Azerbaijan announces new program to support small island states at UNESCO

Azerbaijan has presented a program to UNESCO aimed at strengthening the capacity of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in protecting World Heritage sites and reaffirmed its readiness to support the implementation of the organization's African strategy, Report informs.

Elman Abdullayev, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to UNESCO, announced the initiative while delivering the national statement at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, European bureau officials noted.

According to Abdullayev, the program "Azerbaijan – SIDS: Capacity Building in World Heritage" provides for strengthening the institutional capacity of island nations, training specialists, and supporting future site nominations for the World Heritage List.

Azerbaijan also reaffirmed its intention to contribute to the implementation of the World Heritage Strategy for Africa and UNESCO's strategy regarding Small Island Developing States.

In his speech, Abdullayev emphasized that the country is committed to fulfilling the 1972 UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and will continue practical cooperation with the World Heritage Centre.

He noted that the recently adopted "Azerbaijan Culture – 2040" concept defines a long-term strategy for improving the management system of cultural heritage sites, their documentation, strengthening legal protection, and restoring historical monuments.

According to the diplomat, despite the ongoing landmine danger in part of the country's territories liberated after 30 years of occupation, Azerbaijan continues the inventory and documentation of cultural heritage sites.

The statement also noted that the village of Khinalig, part of the "Cultural Landscape of Khinalig People and 'Köç Yolu' Transhumance Route", was included in the UN World Tourism Organization's "Best Tourism Villages" list in 2025.

Abdullayev recalled that 2026 has been declared the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" in Azerbaijan.

According to him, an event dedicated to the SECURE (Sustainable and Empowering Cultural Revitalization) initiative, which was presented at the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku, will be held on July 23 as part of the current Committee session. He added that the project aims to promote the preservation of cultural heritage, sustainable development, and the recovery of affected areas.

The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is taking place in Busan with the participation of delegations from states parties to the Convention. Azerbaijan is represented by a delegation that includes representatives of the Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, the National Commission for UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture, and the State Tourism Agency.