Regenstauf, Bavaria, Germany
Matthias Ripp brings a refreshingly original perspective to contemporary heritage governance — marked by extraordinary intellectual flexibility, a striking drive for innovation, and a principled refusal of the conventional. He consistently challenges established frameworks with novel, pragmatic approaches and bold conceptual provocations. But beneath the intellectual restlessness lies something equally defining: he is big-hearted and sensitive, with a great love for learning and a sharp analytic talent — qualities that make him as effective a coach and mentor as he is a strategic thinker. A senior-level Culture and Heritage Manager with more than 30 years of success, Matthias works at the intersection of heritage governance, integrated urban development, heritage communication, project development and strategic policy coordination in international environments. He has worked on five continents and across Europe as a heritage manager, lecturer, facilitator, trainer and consultant — with institutions including UNESCO, ICOMOS, NATO, OWHC, the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the Committee of the Regions, Eurocities, URBACT, and national, regional and local governments. His core competencies span governance, integrated urban development, coaching and training, and the communication of cultural heritage. Key assets include: Pioneer in heritage management, building successful partnerships across international World Heritage and European Capital of Culture (ECOC) networks Proven record in developing integrated heritage management plans, heritage communication strategies and adaptive higher education Exceptional ability to bring people together and build consensus through coaching, mentoring and intercultural facilitation Successful track record in leveraging heritage programmes through corporate sponsorships, exceeding goals and expectations Strong focus on capacity building and experiential learning in heritage governance In 10 books, 23 peer-reviewed papers and chapters, Matthias has advanced new approaches to heritage-based urban development of historic towns, with special attention to UNESCO World Heritage Cities and culture-led regeneration in the ECOC framework. Selected publications: Ripp, M.; Jigyasu, R.; Gustafsson, C. Transformation Management of Heritage Systems. Heritage 2026, 9, 28. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9010028 Ripp, M.; Egusquiza, A.; Lückerath, D. Urban Heritage Resilience. Land 2024, 13, 2052. https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122052 More: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Matthias-Ripp
Appointed as Honorary Chair Professor for the establishment of a distinguished academic Chair under my name at Woxsen University (Hyderabad, India). In this honorary mentorship role, I bring international expertise in heritage management, urban sustainability, and cultural policy to Woxsen's academic ecosystem, guiding a dedicated faculty member on research projects, case studies, and related academic initiatives. The Chair is envisioned as a strategic academic initiative aimed at fostering excellence in research, teaching, and global collaboration — bridging European and Indian academic communities and opening new pathways for cross-cultural knowledge exchange. Key activities include: -Mentoring faculty-led research with a focus on heritage systems, cultural policy, and urban sustainability -Co-developing and launching academic programs including seminar series, workshops, and doctoral consortia -Fostering strategic international academic collaborations and institutional partnerships -Supporting pedagogical innovation and strengthening faculty-student engagement -Providing guidance on research methodologies and scientific publication This appointment reflects a mutual commitment to advancing knowledge, innovation, and academic excellence at a global level, and builds on longstanding engagement with UNESCO, ICOMOS, and European institutions in the field of cultural heritage and sustainable development.
The Panel consists of ten individual experts appointed by Union institutions and bodies ("European experts" or "European members"). In addition, for the selection and monitoring of the cities from Member States, the Member State concerned shall be entitled to appoint up to two experts ("national experts" or "national members"). The selection phase is organised in two stages: a pre-selection stage and a final selection stage, each including a meeting of the Panel, during which the latter assesses candidate cities. It starts with the publication of a call for submission of applications at least six years before the year of the title and ends up with the formal designation of the cities as European Capitals of Culture on the basis of the Panel's recommendation, normally around four years before the year of the title. There is then a monitoring phase aiming to help each designated city in its preparations up to the beginning of the title-year. This phase is coordinated by the European Commission, which shall convene three meetings between the Panel and the designated cities. On top of these meetings, the Commission may also organise visits of a delegation of the Panel to these cities whenever necessary.
Supporting the European Comission, mostly DG EAC through various Evaluation and Monitoring Missions in the field of Cultural Heritage
Coordinating a Network of World Heritage Cities in Northwest Europe. Tasks: A. Lobbying To achieve the best results, collective efforts must be made to strengthen the work of the Regional Secretariat. B. Website This website should provide interactive tools for the exchange of information between member cities within the OWHC network, as well as providing useful content for other organizations, networks and historic cities. C. Publication To communicate the activities of the region and its member cities, a small publication will be produced. D. Exchange of Expertise One of the most important benefits of the OWHC network is the exchange of expertise, especially in the fields of work on tourism, sustainability, the sustainable development of historic cities and the communication of heritage values. E. Strong voice of the member cities To vitalize the influence of the north-western region in the OWHC network, it would be useful to implement a bottom-up approach. F. Enhance output of regional conferences To guarantee the best results, member cities should be encouraged to put subjects on the agenda and propose topics and speakers. G. Networking Not only should the aspect of networking be emphasized, but also the incorporation of information and expertise from other organizations that are active in the field of urban heritage. More Information: http://www.ovpm.org/en/regional_secretariats/northwest_europe
Industry: International Affairs, •managing the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Old Town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof’ •public relations, scientific presentation and publication of successful planning strategies •project development •designing, implementing and monitoring of World Heritage relevant projects •designing and managing the World Heritage Visitor Centre •responsible for intercultural dialogue •urban regeneration •territorial development •development and implementation of innovative heritage approaches •coordinator of the URBACT II ProjectHerO •active in numerous networks such as Heritage Europe and ICOMOS •regional coordinator for the North West European region of the Organisation of Heritage Heritage Cities (OWHC) •Member of the European Heritage Panel for the European Heritage Label •elected Member of the German Commission for UNESCO •Chairman of the Working Group on Urban World Heritage Sites within the Association of German Cities and Towns •networking with local, national and international institutions and organisations •responsible for a team of four colleagues
freelance trainer, moderator and speaker on the follewing urban issues -heritage Management -heritage communication -stakeholder collaboration -visitor centres -conflict management