International heritage leader and Vice President of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), Arab States Regional Group to headline October 2 celebration in Boston
BOSTON, Mass. — ICOMOS-USA is honored to announce that Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas of Jordan will deliver the keynote address at Shared Heritage, Shared Future, an evening celebrating the power of cultural heritage to connect communities, foster international collaboration and inspire a more resilient future.
The event will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Boston’s historic Liberty Hotel at 6:00 P.M., bringing together heritage professionals, civic leaders, preservation advocates and supporters from across the United States and around the world.
An internationally respected champion for cultural heritage, HRH Princess Dana Firas has dedicated her career to demonstrating how the protection of historic places contributes to sustainable development, responsible tourism, education, economic opportunity and peacebuilding in her role as Vice President of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), Arab States Regional Group, and President of ICOMOS-Jordan
As President of National Heritage Trust – PNT (Petra National Trust), Jordan’s oldest national nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage, HRH Princess Dana Firas has led efforts to preserve Petra, one of the world’s most treasured archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Under HRH Princess Dana Firas’ leadership, the PNT has advanced conservation initiatives that combine preservation with public education, community engagement and responsible tourism. The organization works to ensure that Petra’s extraordinary cultural legacy is protected.
“HRH Princess Dana Firas has become one of the world’s foremost voices for cultural heritage,” said Milford Wayne Donaldson, President of the ICOMOS-USA Board of Trustees. “Through her visionary leadership at the PNT, she has demonstrated that preserving heritage is about far more than protecting remarkable places. It is about strengthening communities, creating opportunities for future generations and recognizing that our shared heritage connects people across cultures and borders. Her work beautifully reflects the spirit of Shared Heritage, Shared Future, and we are deeply honored to welcome her to Boston.”
During the keynote, HRH Princess Dana Firas will share insights from her decades of work protecting Petra and advancing global heritage conservation. Her address will explore the role cultural heritage plays in strengthening communities, fostering international understanding, and ensuring that the world’s most significant places continue to inspire future generations.
“HRH Princess Dana Firas’ leadership reminds us that protecting heritage is a shared responsibility,” said Mr. Donaldson. By working together across disciplines, nations and cultures, we can ensure these irreplaceable places continue to educate, inspire and unite people for generations to come.”
The Shared Heritage, Shared Future celebration will highlight the importance of international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage while recognizing the individuals and organizations whose work is shaping the future of conservation. Guests will enjoy an evening of thought-provoking conversation, networking, and celebration centered on the enduring value of our shared cultural legacy.
Registration is now open, and space is limited. To reserve your place or learn more, visit https://worldheritageusa.org/2026-celebration-of-world-heritage-save-the-date/.