We are pleased to invite expressions of interest from ISC20C expert members to act as ISC20C lead and contact point for the ICOMOS GA2026 Scientific Symposium session: “Common Threads: Similarities for a Peaceful Future”
The session is initiated by Erkan Kambek, on behalf of the ICOMOS International Wood Committee (IIWC), with ISC20C participating as a collaborating International Scientific Committee.
Role and responsibilities
The selected ISC20C contact point will represent ISC20C in the review and planning of the “Common Threads” session and will:
- Act as the primary liaison between ISC20C and the session’s convening and planning group
- Cooperate with the Common Threads group to plan the session programme
- Contribute to the preparation, dissemination, and review of the Call for Abstracts, in coordination with a smaller interdisciplinary planning group
- Participate in the review of abstracts for presentations
- Report back to ISC20C on a monthly basis on progress and key developments
- Provide short texts and photographs for the ISC20C website and social media documenting the collaboration and outcomes
Erkan Kambek and the IIWC will provide further information and introduce relevant contact points within the organizing group. The ISC20C Presidents and Secretaries General stand ready to support the appointed contact point as needed, including assistance with internal coordination and circulation of calls.
Expression of interest
Members interested in taking on this role are kindly asked to submit a expression of interest outlining relevant expertise and experience /short CV by 2 January, 2026 to secretarygeneralisc20c@gmail.com, cc presidentisc20c@gmail.com
Where possible, priority will be given to expert members who expect to participate in the General Assembly in person.
Common Threads: Similarities for a Peaceful Future (IIWC description of the session concept)
Conceptual Framework – Erkan Kambek, IIWC
This session for the ICOMOS GA2026 Scientific Symposium seeks to explore a profound yet often overlooked phenomenon: the striking similarities in cultural heritage expressions—from architectural forms and construction principles to spatial organization and symbolic motifs—found across disparate cultures and geographies. From the wooden principal columns of Malaysian traditional houses and Georgian “swallow bird” homes to the narratives of spring festivals across continents, these common threads present a rich field for interdisciplinary inquiry.
Moving beyond a mere comparative analysis, this session will delve into the deeper, unifying forces that have guided human creativity to such convergent solutions. We will investigate the instincts for shelter, community, and symbolic expression that point to a fundamental oneness of humanity; the challenges of climate and material that drive innovation; and the universal languages encoded in our tangible and intangible heritage. Why do cultures separated by vast distances arrive at similar answers to fundamental human needs? The answers lie at the intersection of anthropology, environmental science, craftsmanship, and cultural studies.
The core thesis of this session is that the conscious recognition of these common threads in our global heritage offers a powerful antidote to narratives of cultural division. By demonstrating how different societies have independently arrived at similar expressions and solutions, we can reframe heritage from a marker of separation into a testament to the oneness of humanity. This understanding is more than an academic exercise; it is a vital tool for cultural diplomacy.
It has been said that “ICOMOS is not the UN.” Yet perhaps it is something even more essential: where political bodies may struggle to find common ground, ICOMOS possesses the unique ability to gather diverse communities around a single, undeniable global similarity—our cultural heritage. This foundation fosters mutual respect, builds bridges of dialogue, and strengthens the pillars of a more empathetic, collaborative, and peaceful world.
We invite scholars, practitioners, and ICOMOS members to contribute papers and posters addressing these themes. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
- Case studies of specific heritage similarities (architectural elements, construction techniques, ritual practices) across different cultural regions
- Theoretical explorations of anthropological, spiritual, or environmental drivers behind convergent cultural evolution
- The role of digital documentation and comparative analysis in identifying global heritage patterns
- Applications of the “common threads” approach in heritage conservation, cultural diplomacy, and peace-building initiatives
The aim of this session in Kuching is to weave together these strands of knowledge, celebrating the unity inherent in our diverse heritage and contributing to a more collaborative and harmonious future.