Former UNESCO envoy Lee Byong-hyun elected chair of World Heritage Committee
Lee Byong-hyun, center, a former Korean ambassador to UNESCO / Courtesy of Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Korea to UNESCO
Former Korean Ambassador to UNESCO Lee Byong-hyun has been elected chair of the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, set to take place in Busan in July next year.
UNESCO announced Lee's election on Tuesday during a special session of the 20th World Heritage Committee in Paris.
The Korean government had recommended Lee for the role, citing his extensive experience and expertise in UNESCO-related affairs.
Lee served as Korea's permanent representative to UNESCO from 2015 to 2019. During his tenure, he chaired the UNESCO Executive Board between 2017 and 2019 and presided over the 12th Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2017.
At the session, Huh Min, director of the Korea Heritage Service and head of the Korean delegation, emphasized the country's contributions to the World Heritage Convention and pledged to work closely with UNESCO to ensure the success of next year's meeting.
The Bureau of the World Heritage Committee is composed of one chair, five vice-chairs and one rapporteur. The chair is usually chosen from the host country, while the vice-chairs are appointed to represent different regional groups. The bureau overseas the agenda, schedule and proceedings of the committee's sessions.
Established under the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, the committee is responsible for decisions on the inscription, conservation and protection of cultural and natural heritage across the globe.
Around 3,000 participants, including delegations from 196 signatory states, international organizations and NGOs, are expected to attend the upcoming session.
The event will mark the first time Korea hosts a meeting of the World Heritage Committee. The 48th session is scheduled for July 19-29 in Busan, 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul.