Paris: The State of Qatar is actively participating in the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, which is taking place from July 6 to 16 at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, France. As a member of the World Heritage Committee since November 2021, Qatar is serving a term that will last until November 2025. In its role, Qatar is instrumental in advocating for cultural heritage matters in the Arab region, functioning as the vice-chair of the committee on behalf of the Arab Group.

According to Qatar News Agency, Qatar’s involvement in this session underscores its dedication to supporting global efforts aimed at safeguarding human heritage, particularly in regions affected by conflict. Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hanzab, the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to UNESCO, emphasized that Qatar is committed to defending world heritage interests, especially within the Arab region. This commitment is demonstrated through Qatar’s ongoing support for UNESCO’s initiatives and its direct actions to
protect heritage sites at risk.

Dr. Al Hanzab also mentioned that his address at the session highlighted Qatar’s moral and cultural duty to raise global awareness about the significance of heritage. He stressed the importance of international cooperation in preserving and passing on heritage to future generations, especially amidst the growing challenges posed by climate change and conflicts, such as the current Israeli war on Gaza.

UNESCO has stated that it has been closely observing the impact on cultural sites in Gaza since October 2023, using satellite imagery, and is ready to take action once conditions improve. Past reports from the Palestinian Ministry of Culture have revealed that over 200 archaeological and historical sites in Gaza have been destroyed by Israeli occupation forces.

This session is also considering the inscription of approximately 30 new sites on the World Heritage list. These include sites from Poland, Cambodia, Sierra Leone, and the United Arab Emirates. There is also a notable fo
cus on nominations from Africa, including the Bijagos Archipelago Biosphere Reserve in Guinea-Bissau and the Gola-Tiwai Forests in Sierra Leone, which are important habitats for elephants and other endangered species.

Around 250 sites already on the list are undergoing review and monitoring during this session, offering a detailed overview of the current state of World Heritage and the challenges these sites face.