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Azerbaijan elected to UNESCO World Heritage Committee for 2025–2029 term

24 November 2025 17:27 (UTC +04:00)

Within the 25th session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, held in Paris, the Republic of Azerbaijan has been elected as a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC) for the term 2025–2029, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told APA.

In the elections, which were held under intense competition, five countries competed alongside Azerbaijan for the single seat allocated to the Eastern European region.

In the first round of voting, Azerbaijan secured the support of 92 out of 160 countries and was elected to the Committee.

"The Committee, composed of 21 member states, is the main executive body responsible for overseeing the implementation of UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention. Its primary duties include forming the UNESCO World Heritage List and regulating activities related to the recognition, protection, and transmission of cultural and natural heritage of global significance to future generations.

The Committee also determines the allocation of resources from the World Heritage Fund and provides financial assistance for projects upon the request of the States Parties.

This assistance covers important areas ranging from conservation efforts to the preparation of management plans, emergency support, and strengthening the capacity of relevant institutions.

Azerbaijan previously served as a member of the Committee from 2015 to 2019 and contributed significantly to its work.

In July 2019, Azerbaijan hosted the Committee’s 43rd session.

Azerbaijan’s victory in the Committee elections is a clear example of the country’s growing influence at the regional and international levels," the statement said.