BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 20. Azerbaijan presented
its priorities in cultural heritage protection and international
cooperation at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage
Committee, which opened in Busan, the Republic of Korea.


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


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


In his address, Abdullayev congratulated the Republic of Korea
on hosting the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee and
expressed appreciation to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the
Advisory Bodies for their efforts in implementing the World
Heritage Convention.


The ambassador reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to the
effective implementation of the 1972 Convention Concerning the
Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, noting that
the country will continue supporting the activities of the World
Heritage Centre through practical cooperation.


The statement also outlined Azerbaijan’s measures aimed at
preserving cultural heritage. It was noted that the recently
adopted "Azerbaijan Culture – 2040" Concept provides a long-term
strategic framework for improving the cultural heritage management
system, documenting heritage sites, strengthening legal protection,
and restoring historical monuments.


The statement highlighted that despite challenges in areas
affected by mine contamination, Azerbaijan continues efforts to
inventory and document cultural heritage sites.


It was also noted that as a result of measures taken to protect
cultural heritage, the village of Khinalig, which is part of the
World Heritage site "Cultural Landscape of Khinalig People and ‘Köç
Yolu’ Transhumance Route", was included in the UN Tourism list of
"Best Tourism Villages" in 2025.


Abdullayev also highlighted that 2026 has been declared the
"Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" in Azerbaijan, adding
that the SECURE (Sustainable and Empowering Cultural
Revitalization) initiative, presented during the 13th session of
the World Urban Forum in Baku, will make an important contribution
to cultural heritage protection, sustainable development, and
restoration processes. A dedicated event on the initiative will be
held on July 23 within the framework of the 48th session of the
committee.


The ambassador emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to expanding
cooperation with African countries and announced support for the
implementation of the World Heritage Strategy for Africa and the
World Heritage Strategy for Small Island Developing States
(SIDS).


The statement also provided information on the "Azerbaijan-SIDS
World Heritage Capacity Building Programme", developed by
Azerbaijan. The programme aims to strengthen institutional
capacities in the World Heritage system of small island states,
support expert training, and promote future nomination
processes.


Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Abdullayev stressed that
Azerbaijan, as a member of the World Heritage Committee, is ready
to work closely with all states parties, the UNESCO World Heritage
Centre, and Advisory Bodies to advance the objectives of the
Convention and contribute to the development of a more balanced,
inclusive, and effective World Heritage system.