UNESCO’s 47th World Heritage Committee Session to Convene in Paris: Safeguarding Humanity’s Cultural and Natural Legacy
From 6 to 16 July 2025, the 47th session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee will take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. This annual gathering brings together representatives from 21 elected States Parties to the 1972 Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, reaffirming the international commitment to safeguarding the most outstanding cultural and natural sites around the globe.
Protecting Common Heritage Across Generations
The World Heritage Committee, established under the 1972 Convention, is entrusted with implementing the Convention’s key provisions. It examines new site nominations for inscription on the World Heritage List, reviews the state of conservation of already listed properties, and considers potential threats to their integrity. Decisions are informed by technical evaluations from UNESCO’s advisory bodies—the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM).
This year’s session will include deliberations on:
- New nominations to the World Heritage List;
- The state of conservation of properties already inscribed, including those on the List of World Heritage in Danger;
- Strategies for enhancing the resilience of heritage sites amid growing global challenges, including climate change, conflict, and unsustainable development.
A Shared Responsibility
With 195 States Parties to the Convention, the safeguarding of cultural and natural heritage is a truly global endeavour. Inscription on the World Heritage List not only recognises a site’s outstanding universal value but also promotes international cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development.
The World Heritage Convention also aligns with broader United Nations objectives, particularly the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, highlighting the essential role of heritage in building peaceful, inclusive, and resilient societies.
Inclusion, Equity, and Ecosocial Justice in Heritage
The 47th session will continue to emphasise inclusivity in heritage practices—prioritising local communities, Indigenous peoples, and youth in decision-making processes. As stated by UNESCO, protecting heritage is not only about preservation, but also about fostering dialogue, identity, and belonging—fundamental pillars of ecosocial justice.
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