Thousands of delegates from around the world convened in Busan for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s annual session, marking South Korea’s first time hosting the event since joining the convention in 1988. The ceremony, attended by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, emphasized the importance of world heritage in fostering unity and cooperation among nations.
The 10-day meeting, held at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center, is expected to be attended by 3,000 participants from 196 member states, international organizations, and NGOs. Key figures present included UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany and other prominent officials, who highlighted South Korea’s 17 World Heritage sites that reflect the nation’s rich history and cultural diversity.
President Lee underscored the significance of preserving world heritage as a means to promote mutual respect, trust, and solidarity globally. The opening ceremony featured various performances showcasing Korean culture, with K-pop star G-Dragon emphasizing the role of art in safeguarding heritage and promoting peace for the future.
The committee’s agenda includes reviewing 33 proposals, such as the extension of South Korea’s “Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats” site and discussions on Japan’s follow-up measures for the Sado mine World Heritage site. Additionally, there is anticipation surrounding the potential adoption of a “Busan declaration” to enhance international collaboration in heritage conservation efforts.
