ALIPH: a foundation to protect heritage in conflict zones

Created in 2017 and based in Geneva, the ALIPH Foundation (International Alliance for Heritage Protection in Conflict Zones) responds to the destruction of cultural heritage in contexts of war or instability. It finances and coordinates field projects for the protection, rehabilitation and reconstruction of tangible and intangible heritage. ALIPH works in partnership with governments, NGOs, cultural institutions and local experts, adopting an inclusive and sustainable approach. Its work ranges from safeguarding works of art to restoring monuments and training heritage professionals. Its actions are notably deployed in Iraq, Mali and Ukraine.

Valery Frelanda French diplomat, has been Executive Director of the ALIPH Foundation since 2018. He is responsible for implementing its strategy and management. A law graduate and alumnus of Sciences Po (Paris) and the Ecole Nationale d'Administration, he has held several positions in the central administration of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs or abroad: culture and audiovisual advisor at the Permanent Representation of France to the European Union, cooperation and cultural action advisor at the French Embassy in Tunisia, Consul General of France in Boston. He was also diplomatic advisor to the French Minister of Culture and Communication, Frédéric Mitterrand (2009-2010). He is an Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.