On 10th April 2019, Ms Isabelle Chassot, Director of the Federal Office fédéral of Culture of Switzerland signed the Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society, bringing the total number of signatures to 25 (of whom 18 has also ratified it).

This Convention (known as the “Faro Convention”), is based on the idea that knowledge and use of heritage form part of the citizen’s right to participate in cultural life as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The text presents heritage both as a resource for human development, the enhancement of cultural diversity and the promotion of intercultural dialogue, and as part of an economic development model based on the principles of sustainable resource use.

The Faro Convention Action Plan is designed to translate the Faro Convention principles into practice.