Azerbaijan Secures Seat on UNESCO World Heritage Committee

Azerbaijan has been elected as a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the 2025-2029 term.

The decision was made on November 24 during the 25th session of the General Assembly of States Parties, held in Paris, France, The Caspian Post reports, citing Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry.

Competing against four other countries for the single Eastern European seat on the 21-member Committee, Azerbaijan secured its election in the first round with 92 out of 160 votes.

The World Heritage Committee meets once a year, and consists of representatives from 21 of the States Parties to the Convention elected by their General Assembly.

The Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties. It has the final say on whether a property is inscribed on the World Heritage List. It examines reports on the state of conservation of inscribed properties and asks States Parties to take action when properties are not being properly managed. It also decides on the inscription or deletion of properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Azerbaijan previously served on the Committee from 2015 to 2019, actively contributing to its work. Notably, Azerbaijan hosted the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee in July 2019, an event, which received wide international acclaim.

Azerbaijan’s re-election is a clear reflection of the country’s growing regional and global standing.