The AXA Foundation for Human Progress Becomes Lead Partner of the World Monuments Watch
The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has protected over 700 sites across 112 countries, working with communities, authorities, and funders to safeguard heritage threatened by climate change, disasters, tourism, and urbanization. As Lead Partner, the AXA Foundation for Human Progress supports the World Monuments Watch, a biannual program that highlights 25 at-risk cultural sites worldwide. The program focuses on urgent threats and the potential for meaningful, long-term preservation impact for local communities.
Through this multi-year partnership, the AXA Foundation for Human Progress provides seed funding for selected Watch sites and helps mobilize global attention and resources toward places where culture, social cohesion, and community well-being converge.
Supporting Three Emblematic Sites on the 2025 Watch
In 2026, our support will play a catalytic role at three emblematic sites selected by the World Monuments Watch 2025:
Chapel of the Sorbonne, France
Located at the heart of Paris, the Chapel of the Sorbonne is one of the most iconic works of French classical architecture. Closed to the public for more than 25 years, it is now undergoing major structural and artistic conservation work to stabilize weakened elements and safeguard its exceptional heritage. Together with WMF, the City of Paris, and the Chancellerie des Universités de Paris, we are helping to drive a large-scale restoration effort that will ultimately reopen the chapel as a living cultural and academic space for students, Parisians, and visitors from around the world.
Noto Peninsula Heritage Sites, Japan
The 2024 earthquake in Japan’s Noto Peninsula caused extensive damage to historic districts and religious sites, including Ipponsugi Street in Nanao City and the Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine in Kuroshima. Building on work initiated by WMF in 2025, our partnership will help reinforce damaged heritage sites, support community-led recovery, and promote long-term revitalization anchored in cultural continuity. By investing in these sites, we aim to help local communities rebuild their built environment and their social and cultural fabric.
Antakya Earthquake Heritage Sites, Türkiye
In Antakya (ancient Antioch), the 2023 Türkiye–Syria earthquake devastated historic neighborhoods and landmarks, including the complete collapse of the Greek Orthodox Church and severe damage to the Synagogue. Since 2023, the WMF and local partners have documented losses, cleared debris, and carried out urgent stabilization efforts. Together, we are now supporting the next phase: comprehensive reconstruction and repair planning using seismically resilient approaches, alongside expanded community engagement to ensure that the recovery process is rooted in local needs and memory.
Act for Human Progress by Protecting What Matters
We aim to generate concrete impact for communities living in fragile environments and facing growing uncertainty by combining WMF’s heritage expertise with our focus on risk reduction and resilience.
The AXA Foundation for Human Progress shares our belief that cultural heritage and community resilience are deeply interconnected. Their commitment to reducing risk and strengthening societies aligns closely with the purpose of the World Monuments Watch, which brings global attention and resources to sites where culture and community well-being converge. This partnership will allow the WMF to respond even more effectively to the challenges facing heritage sites around the world.
Bénédicte de Montlaur President and CEO of World Monuments Fund
Supporting the restoration of culturally significant sites helps communities confront risks, reduce vulnerabilities, and build resilience. Through this collaboration, we strive to foster safer, stronger, and more connected societies, today and for future generations.
Jan 2026