The Iraqi Institute for the Conservation of Antiquities and Heritage is a case study in how international cultural heritage professionals (archaeologists, conservators, architects, engineers) have been working to support the post-war recovery and redevelopment of the cultural heritage community in Iraq through a variety of educational and practical projects. Founded in 2008 with US government funding, and in collaboration with Iraqi government entities, the project has navigated the evolving public and heritage diplomacy environment over more than a decade. By working in the country, adapting educational programmes to on-the-ground realities, collaborating and partnering with governmental and academic Iraqi cultural heritage professionals in an constantly evolving political and cultural situation (often in crisis), the authors have supported (along with many others) capacity-building and sustainability of the Iraqi Institute for more than a decade.