Ukraine-Initiated Amendment: UNESCO to Monitor Impact of War on World Heritage
On July 8, during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, a key amendment initiated by Ukraine was adopted to strengthen the protection of cultural heritage in conflict zones, The Gaze reports, citing the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine.
The amendment, based on discussions around the World Heritage Centre’s report on the implementation of the World Heritage Convention and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, mandates that future reports include a dedicated section on the impact of armed conflicts on heritage sites. The decision aims to improve operational response and develop stronger protective mechanisms.
Leading the Ukrainian delegation, Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Serhii Bielaiev thanked the Centre for its report, while drawing attention to the rising number of damaged heritage sites due to war.
“We believe it is essential to draw focused attention to the preservation of world heritage in the context of armed conflict. The existing ‘World Heritage in Danger’ mechanism is vital, but under occupation, it may be ineffective,” Bielaiev stated.
The amendment responds to real-world challenges and is grounded in Ukraine’s experience. It is intended not only to document threats, but also to help shape long-term strategies to safeguard humanity’s shared cultural legacy in times of war.
Ukraine’s delegation also held bilateral meetings with representatives from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and Latvia. The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications expressed gratitude to international partners and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global tools for cultural protection.
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