Paris, November 25, 2025 – The Europe Today: Azerbaijan has been elected as a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the 2025–2029 term, following a vote held on November 24 during the 25th session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention in Paris, France.
Competing with four other candidates for the single Eastern European seat on the 21-member Committee, Azerbaijan secured a decisive victory in the first round, receiving 92 out of 160 votes.
The World Heritage Committee, which convenes annually, is composed of representatives from 21 States Parties elected by the General Assembly. The Committee is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, determining the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocating financial assistance to States Parties upon request. It is the body that makes the final decision on the inscription of properties on the World Heritage List.
In addition, the Committee reviews conservation reports for listed sites and urges States Parties to take corrective measures when properties face threats or management shortcomings. It also decides on the inclusion or removal of sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Azerbaijan previously served on the Committee from 2015 to 2019, during which it played an active role in its work. In July 2019, Azerbaijan hosted the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee, an event widely praised by the international community.
Azerbaijan’s re-election underscores the country’s growing regional and global standing and reflects broad international confidence in its commitment to protecting and promoting cultural and natural heritage.
