Network of National Experts

International conventions only take effect if competent people apply them every day. In each State, a few officials know the procedures, the contacts and the case law; the network gives them a framework for sharing this knowledge.

It also allows the Secretariat to consult specialists quickly when a case involves several countries, for example a work stolen in one State and offered for sale in another.

Each Member State may put forward between three and ten experts, taking care to represent several disciplines: law, customs, police, museums, universities, the art market. The Secretariat works to ensure balance between regions and between women and men.

Experts remain officials of their administration or institution; their participation in the network is covered by a letter of assignment signed by the supervisory authority.

They respond to Secretariat consultations, review draft guidelines, take part in working groups and lead training sessions in their country. They also report developments in national legislation, which feed into the country profiles.

In sensitive cases, they serve as an entry point to the competent departments of their State, in compliance with confidentiality rules.

The network is organised into thematic groups, for example on the restitution of cultural property, on online trade or on the training of officials. Each group is coordinated by two experts from different regions and meets remotely several times a year.

The groups' outputs, notes, guides and recommendations, are published in the member area and, once adopted, incorporated into the Organisation's publications.

The network is distinct from the body of accredited experts who issue certificates; it is nonetheless a natural partner. National experts direct applicants to certification and relay the offers of training.

They thus help spread good practice well beyond the circles that attend meetings at Headquarters.