BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 23. As part of the 48th
session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in Busan,
Republic of Korea, the Republic of Azerbaijan presented a new
international program aimed at supporting small island developing
states (SIDS).


This was reported by the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of
Azerbaijan to UNESCO.


Meanwhile, it was noted that during a high-level event on the
topic “World Heritage Strategy for SIDS,” organized by the World
Heritage Center, the “Republic of Azerbaijan’s Initiative on
International Technical Assistance for Capacity Building on the
Path to World Heritage for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)”
was announced.


The new initiative aims to strengthen the institutional capacity
and professional skills of SIDS, and to provide expert and
technical support for the inclusion of unique heritage sites in
small island developing states on the UNESCO World Heritage
List.


The program is being developed by the “Institute for the
Certification of Culture and Education.”


Speaking at the event, Elman Abdullayev, Permanent
Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to UNESCO, stated that
the program aims to make an additional contribution to the
important work being carried out by UNESCO in this area, and
provides support mechanisms designed to strengthen practical
capacity to address the specific needs of small island developing
states (SIDS), particularly the challenges related to climate
change as they pertain to the protection of World Heritage sites.
It was noted that the program will be implemented by professional
experts recruited by the “Institute for Certification in Culture
and Education,” who possess international experience in this
field.


Speaking at the event, Lazare Eloundou, Director of the World
Heritage Center, emphasized the importance of the program and
expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s support of SIDS.


The event also highlighted that the initiative announced by
Azerbaijan is viewed as an important step toward strengthening
international solidarity, promoting the exchange of expertise in
the protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage, and
building the capacity of the SIDS and other vulnerable
countries.