Latest news with #WorldHeritageConvention
Axios
2 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
UNESCO sites in Illinois safe amid U.S. withdrawal
President Trump's decision to withdraw from UNESCO by the end of next year will not affect U.S. participation in one of its key initiatives. The big picture: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization honors natural and cultural sites across the globe that must be preserved due to their significance to history and humanity. It has identified more than 1,200 sites for the World Heritage List, including three in Illinois. Driving the news: The Trump administration announced last week that the U.S. was pulling out of the organization because it "supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. Flashback: Trump also pulled the U.S. out of UNESCO in 2017, citing anti-Israel bias, but President Biden had the country rejoin in 2023. State of play: The U.S. will no longer pay dues. UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay said the organization had financially prepared for the U.S. withdrawal. The U.S. remains a member of the World Heritage Convention, and it will continue to preserve and promote the 26 U.S. sites included on the list, an UNESCO spokesperson told Axios. "Even during previous UNESCO withdrawals in 1984 and 2017, the United States continued to nominate and support World Heritage inscriptions," Barbara Gordon of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy told Axios. Eight U.S. Wright properties are included on the World Heritage List. Yes, but: "While UNESCO does not provide direct funding to the sites that comprise 'The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright,' several U.S. agencies that do support public Wright sites have experienced severe cuts," Gordon said. She added, "These funding reductions pose a serious risk to the continued stewardship, preservation, and interpretation of Wright's architectural legacy." Zoom in: Illinois sites include one near St. Louis and two in the Chicago area.
Qatar Tribune
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar urges int'l community to assume its moral, legal role of protecting occupied Palestine heritage
QNA Paris Qatar, in its capacity as Vice-Chair of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and representative of the Arab Group, has called on the international community to assume its moral and legal responsibilities to protect cultural heritage sites in the occupied Palestinian territories. The call came at the conclusion of the World Heritage Committee's session, held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, emphasising that the preservation of humanity's heritage is a collective responsibility that cannot tolerate complacency or neglect, especially in light of the growing threats facing this legacy in conflict areas. In his remarks at the closing session, Qatar's Permanent Representative to UNESCO HE Dr Nasser bin Hamad Al Henzab said that this session has once again reaffirmed the importance of joint action and the need to strengthen international cooperation to protect World Heritage sites from the multiple threats they face, whether stemming from climate change, conflicts, or natural or human-induced deterioration. He stressed that Qatar firmly believes that protecting humanity's heritage is a shared responsibility that requires effective partnerships and a comprehensive approach combining expertise, knowledge, and political will. Al Henzab pointed out that in the face of escalating conflicts around the world, global cultural heritage now faces unprecedented danger, with humanity's memory, which is rich in symbols and identity, becoming vulnerable to destruction, looting, or marginalisation. He added that this world heritage is a common legacy of all humanity, representing its story, diversity, and shared experiences. He stressed that destroying cultural heritage erases not only stones and buildings, but also obliterates ancestral narratives, severs people's connection to their past, and undermines opportunities for reconciliation and recovery after conflict. He affirmed that Qatar, as vice-chair of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and representative of the Arab Group, views the targeting of cultural heritage sites in Palestine, whether in Ramallah or Gaza, as a continued and blatant violation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention. He specifically highlighted the ongoing threats to the Ibrahimi Mosque (Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi) due to Israeli occupation practices, including attempts to alter and seize it, calling on the international community and the World Heritage Centre to take immediate action to protect this historic site in accordance with relevant World Heritage Committee resolutions. Dr Al Henzab explained that Qatar's position stems from a deep conviction of the need to preserve heritage as a fundamental pillar of identity and cultural diversity, noting that Qatar has long paid great attention to protecting its own cultural and natural heritage and remains fully committed to the standards and principles of the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. He confirmed Qatar's keenness to support international efforts to preserve listed sites through unique initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the importance of heritage as a key component of sustainable development. He renewed Qatar's unwavering commitment to the principles of the World Heritage Convention and expressed his aspiration for continued constructive cooperation with all international partners to safeguard this shared heritage and ensure its preservation and enhancement for future generations.
Qatar Tribune
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar calls on international community to assume responsibility of protecting occupied Palestine's heritage
Paris The State of Qatar, in its capacity as Vice-Chair of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and representative of the Arab Group, has called on the international community to assume its moral and legal responsibilities to protect cultural heritage sites in the occupied Palestinian territories. This call came at the conclusion of the World Heritage Committee's session, held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, emphasizing that the preservation of humanity's heritage is a collective responsibility that cannot tolerate complacency or neglect, especially in light of the growing threats facing this legacy in conflict areas. In his remarks at the closing session, Qatar's Permanent Representative to UNESCO HE Dr Nasser bin Hamad Al Henzab said that this session has once again reaffirmed the importance of joint action and the need to strengthen international cooperation to protect World Heritage sites from the multiple threats they face, whether stemming from climate change, conflicts, or natural or human-induced deterioration. He stressed that the State of Qatar firmly believes that protecting humanity's heritage is a shared responsibility that requires effective partnerships and a comprehensive approach combining expertise, knowledge, and political will. Al Henzab pointed out that in the face of escalating conflicts around the world, highlighting that global cultural heritage now faces unprecedented danger, with humanity's memory, which is rich in symbols and identity, becoming vulnerable to destruction, looting, or marginalization. He added that this world heritage is a common legacy of all humanity, representing its story, diversity, and shared experiences. He stressed that destroying cultural heritage erases not only stones and buildings, but also obliterates ancestral narratives, severs people's connection to their past, and undermines opportunities for reconciliation and recovery after conflict. He affirmed that the State of Qatar, as Vice-Chair of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and representative of the Arab Group, views the targeting of cultural heritage sites in Palestine, whether in Ramallah or Gaza, as a continued and blatant violation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention. He specifically highlighted the ongoing threats to the Ibrahimi Mosque (Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi) due to Israeli occupation practices, including attempts to alter and seize it, calling on the international community and the World Heritage Centre to take immediate action to protect this historic site in accordance with relevant World Heritage Committee resolutions. Dr Al Henzab explained that the State of Qatar's position stems from a deep conviction of the need to preserve heritage as a fundamental pillar of identity and cultural diversity, noting that Qatar has long paid great attention to protecting its own cultural and natural heritage and remains fully committed to the standards and principles of the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. He confirmed the State of Qatar's keenness to support international efforts to preserve listed sites through unique initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the importance of heritage as a key component of sustainable development. He renewed Qatar's unwavering commitment to the principles of the World Heritage Convention and expressed his aspiration for continued constructive cooperation with all international partners to safeguard this shared heritage and ensure its preservation and enhancement for future generations.
UPI
15-07-2025
- UPI
48th UNESCO World Heritage summit scheduled in South Korea in 2026
July 15 (UPI) -- South Korea will host the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's World Heritage Convention in July 2026 after joining the convention in 1988, UNESCO announced on Tuesday. The event would be the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting and is scheduled in the port city of Busan in the southeastern portion of the Korean Peninsula after the organization on Tuesday announced South Korea will host the event next year. "It is a great honor for us to host the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan," Choi Eung-Chun, administrator of the Korea Heritage Service, said while accepting the committee's decision made at its Paris headquarters on Tuesday. Choi said the Republic of Korea will strive to ensure next year's World Heritage Convention is a success. "Korea has consistently contributed to the UNESCO World Heritage Fund and strengthened practical support from the international community for heritage protection," Choi said, as reported by Chosun Biz. "We will make all preparations to ensure that the World Heritage Committee held in Busan reaffirms our responsibility for heritage shared by all mankind and proceeds successfully," he added. The World Heritage Committee is comprised of 21 UNESCO member nations that determine which global sites hold "outstanding universal value" and must be protected. Chosen sites are registered, preserved and protected for the benefit of humanity, and the World Heritage Committee first convened in Paris in 1977. The committee also might determine which sites are endangered or make policy changes to better protect designated World Heritage sites. The Korea Heritage Service is working with the Busan local government to review plans for the event that is anticipated to be scheduled from July 19 to July 29, 2026, and draw 3,000 attendees from delegations representing 196 nations. Busan is located about 200 miles southeast of Seoul.
Time Out
15-07-2025
- Time Out
Just in: all the new and awesome UNESCO Heritage Sites in Asia for 2025
Asia-Pacific is home to almost 300 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some more famous, like the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal in India, and others more obscure, like Phu Phrabat in Thailand and the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto in Indonesia. You could spend a lifetime visiting these fascinating landmarks – and now you'll need a little bit more, because eight new sites in Asia have gained World Heritage Status. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee made the decision during its 47th session in Paris, where it recognised a total of 26 new properties worldwide for their invaluable cultural significance. Among the newly-inscribed sites are the fairytale castles, Neuschwanstein Castle, Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, and the royal house of Schachen in Germany, as well as Australia's largest rock art site. Over in Asia, ancient kingdom complexes, imperial cemeteries, and prehistoric rock art sites from Cambodia to North Korea have been elevated to World Heritage Status. Highlights include the Cambodian Memorial Sites, which consist of three locations where the Khmer Rouge carried out torture and executions during its regime from 1971 to 1979. Coincidentally, the inscription of the site comes 50 years after the murderous regime's rise to power. Next is Malaysoa's Forest Research Institute, just 16km northwest of Kuala Lumpur. This site stands as a testament to what early ecological restoration and sustainable rehabilitation practices can do – once degraded by tin mining, the site is now home to a flourishing tropical rainforest. Nestled within the site are buildings serving residents and scientists, as well as water bodies and trails. Another breathtaking new site is Mount Kumgang in North Korea. Described by the World Heritage Convention as "a place of exceptional natural beauty", this site is admired for its soaring white peaks, deep valleys, and waterfalls. Besides its natural wonders, it's also a sacred Buddhist site dating back to the 5th century and dotted with temples, stupas, and hermitages. Three temples remain active today. Newly inscribed UNESCO Heritage Sites in Asia: Cultural properties: Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection, Cambodia Cultural Heritage Sites of Ancient Khuttal, Tajikistan Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park Selangor, Malaysia Maratha Military Landscapes of India, India Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream, South Korea Xixia Imperial Tombs, China Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes, Vietnam Mixed properties: Mount Kumgang – Diamond Mountain from the Sea – Democratic People's Republic of Korea Significant modifications to the boundaries – natural properties Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park, Vietnam
