UAH extends its congratulations to Irish conservation architect Gráinne Shaffrey who has been elected President of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). This marks a significant achievement for Ireland’s architectural and cultural heritage sector. Her election took place during the organisation’s 22nd General Assembly and Scientific Symposium in Kuching, Malaysia, where a new Executive Board was appointed for the 2026–2029 term.
ICOMOS Ireland warmly welcomed the appointment, recognising Shaffrey’s longstanding commitment to heritage conservation, professional excellence and international collaboration. Having previously served three years on the ICOMOS Executive Board, she brings extensive experience and leadership to the presidency.
A distinguished conservation architect and urban thinker, Shaffrey is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Irish Architects (RIAI), an accredited Grade 1 Conservation Architect, and a leader of an award-winning architectural, conservation and urban design practice. Her work has significantly influenced heritage protection, sustainable regeneration and the future of historic towns, villages and urban centres.
Her appointment comes at a critical time for global cultural heritage, with climate change, natural disasters, armed conflict and declining international cooperation presenting increasingly serious challenges.
In accepting the presidency, Shaffrey emphasised collaborative leadership, consensus-based decision-making and the importance of mobilising ICOMOS’s international membership, particularly during crises. She pledged to strengthen cooperation, encourage collective action and uphold the organisation’s shared ethical principles.
Leading figures from the RIAI, ICOMOS Ireland and Irish Landmark Trust praised her professional achievements, thoughtful leadership and substantial contribution to conservation nationally and internationally.
The General Assembly also showcases Ireland’s wider contribution to heritage conservation. Irish representatives are presenting research on improving energy efficiency in historic buildings and embedding conservation principles within architectural education to address the climate emergency.
Shaffrey’s election represents international recognition of Irish expertise and reinforces Ireland’s influential role in advancing sustainable heritage conservation worldwide.
ICOMOS is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to protecting cultural heritage through scientific expertise, interdisciplinary collaboration and professional advocacy. With more than 12,000 members across over 130 countries and territories, it plays a vital role in safeguarding the world’s cultural inheritance.
Published: 23rd October, 2026