AC Executive Director Tess Davis Shares Insights in New UNESCO Online Training Targeting Cultural Property Crime
March 16, 2026
Heritage professionals, legal experts, and policymakers united to confront one of the most urgent threats to our shared past: the illicit trafficking of cultural property. In March 2026, UNESCO launched a new massive open online course (MOOC), “Preventing Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property.”
Together leading experts from law enforcement, heritage protection, and international policy addressed the growing recognition that antiquities trafficking is not merely a cultural issue—it is a serious transnational crime. Cultural racketeers target the world’s richest archaeological sites, museums, and historic collections for financial gain, cooperating across borders and taking advantage of weak enforcement environments, created by conflict or political instability.
To combat the illicit trade in art and antiquities, UNESCO’s new course explores key elements for law enforcement, the judiciary, and heritage professionals:
- International legal frameworks addressing crimes involving cultural property
- Criminal behavior targeting archaeological sites and museums, particularly in conflict or post-conflict settings where security is fragile
- Practical tools and strategies to safeguard cultural heritage and prevent illicit trafficking
AC Executive Director Tess Davis was honored to contribute to the course, providing expert insights into how criminals exploit cultural heritage for financial gain.
Over the past two decades, awareness of the dangers posed by cultural racketeering has grown significantly. What was once often viewed as a niche issue within the heritage sector is now widely recognized as a matter of international security and economic integrity.
Governments, international organizations, museums, and civil society groups have responded with new initiatives, stronger laws, and expanded partnerships. These efforts include improved border enforcement, enhanced due diligence standards in the art market, and greater coordination among law enforcement agencies.
Yet the fight against illicit trafficking remains an ongoing challenge. Criminal networks continue to adapt, and many heritage-rich regions still lack the tools needed to effectively monitor sites, investigate crimes, and prosecute traffickers.
Capacity-building initiatives such as this are essential for strengthening expertise across institutions and borders, effectively transforming awareness into action. The Antiquities Coalition commends UNESCO for developing this important program and advancing international cooperation to protect cultural heritage.
Learn more about the course and enroll through UNESCO’s Open Learning Platform:
https://openlearning.unesco.org/courses/course-v1:UNESCO+CLT_001+2025_T1_ENG/about