Full programme for 16th International Conference of National Trusts published

INTO, the International National Trusts Organisation together with co-hosts, the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, has published the full programme for the 16^th International Conference of National Trusts.

The International Conference of National Trusts, taking place from 7^th – 11^th September 2015 at the University of Cambridge and surrounding National Trust properties, will again set the global standard for protecting historic places and green spaces – and opening them up for ever, for everyone.  It is the training, learning and networking opportunity for the international National Trust movement.

‘Common threads; Different patterns’ provides a platform to hear from some of the most influential and experienced professionals working in the conservation of built, natural and cultural heritage today

Keynote speeches will be delivered by eminent environmentalist and commentator, Jonathon Porritt; Professor Ruan Yisan, who has been widely credited with saving the historic centre of Shanghai and the Yangtze water towns; Princess Baiji Lal Sahiba Shivranjani Rajye of the Mehrangarh Museum Trust in Jodhpur; David J. Brown, Executive Vice President and Chief Preservation Officer of the US National Trust for Historic Preservation; Kate Mavor, the new Chief Executive of English Heritage; Timothy J. McClimon, President of the American Express Foundation, a long-term supporter of community heritage preservation projects; author and activist, Xinran; Barbara Erickson, President and CEO of the Trustees of Reservations, the first ever ‘national trust’; Patricia Zurita, CEO of Birdlife International and journalist and author, George Monbiot.

Find out more by clicking the programme cover (left).

Over thirty speakers, panelists and keynotes have been chosen from across the international National Trust network and beyond to address the main plenary sessions.  They will be joined by a myriad of other experts over the activity days to explore the main themes of the conference:

Land, landscape and nature

Owning and managing land and landscapes is one of the facets that sets the National Trust movement apart from other charities and campaigns. We will discuss the responsibilities and opportunities that arise as a consequence of owning and stewarding land and landscape at scale.

Cultural identities

Our second theme explores the cultural relevance of the National Trust movement to people’s sense of identity. In a fast-changing globalising world, our inheritance from the past arguably becomes ever more important as a signpost to the future. But how can we ensure that cultural heritage remains relevant and accessible to modern audiences?

INTO Executive Committee, 2014

Growing the movement

Charities face an ever-challenging set of circumstances in which to survive and prosper. Yet new circumstances also bring new opportunities for growing the support base for the National Trust movement. We would therefore like to explore how the National Trust movement can continue to grow in new and sustainable directions.

Speaking about the programme for the 16th International Conference of National Trusts, Head of the INTO Secretariat, Catherine Leonard, said “Some people might ask ‘What is a National Trust?  And how can principles set out in Victorian England be applied across the world today?’  The model has evolved and been adapted according to particular national circumstances but the basic hallmarks remain the same: National Trusts work with people and communities to protect irreplaceable heritage.”

“As a self-help network, INTO seeks to facilitate the sharing of expertise and learning between our member organisations so that they are not continually reinventing the wheel.  ICNT provides the perfect space for this to happen…”

Catherine speaking to traditional healers at the last ICNT in Uganda 2013

“This year we are also thinking about the future of our movement.  Heritage across the globe is under increasing threat from environmental decay, neglect, conflict and uncontrolled development.    At the same time there is a growing sense that amazing things can happen when we all work together, with new technologies helping make that a reality.  Delegates at the 16^th ICNT will consider how the global National Trust movement can respond to these challenges and opportunities.”

The conference is being supported by American Express, the Helen Hamlyn Trust, Headley Trust and National Trust.  It will be officially opened by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales (video presentation) and Dame Helen Ghosh DCB, Director General of the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

More information, including details of how to register, can be found on the ICNT Website.