No:435/25, Press release on the election of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the 2025–2029 term
24 November 2025 17:13
On 24 November 2025, within the framework of the 25th session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage held in Paris, the Republic of Azerbaijan was elected as a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC) for the 2025–2029 term.
In the elections, which took place under conditions of strong competition, five countries, including Azerbaijan, competed for one seat allocated to the Eastern European region.
Azerbaijan secured the support of 92 out of 161 countries in the first round of voting and was elected as a member of the Committee.
The Committee, composed of 21 member states, is the main executive body overseeing the implementation of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Its primary function is to regulate activities related to the formation of the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as the recognition, protection and transmission of cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value to future generations.
The Committee also determines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial support to projects upon request of the States Parties.
This support covers important areas ranging from conservation works to the preparation of management plans, as well as emergency assistance and strengthening the capacity of relevant structures.
Azerbaijan was also a member of the Committee for the 2015–2019 term and made significant contributions to its activities.
In July 2019, our country hosted the 43rd session of the Committee.
Azerbaijan’s victory in the elections to the UNESCO Committee is a clear example of the country’s growing reputation at the regional and international levels.