BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 20. Azerbaijan
reaffirmed its commitment to protecting cultural and natural
heritage at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage
Committee, held in Busan, South Korea.


This information was posted on the social media platform “X” by the
Permanent Delegation of Azerbaijan to UNESCO.


Azerbaijan is represented at the 48th session of the World
Heritage Committee by a delegation comprising representatives of
the Permanent Delegation of Azerbaijan to UNESCO, the National
Commission of Azerbaijan for UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture, and
the State Agency for Tourism.


During the general discussions of the session, Azerbaijan’s
Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Ambassador Elman Abdullayev,
delivered the country’s national statement.


The Permanent Representative reported on the measures taken by
Azerbaijan in the field of cultural heritage protection at the 48th
session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.


The statement highlighted that the recently adopted “Azerbaijan
Culture – 2040” concept establishes a long-term strategic framework
for improving the cultural heritage management system, documenting
heritage sites, strengthening their legal protection, and restoring
historical monuments.


The speech also noted that, despite existing difficulties in
areas where the threat of landmines persists, the inventory and
documentation of cultural heritage sites are continuing.


Azerbaijan’s Permanent Representative emphasized that, as a
result of efforts to protect cultural heritage, the village of
Khinalig—part of the World Heritage site “Cultural Landscape of the
Khinalig People and the Migration Route” was included on the UN
Tourism's Best Tourism Villages 2025. This recognition demonstrates
the link between the protection of cultural heritage and the
development of local communities and sustainable tourism.


The statement also noted that 2026 has been declared the “Year
of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan. It was noted
that the SECURE (Model – Sustainable and Empowering Cultural
Revitalization) initiative, presented at the 13th World Urban Forum
in Baku, could make a significant contribution to the protection,
sustainable development, and restoration of cultural heritage.


In addition, it was noted that a special event dedicated to the
SECURE initiative will take place on July 23 as part of the 48th
session of the World Heritage Committee.


Elman Abdullayev, Azerbaijan’s Permanent Representative to
UNESCO, expressed the country’s commitment to expanding cooperation
with African states. He stated that Azerbaijan would support the
implementation of the World Heritage Strategy for Priority Africa
and for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).


In his remarks, he also provided information on the “Azerbaijan
and SIDS World Heritage Capacity-Building Program,” prepared by
Azerbaijan. It was noted that the program aims to strengthen the
institutional capacity of World Heritage systems in small island
states, support the training of experts, and facilitate future
nomination processes.


In conclusion, Elman Abdullayev stated that Azerbaijan, as a
member of the World Heritage Committee, is ready to cooperate
closely with all partner states, the UNESCO World Heritage Center,
and Advisory Bodies. He emphasized that Azerbaijan intends to
contribute to the achievement of the Convention’s objectives and
the development of a more balanced, inclusive, and effective World
Heritage system.