• Dr. Mounir Bouchnaki: Advisor to the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, a UNESCO Category II Centre located in Bahrain.

His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Archaeology and Ancient History of North Africa, conferred by Aix-en-Provence University in 1973.

Bouchenaki’s professional journey commenced in Algeria, where he played pivotal roles as the curator of the archaeological site and museum of Tipasa, and subsequently as the Chief Curator for Museums and Archaeological sites. His impactful contributions encompass extensive archaeological rescue missions, involvement in restoration projects, and the initiation of archaeological excavations.

From 1982 to 2006, Bouchenaki made significant contributions during his tenure at UNESCO. He began as a Project Officer and progressed to the position of Assistant Director-General for Culture. His responsibilities included the oversight of major projects, coordination of international campaigns, and active involvement in global cultural heritage protection efforts. Notable achievements under his leadership include coordinating normative instruments and leading UNESCO’s responses to cultural heritage threats, such as the destruction of the Buddha statues in Bamiyan.

Subsequently, Bouchenaki served as the Director-General of ICCROM in Rome from March 2006 to December 2011. During his leadership, ICCROM experienced membership growth and established valuable partnerships with institutions worldwide. Noteworthy projects initiated under his guidance include the MOSAIKON project in collaboration with the Getty Conservation Institute.

Currently, Bouchenaki holds key roles as a Special Advisor to the Director-General at ICCROM and UNESCO. In 2013, he assumed the inaugural role of Director at the UNESCO Category II Centre in Bahrain for World Cultural and Natural Heritage in the Arab Region.

Bouchenaki’s unwavering commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage is evident in his extensive list of memberships, honorary distinctions, and numerous publications. Recognized with prestigious awards, including “Chevalier”, “Officier”, and “Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres” from the French Ministry of Culture and the “Légion d’Honneur”, he also holds honorary titles such as Honorary Professor at Tongji University and Doctor Honoris Causa of Palermo University.

His global impact is further underscored by his status as an honorary citizen in several World Heritage Cities, including Cartagena de India, Cuenca, Hué, Girokastra, Berat, Kazan, Mostar, and Carpaccio-Paestum.

• Prof. Christer Gustafsson: Full Professor in Conservation at Uppsala University, Sweden

Professor Christer Gustafsson is a Full Professor in Conservation at Uppsala University in Sweden. He holds several notable positions, including serving as an ICOMOS Advisory Committee Officer and the Secretary-General for the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Economics of Conservation. He is also the Vice Chairman of the expert panel for the European Heritage Label, appointed by the European Commission. Additionally, he is a member of the ICOMOS Task Force Bureau, which is an international expert group working on indicators for the United Nations’ Sustainability Goals and incorporating cultural heritage issues into the agenda for 2045.

Prof. Gustafsson’s research focuses on transdisciplinary approaches to addressing challenges and opportunities for cultural heritage as a driver for sustainable growth and heritage-led innovation-driven regional and urban development. He is currently involved in the EU Horizon 2020 projects CLIC and RURITAGE, which respectively explore circular models leveraging investments in cultural heritage adaptive reuse and heritage for rural regeneration. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Halland Model. In addition to his current engagements, Prof. Gustafsson is conducting a study on best practices in sustainable management and safeguarding of cultural heritage in the EU for the European Parliament. He is also a member of various expert panels, including one analyzing the potential future thematic areas and innovation potential for the European Institute for Innovation and Technology, and another focused on a European Agenda for research on cultural heritage and innovation established by the European Commission.

Prof. Gustafsson holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Environmental Sciences from Chalmers University of Technology, with his dissertation titled “The Halland Model: A Trading Zone for Building Conservation Concerted with Labour Market Policy and Construction Industry aiming at Sustainable Development.” He also holds a B.A. in Integrated Building Conservation from Göteborg University and has completed various university courses in disciplines such as Art History, Economics, Economic History, Mathematics, and Philosophy.

Throughout his career, Prof. Gustafsson has held positions such as Director of the Regional Museums of Halland and Heritage Halland from 2005 to 2012, Head of the International Department at the Regional Museums of Halland from 2001 to 2005, and Head of the Building Conservation Team at the Regional Museums of Halland from 1992 to 2001. He has also served as a Municipal Heritage Conservation Officer in Sollentuna Kommun and held various heritage conservation positions at regional museums in Sweden.

Prof. Gustafsson’s contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Polish Culture Minister’s Golden Medal in 1999 and the Region Warminsko-Mazurskie’s Grand Medal in the same year. In 2005, he was honored with the Region Halland Culture Prize.