INTO Symposium 2025

We were delighted to host our first INTO Symposium: Uniting Global Voices for Heritage and Nature in partnership with the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, on Friday 4 July 2025.

This landmark event brought together INTO members, conservation leaders and youth advocates from across the globe to celebrate and explore innovative, community-led approaches to cultural and environmental conservation. With over 100 member organisations spanning more than 70 countries and territories, INTO works to foster partnership and knowledge exchange across the National Trust movement.

We heard about the critical role of international collaboration in protecting our built and natural heritage in today’s climate (environmental, social, economic and political) and how the work of INTO member organisations offers hope by connecting people to place, identity and resilience in the face of global change.

We enjoyed keynote addresses from HRH Princess Dana Firas and Dr Patricia Kell, two global champions of the National Trust movement.

Daniel Cervenka spoke about his work with storytelling, media and cross-sectoral collaboration and how that can drive global action for heritage and nature.

Our final speaker Ian Redmond OBE “joined the dots” with closing remarks highlighting the importance of joined-up thinking when our lives, habitats and ecosystems are so deeply interconnected and interdependent.

10:25 – 11:00

Moderator: HRH Princess Dana Firas

This panel connects heritage leaders from around the world to explore how international collaboration strengthens cultural preservation and community resilience.

• Omar Eaton-Martínez will discuss inclusive storytelling through the RISE programme in the United States
• John Orna-Ornstein will share insights from the National Trust’s involvement in the Withstanding Change climate adaptation project and Heritage Leaders programme
• Kofo Adeleke will reflect on Legacy Nigeria’s 30-year journey and cross-border projects like Revive and Thrive
• Jim Foy will highlight INTO’s London partnerships, focusing on modernist buildings, urban heritage and community engagement

Together, they’ll explore how shared learning and global partnerships are shaping the future of heritage.

11:45 – 12:20

Moderator: Sangeeta Laudus

This panel highlights how cultural heritage and local leadership are driving innovative responses to environmental challenges.

• Catherine Childs will share how the National Trust for the Cayman Islands is engaging youth and protecting biodiversity, like the blue iguana, while contributing to global climate conversations like COP
• Martin Galea will discuss Din l-Art Ħelwa’s role in establishing Malta’s first natural national park and the importance of civic leadership in conservation
• Kanitha Kasina-Ubol will explore how traditional knowledge is shaping climate resilience through the work of SEACHA
• Emily Drani will talk about championing ancestral heritage – both built and natural – and taking a cultural values approach to conservation

12:20 – 12:45

Moderator: Fauzy Ismail, President, Singapore Heritage Society

This panel brings together emerging voices from across the globe to share how young leaders are shaping the future of heritage and climate action.

• Martina Peters will share perspectives on youth engagement in island heritage and conservation
• Julian Menko will offer insights exploring the intersection of innovation, heritage and sustainability
• Freda Hynes will discuss her work with A:Dress tackling the environmental impact of fast fashion and promoting sustainable alternatives

The panel will highlight the energy, ideas and urgency that the next generation brings to global heritage and environmental challenges.