Foreign diplomats voice support for UNESCO World Heritage session in Busan

Ambassadors to Korea and key officials attend a briefing hosted by Korea's foreign ministry for diplomats from member states of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Seoul, June 23. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Foreign diplomats from member states of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee expressed support for Korea's preparations to host the committee's annual session in Busan next month during a briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, June 23.

The ministry invited representatives from 13 committee member states stationed in Seoul to provide an update on preparations for the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which will take place in the southeastern port city from July 19 to 29.

During the briefing, the ministry outlined Seoul's preparations for the gathering and introduced the government's proposal to adopt a "Busan Declaration" aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the field of cultural heritage preservation.

The ministry called on committee member states to lend their support and contribute to discussions surrounding the declaration, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration in safeguarding shared cultural and natural heritage.

Diplomats attending the event, including ambassadors from Peru, the Czech Republic, Kenya and Mongolia, commended the Korean government's efforts and pledged their cooperation toward the successful hosting of the session.

Czech Ambassador to Korea Ivan Jančárek, whose country is home to numerous UNESCO-designated heritage sites, said the session carries broader significance.

“Czechia is one of the countries with many UNESCO world heritage sites. We are very happy that we will participate at the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee event which will be hosted by the Republic of Korea in Busan next month. It is important that the governments pay attention to their countries' history and take care of its heritage for next generations," Jančárek told The Korea Times on Wednesday.

The upcoming session is Busan will mark the first time Korea has hosted the committee's meeting since acceding to the World Heritage Convention in 1988. The session is expected to draw about 3,000 participants from UNESCO's 196 member states, along with representatives from international organizations and civil society groups.

The World Heritage Committee serves as UNESCO's key decision-making body on issues related to the inscription, protection and management of World Heritage sites around the globe.