New global partnership with the World Monuments Fund

The AXA Foundation becomes Lead Partner of The World Monument Watch, a program dedicated to the protection of the most endangered cultural heritage sites worldwide.

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On January 8, 2026, AXA announced a multi-year partnership to support the Watch, a biannual program by The World Monuments Fund (WMF), the leading independent organization dedicated to preserving global cultural heritage. This partnership is based on the shared conviction that cultural heritage and community resilience are deeply interconnected. Since 1965, WMF has been protecting over 700 sites in 112 countries, partnering with communities, funders, and governments to address challenges like climate change, inclusive heritage, and sustainable tourism, promoting resilience and social inclusion.

Every two years, the Watch identifies through call for nominations and supports 25 of the most at-risk cultural heritage sites globally. AXA as Lead Partner of the Watch will provide seed funding for sites selected by the Watch and help bring global attention and resources to sites where culture and social cohesion come together.

In 2026, the AXA Foundation’s support will notably benefit three sites selected by the Watch 2025:

the Chapel of the Sorbonne in France, a masterpiece of French classical architecture, undergoing urgent structural and artistic conservation to be able to reopen as a cultural and academic space.
the Noto Peninsula Heritage Sites in Japan, devastated by the 2024 earthquake, to support restoration of damaged priority structures, and strengthen community-led recovery and long-term revitalization rooted in cultural continuity.
and the Antakya Earthquake Heritage Sites in Turkey, focusing on risk-reduction planning, long-term restoration, and expanded community engagement, following the first restoration steps of notably the Antioch Greek Orthodox Church and the Antioch Synagogue, following the 2023 Türkiye–Syria earthquake.

By investing in places of deep cultural meaning, we hope to contribute to safer, stronger, and more connected societies. AXA also supports the Watch inviting all its colleagues and partners to nominate cultural heritage sites facing urgent challenges.