Poster
The long delayed 45th session of the World Heritage Committee was held September 10-25, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event is notable for its adoption of new world heritage sites as well as the potential for delisting sites that are not fulfilling their commitments.
Critics of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine called for the country to be stripped of hosting the 45th Session.
Key Links
whc.unesco.org/en/sessions/45COM
New Properties
Documents
Facebook
YouTube – Archive
Videos
Previously recorded
Headlines
UNESCO adds early-Mayan spot as World Heritage Site
UNESCO unveils new World Heritage Sites – DW
Indigenous burial mounds in Ohio become Unesco world heritage site – Guardian
Ex-ESMA recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site – Buenos Aires Times
Venice not added to Unesco endangered list – Art Newspaper
Stonehenge tunnel plan ‘should not proceed’ says Unesco – BBC
From resting stops to cultural hubs: 54 Iranian caravanserais gain UNESCO label – Tehran Times
In first, Israeli officials in Saudi Arabia for UNESCO conference – Times of Israel
UNESCO puts 2 locations in war-ravaged Ukraine on its list of historic sites in danger – AP News
Venice and its lagoon again escape inclusion on UNESCO list of heritage sites in danger – AP News
Ohio could get its first UNESCO World Heritage Site designation
UNESCO World Heritage Site contenders 2023 – DW
UNESCO Media Releases and Resources
Ukraine: UNESCO sites of Kyiv and L’viv are inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger
Uganda’s Tombs of the Kings of Buganda at Kasubi to be removed from the World Heritage in Danger
World Heritage Centre – Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessments in a World Heritage Context
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan
World Heritage Committee meets in September to inscribe new sites on the World Heritage List
World Heritage Online Map Platform
Ukraine/Russia Headlines
Russian resignation will allow Unesco committee to resume work, source says – Guardian
Unesco indefinitely postpones planned world heritage meeting in Russia – Art Newspaper
Open letter to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, 7 April 2022 – UK
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sparks diplomatic battle at UNESCO
Lithuanian culture minister sees ‘no point’ in attending UNESCO session in Russia
Europa Nostra: 2022 Session of the World Heritage Committee cannot be chaired by Russia and cannot take place in Kazan
Nadine Dorries calls for Russia to be barred from hosting UN culture conference after Ukraine art destroyed
UNESCO World Heritage Committee to hold its 45th session in 2022 in Kazan
UNESCO bolsters protection for Ukrainian heritage under fire – UN
Questions
- Who is reporting on and from the event? // ¿Quién informa sobre y desde el evento?
- What is the status of the Marketplace for World Heritage? // ¿Cuál es el estado del Mercado del Patrimonio Mundial?
- What country will host 46WHC? // ¿Qué país albergará el 46WHC?
Technical questions
- Is there an agenda that shows times around the globe? (It can help remote participants with figuring out what happens when.)
- Will press conferences be streamed online and if so, will they accept questions from remote participants?
- Why are the YouTube videos unlisted?
- Why are comments disabled on YouTube?
- Are there shared Google Docs or interest in creating transcripts or working notes online Google Docs?
- Are any of the side events streamed online?
Questions for the on-site participants
- How does this meeting compare to similar events?
- Are you touring or exploring the host country during your visit?
- How does the event comply with Motion 130?
Questions for the IUCN
- Is there overlap in these discussions and travel and tourism in protected areas? Are members of TAPAS contributing to or following the meeting?
Older Headlines
Aboriginal voices to inform World Heritage bid for South Australia’s systematic colonisation
Unesco to visit Great Barrier Reef as coral bleaching risk rises
York to bid again for Unesco World Heritage Status – BBC
Stray Notes
- 2022 was the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
Observation
Observation and suggestions for improving communication: With the current World Heritage meeting taking place in Saudi Arabia, I am unable to access the videos except when streamed live – https://www.youtube.com/live/WjT4deiPVG0 There has to be a better way to engage those keen on educating ourselves on world heritage. Request of institutions – make it simpler to follow public meetings.
Suggestions:
- Instead of being unlisted, videos should be public
- Comments should be moderated and used to identify speakers, topics, and related web resources
- Videos ought to be available on-demand after the session
- Bonus Points: Readable how-to event guide in hyperlink text
Wikipedia
World Heritage Committee
Planeta