Greetings esteemed colleagues and friends,
With great anticipation and enthusiasm, I, on behalf of the Council and the Membership of WAC, extend our warmest welcome to the 10th World Archaeological Congress, set to grace the vibrant city of Darwin, Australia, in June next year. As we gather amidst the rich tapestry of this ancient land, we embark on a journey of truly democratic scholarly exchange, celebration of past, present and future cultures across the world, and collective empowerment to face challenges and overcome difficulties of the contemporary world as archaeologists.
The World Archaeological Congress (WAC), a beacon of equity, inclusivity, social justice and democratic scholarly discourse, stands as a testament to our shared commitment to the study of our pasts and the spatio-temporal diversity of human societies, communities and human experiences. Rooted in the belief that archaeology holds the power to transcend borders and foster understandings, WAC serves as a forum for dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy.
As we convene for this auspicious occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to the core principles that define WAC’s mission. From the exchange of archaeological research through the promotion of professional training and public education to actions against social injustices and efforts to solve local and global problems, our collective endeavor seeks to elevate the relevance of archaeological studies on a global scale.
Moreover, this upcoming Congress is a tremendous opportunity to honor the legacy of our founding father, the late Professor Peter Ucko, whose vision continues to inspire our quest for equity, post-colonial justice, and democratic exchange. It is fitting that we return to the land that sparked Peter’s inspiration, which led to the inception of WAC, where our journey began amidst collaboration with Aboriginal colleagues, laying the foundation for a more equitable world archaeological community.
In the spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose, let us seize the unprecedented challenges before us—global change, climate change, wars, hatred, discriminations, and socio-cultural injustices—with resilience and resolve. Together, we shall demonstrate the transformative potential of archaeologies, transcending boundaries to create a more just, equal, and sustainable world.
Welcome to the 10th World Archaeological Congress in Darwin, Australia. May our time together be marked by meaningful discourse, profound insights, lasting connections, and celebration of being archaeologists!
All the very best wishes,
Koji Mizoguchi
President of the World Archaeological Congress
