On 6-7 July 2026, the ICOM Secretariat in Paris hosted the Second Expert Meeting of the ICOM International Observatory on Illicit Traffic in Cultural Goods. Organised within the framework of the EU-funded PRISM project, the meeting brought together members of the ICOM network and international experts to continue shaping the future Observatory.
ICOM OBSERVATORY, AN OPERATIONAL PLATFORM SERVING THE FIGHT AGAINST ILLICIT TRAFFICKING OF CULTURAL GOODS
The ICOM International Observatory on Illicit Traffic in Cultural Goods (“Observatory”) is being redeveloped as an operational platform dedicated to preventing and combating the illicit trafficking of cultural goods. Designed for cultural professionals, researchers, law enforcement authorities and the general public, it will provide practical guidance, thematic resources and up-to-date information to support both prevention and response.
Since 2025, the Observatory is undergoing a transformation encompassing its technical infrastructure, content and design in the framework of the EU-funded PRISM project. It will include indeed new editorial content alongside its updated interconnected databases. Together, it aims to facilitate access to knowledge, encourage the exchange of expertise and strengthen international cooperation in the fight.
EXPERT MEETINGS OF THE OBERVATORY: A UNIQUE COLLABORATIVE APPROACH
To accompany this major refinement, the PRISM project is organising three Expert Meetings since 2025, leading up to the launch of the new Observatory website in 2027. Bringing together specialists from museums, international organisations, academia, law enforcement and the wider heritage sector, the meetings create a unique multisectoral space where different perspectives can be confronted and combined.
The Second Expert Meeting built directly upon the outcomes of the First Expert Meeting held in December 2025. During that initial phase, participants collectively defined the Observatory’s vision and validated its new structure to meet the needs of its future users. During the July meeting, experts worked directly on the future platform by reviewing draft content and identifying other improvements. This iterative process ensures that each stage of the Observatory’s development benefits from international expertise and is not simply a repository of information, but a practical and operational tool developed collectively by and for its future users.
“Bringing together experts from different regions and professional backgrounds ensures that it reflects real needs and international best practices.” – Mélina MacDonald, PRISM Project Coordinator at ICOM Secretariat.
KEY OUTCOMES
The Expert Meeting resulted in progress across several components of the Observatory. In particular, the experts provided detailed recommendations to strengthen the editorial content of the Best practices and the new Take Action pages, improve navigation and refine the content of the future databases Portal. Discussions also helped identify additional resources and practical tools that will enhance the platform’s content.
PRISM – Second Expert Meeting of its International Observatory in Paris by ICOM Communications – photos © icom
During the meeting, participants were also presented with the Observatory’s new visual identity and logo, reflecting the renewed ambition of the platform as it enters the next phase of its development.
Beyond these tangible achievements, the meeting reinforced cooperation across the international ICOM network and confirmed the value of an expert-driven development process. By building on the work initiated in December 2025 and maintaining continuous dialogue with specialists from diverse backgrounds, ICOM is developing an Observatory that is firmly rooted in professional expertise, international cooperation and the evolving needs in the fight against illicit trafficking.
LIST OF EXPERTS IN ATTENDANCE AT THIS SECOND MEETING:
- Fabienne BARAGA, Head of the Specialised Unit for the International Transfer of Cultural Property and Looted Art, Federal Office of Culture, Switzerland
- Elisabeth BARGUE, ICOM Greece
- Camille BLANCHER, Analyst and Provenance researcher, Central Office for Combating Trafficking in Cultural Property (OCBC), France
- Yann BRUN, Deputy Head of the MISSA Security Division, Ministry of Culture, France
- Amalia CASTELLI GONZALEZ, ICOM Peru
- Claire CHASTANIER, Deputy Assistant Director of Collections, Directorate-General for Heritage, Museums of France Department, French Ministry of Culture and Communication, France
- Sam HARDY, Investigator, Alliance to Counter Crime Online
- Ernest KPAN, Chair, ICOM Ivory Coast
- María Auxiliadora LLAMAS MARQUEZ, Chair, ICOM Spain
- Linda LUNDBERG, ICOM Sweden
- Louise MALECOT, Associate Programme Specialist, Movable Heritage and Museums Unit, UNESCO
- Maria José MIÑANA, Program Specialist, Movable Heritage and Museums Unit, UNESCO
- Margareta MUSILOVA, Chair, ICOM Slovakia
- Thomas SAGORY, Head of Digital Development at the National Archaeology Museum, France
- Zsolt SARI, ICOM Hungary
- Marina SCHNEIDER, Principal Legal Officer and Treaty Depositary, UNIDROIT
- Elke SELTER
- Mihaela SIMION, Deputy Director of the National History Museum of Romania
For more information
The third expert meeting of the Observatory will take place in the first half of 2027. Further updates on the Observatory’s refinement will be shared throughout the coming months. Stay connected and follow the Observatory Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more.
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