decades of experience working with international organizations and think tanks. Since joining the United Nations in 2003 as a Political Affairs Officer, she has held assignments with a range of UN offices and agencies both at headquarters and in the field, including with UNICEF in Nepal advising the Government on Social Protection; with the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in Japan, managing a capacity-building programme for anti-corruption in West and North Africa; and with the Development Coordination Office (DCO) in New York as acting Chief of Policy and Innovation. Marta holds a master’s degree in international history and politics from the Graduate Institute for International Studies in Geneva.
14:10-15:15 (CEST)
15:15-15:30 (CEST)
Collections 2030 and Beyond supports the Sustainable Development Goals