ASCE President at the CWGC Conference in Paris

On 1 October 2026, ASCE President Mrs Lidija Pliberšek attended the CWGC International Conference in Paris, France, dedicated to the future of UNESCO World Heritage sites of memory.

About the Conference

On 1 October 2026, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) organised an international conference in Paris, France, titled “Beyond Inscription: The Future of Sites of Memory”, which focused on the future of UNESCO World Heritage sites connected with funerary heritage and the memory of the First World War on the Western Front. The Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), represented by ASCE President Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, was among the participating organisations.

The conference addressed several key themes central to ASCE’s core mission, including the preservation of cemeteries and memorial sites as places of memory and cultural heritage, sustainable landscape management, visitor experience, education, interpretation, and the role of such sites in promoting remembrance, dialogue, and peace.

You can read the full official event announcement and topic outline HERE.

Opportunities for Cooperation

During the event, ASCE President Lidija Pliberšek met with representatives of the CWGC to discuss opportunities for closer cooperation. Both organizations share a strong interest in the long-term preservation, management, and interpretation of cemetery and memorial heritage, as well as in education, sustainability, and the exchange of professional knowledge and best practices.

For ASCE, closer cooperation with the CWGC is particularly valuable due to the Commission’s extensive international experience in the conservation and management of memorial sites. In turn, ASCE contributes to a broad European network of significant cemeteries, cities, and professionals.

Such a connection could strengthen the exchange of expertise, support joint educational and heritage initiatives and create a basis for a more structured form of cooperation in the future.

Event Photos

Group photo, from left to right:

• Barry Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC);
• Lidija Pliberšek, President of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE);
• Charles Garrett, Director of Global Strategy & International Relations, Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC);
• Xavier Puppinck, Area Director – Central and Southern Europe Area, Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

Successful conclusion of the International Conference on Cemetery Studies in Athens

From 18 to 20 April, 2024, the International Conference on Cemetery Studies took place at the Harokopio University in Athens, Greece.

The International Conference on Cemetery Studies, organized by the Harokopio University in collaboration with the University of York, both members of ASCE, reached a successful conclusion.

Taking place at Harokopio University from April 18 to 20, 2024, the conference showcased a diverse range of presentations that explored the latest research on cemeteries spanning from the late 18th century to the present day. Scholars from diverse disciplines presented their insights and findings on history, art, culture, anthropology, geography, social studies, and cemetery tourism.

The conference facilitated lively discussions and fostered new collaborations, contributing significantly to the field of cemetery studies.

You can find the event program HERE.

International Conference in Athens 2024: Program

The Harokopio University presents you the program of the International Conference on Cemetery Studies, taking place from 18 to 20 April 2024 in Athens, Greece.

About the conference

The International Conference on Cemetery Studies, organized by the Harokopio University in collaboration with the University of York, both members of ASCE, will take place from 18 to 20 April 2024 at the Harokopio University in Athens, Greece.

The event will bring together a wide spread of academics, presenting their latest research findings concerning various aspects of cemeteries (end of 18th century onwards), including history, art and culture, anthropology, geography, social studies, and cemetery tourism.

The guest of honor at the event will be the ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek.

Participation at the conference

The conference fee is 30 euros (15 euros for doctoral students). The fee includes a light lunch, refreshments, and a guided tour in the historical cemetery of Athens. 

Conference language: English.

Conference program

You can find the detailed program of the event at this LINK.

International Conference in Athens 2024: Call for paper

The Harokopio University invites you to participate in the International Conference on Cemetery Studies, taking place from 18 to 20 April 2024 in Athens, Greece.

About the conference

From 18 to 20 April 2024, the International Conference on Cemetery Studies will take place at Harokopio University in Athens, organized by Harokopio University in collaboration with the University of York, both members of ASCE.

The event intends to bring together a wide spread of academics, presenting their latest research findings concerning various aspects of cemeteries (end of 18th century onwards), including history, art and culture, anthropology, geography, social studies and cemetery tourism. Postgraduates and doctoral students are especially welcome.

The guest of honor at the event will be the ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek.

The conference fee is 30 euros (15 euros for doctoral students), including light lunch, refreshments and a guided tour in a historical cemetery of Athens. 

IMPORTANT: For all ASCE members who wish to attend the conference (without presentation) there won't be registration fees. The number of places is limited, so please confirm your participation at ioannaparaskevopoulou@yahoo.gr by the end of February.

Conference language: English.

Call for papers

Abstracts of no more than 300 words and a short, 100-word CV (both in word format and in English) should be sent to ioannaparaskevopoulou@yahoo.gr no later than 31 January 2024.

An edited selection of papers from the conference will be published in electronic form (with ISBN).

You can find the entire call for papers HERE.