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COP31 | ESTONIAN PAVILION9–20 November 2026 | Antalya, Türkiye
Illuminated Estonia sign among greenery

COP31 Estonian Programme

Discover the smart and scalable ideas and solutions at the Estonian Pavilion.

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2 sessions match your filters

All times Antalya local (UTC+03:00) · Programme subject to change

Thursday, 12 November 2026

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Panel Discussion

What Can Historic Buildings Teach Us About a Climate-Resilient Future?

Historic buildings have survived centuries of changing climates, evolving societies and shifting needs. What can we learn from their design, materials, craftsmanship and adaptability as we face the challenges of climate change today? Preserving and adapting our historic buildings is not a question of whether, but how. Beyond their cultural and historical value, these buildings hold valuable lessons in resource efficiency, durability, passive climate adaptation and long-term resilience. This panel explores how traditional knowledge and modern innovation can work together to make historic buildings more energy-efficient and climate-resilient while preserving their unique character. Drawing on European and international research, policies and practical experience, the discussion will examine how heritage can contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation - and what it takes to turn these insights into practical solutions.

  • Ave Paulus, Focal Point, ICOMOS Climate Action Working Group; President, ICOMOS Estonia; Heritage Homes Project Coordinator (Estonia)
  • Riin Alatalu, Leader, ICOMOS EPBD Working Group; Estonian Academy of Arts (Estonia)
  • Lori Ferriss, PAS Heritage Now! (USA)
  • Philipp Hesse, FuturHist Project; General Secretary, ICOMOS ISCES (Denmark/Germany)
  • Gráinne Shaffrey, President, ICOMOS (Ireland)
  • Filippo Calcerano, Resilient Cultural Heritage Programme (Italy)
Carbon & Critical MaterialsCircular Economy & ResourcesClean Energy & EfficiencyCultural Heritage & Resilience
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Wednesday, 18 November 2026

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Panel Discussion

Cultural Heritage in Climate Action - Plans to Accelerate Solutions

Climate science and policy recognize the importance of addressing the socio-cultural enablers of climate action. The session highlights three heritage-centric plans to accelerate climate solutions, where ICOMOS and its Estonian partners are active: Heritage-Informed Building Decarbonization, Heritage Adapts! and Integration of Cultural Heritage in NAPs. Three Coalition-led Cultural Heritage Centric global PAS of the global climate action agenda Axis 5 are concrete measurable ways to highlight the role of cultural heritage in the climate policies and action. Heritage Now! is a campaign to harness the potential of built heritage for a resilient, climate positive and just future. Heritage Adapts! Is a movement of community stewards adapting their heritage sites and cultural practices to climate change. GFCBCA initiative targets cultural heritage-based solutions in National Adaptation Plans.

  • Kati Lindström, ICOMOS Estonia; Vice President, ICOMOS Polar Heritage Committee (Estonia)
  • Meredith Wiggins, World Monuments Fund (USA)
  • Andrew Potts, Europa Nostra - The Role of Cultural Heritage in Global Climate Policies
  • Gráinne Shaffrey, President, ICOMOS (Ireland) - Heritage-Based Decarbonisation of the Built Environment: The Irish Case (Ireland)
  • Ave Paulus, ICOMOS Climate Action Working Group; ICOMOS Estonia (Estonia) - Heritage Adapts! Campaign in Estonia: The Lahemaa National Park Case (Estonia)
  • Antonio Queterres, Spanish Government; GFCBCA (Spain) - Cultural Heritage in Spain’s Climate Agenda
Carbon & Critical MaterialsCultural Heritage & ResilienceDigital & Green Tech
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