The International Committee of the Blue Shield (ICBS)

Comité International du Bouclier Bleu (CIBB)

Announcement

Working Conference
27-28 September 2006
The Hague, Netherlands

"Towards a Solid Organization: Infrastructure and Awareness" The challenge of an effective cooperation

As National Blue Shield committees, we are all deeply aware of the need to lessen and help prevent the destruction of cultural heritage in cases of natural disaster or human conflict. After the recent destruction of heritage in Iraq, Afghanistan and in countries afflicted by the Tsunami, we know that there is a lot to be done - and that international solidarity is essential.

In 2006, the 10th year of Blue Shield's existence, 11 national Blue Shield committees have been founded, while 16 more will be established in the foreseeable future. With the extended agreement of the International Committee of Blue Shield (ICBS), Blue Shield the Netherlands is organising a conference for representatives of national Blue Shield committees and related organizations, with the intention of proceeding on the path paved by the Piccadilly and Torino declarations.

The conference has several objectives.

First we would like to strengthen the network between the national Blue Shield Committees on the one hand and between Blue Shield and other cultural emergency assistance organizations on the other.

Second, we want to improve Blue Shield's international visibility with institutions and authorities that are responsible for cultural heritage.

Third, we aim to stimulate joint operations and the efficient coordination of national initiatives.

We therefore would like to invite you to take this opportunity to exchange views and experiences and to devise strategies for meeting requests for help with adequate responses. Finally, we would like to discuss the ways in which Blue Shield can benefit from the municipality of The Hague's offer of practical assistance.

The Prince Claus Fund, also celebrating its 10th anniversary, is organizing a conference on Cultural Emergency Relief on the 25th and 26th of September in The Hague. Since the date and content have been carefully coordinated with our own programme, we hope to see you at both conferences.

Interested in attending this Blue Shield conference?

Please contact Blue Shield the Netherlands:
Mrs. Marie Christine van der Sman
Tel: +31 70 3250660
mc.sman@xs4all.nl
Mrs. Marjan Otter
Tel: +31 20 4632342
marjan.otter@xs4all.nl or
conference@blueshield.nl and http://www.blueshield.nl