Oleksandr Kharlan Elected President of the Ukrainian National Committee of ICOMOS
On December 9, 2024, a significant event for the preservation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage took place — Oleksandr Kharlan, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at the Scientific and Educational Institute “Dnipro State Academy of Construction and Architecture” of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, was elected President of the Ukrainian National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) during the report-election meeting in Kyiv.
ICOMOS is one of the key international organizations that has been working on the preservation of cultural heritage in over 100 countries since 1965. Its activities include monitoring the condition of monuments, developing recommendations for their restoration, and preparing reports for UNESCO regarding World Heritage sites.
Oleksandr Kharlan is well-known as a Dnipro-based architectural historian, writer, and active advocate for the preservation of historical monuments. His work spans a wide range of projects, including initiatives for restoring historical buildings. One such project is the restoration of the Cross-Exaltation Church (or the Second Military Church of Katerynoslav), built in 1912 on the grounds of the academy. This church, which is a unique example of historical architecture, is over 112 years old and is adorned with authentic frescoes, a true treasure of the national heritage. However, the church was permanently closed and repurposed in 1953, and its frescoes have deteriorated, requiring significant efforts from restorers.
Kharlan’s election as head of the Ukrainian ICOMOS Committee opens new opportunities for Ukraine in international cooperation and the promotion of national heritage on the world stage. In his brief speech, he emphasized the importance of synergy between science, education, and practical actions for the preservation of monuments: “Thank you! We are working…”
The mission of ICOMOS in the context of Ukraine is of particular importance during wartime, when the protection of cultural heritage becomes critically important to preserve the historical legacy for future generations.
We wish Oleksandr Kharlan new achievements and inspiration in this important mission! May his work contribute to the development of Ukrainian cultural heritage and the recognition of its significance worldwide.