The World Heritage Committee will examine new nominations and the state of conservation of inscribed sites

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee will hold its 48th session in Busan (Republic of Korea) from July 20 to 29, 2026, preceded by an opening ceremony on July 19. It will examine, among other things, nominations for the inscription of 30 new sites on the World Heritage List, as well as proposals concerning three sites already on the List. It will also examine the state of conservation of 147 sites already inscribed on the List.

Busan Metropolitan City / captures a panoramic view of the city

9 June 2026 - Last update:25 June 2026

To date, the World Heritage Committee has inscribed 1,248 sites in 170 countries on the World Heritage List. UNESCO World Heritage status recognizes and protects sites of Outstanding Universal Value—whether natural, cultural, or mixed—for present and future generations. It urges Member States to preserve these iconic sites while promoting their sustainable management, restoration and intact transmission over time. This designation plays a major role in the development of responsible tourism by stimulating local economies and in raising public awareness of the importance of cultural diversity. The listed sites have also proven their effectiveness in protecting natural heritage and biodiversity over the long term.

Follow the Committee

• Journalists wishing to obtain press credentials are asked to register here using the following code: BUSAN48MEDIA.
• The Committee meeting will also be streamed online here. 

The World Heritage Committee

It is one of the two governing bodies of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. It is composed of representatives from 21 States elected from among the 196 States Parties to the Convention.

The Committee is responsible for implementing the Convention, including examining new nominations for inclusion on the World Heritage List and assessing the state of conservation of already inscribed sites, based on analyses provided by the Advisory Bodies and the UNESCO Secretariat. It meets once a year in ordinary sessions.

The World Heritage Committee will be preceded by the Youth Forum (July 13–21, 2026) to strengthen the engagement and skills of young professionals working to protect and manage World Heritage through exchanges with national and international experts, as well as through a combination of presentations, collaborative workshops and learning activities. This year’s theme is: “World Heritage, Communities, and Education: Empowering Young People to Act as Agents of Change.”

Tentative schedule (dates are subject to change)

On July 20, following the Committee’s morning deliberations, UNESCO and the authorities of the Republic of Korea will hold a press conference that will be streamed online.

From July 21 to 23, the Committee will review the state of conservation of sites already inscribed on the World Heritage List and consider priority measures to ensure their preservation.

From July 24 to 26, the Committee will examine the dossiers of new sites proposed for inscription, extension, or re-inscription on the World Heritage List. 

From July 27 to 29, the Committee will examine institutional, financial and procedural matters, including international assistance and the agenda for the next session.

List of nominations that will be examined:

Natural sites

• Denmark: The Bony Fish Fossils of the Western Limfjord – Evolution and Climate Adaptation in the Earliest Eocene
• Jordan: Aqaba Marine Reserve
• Russian Federation: The Bashkir Shikhans of Toratau, Kushtau and Yuraktau
• Saudi Arabia: Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Gulf of Aqaba
• South Sudan: Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape (nomination to be processed on an emergency basis)
• United Arab Emirates: Wadi Wurayah
• United States of America: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge 

Cultural sites

• Brazil: Amazonia Theaters
• China: Jingdezhen Handicraft Porcelain Industry Sites
• Comoros: The Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros
• Finland: Aalto Works
• France: The System of Fortresses of the Seneschalty of Carcassonne (13th-14th centuries)
• France: Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944
• India: Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath, Varanasi
• Iran (Islamic Republic of): Alamūt Castle and Related Fortifications (ACRF)
• Italy: The system of Italian-style condominio theatres of the 18th and 19th centuries in Central Italy
• Japan: Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara
• Kazakhstan: Rock Mosques and Associated Sacred Sites of Mangystau
• Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan: Silk Roads: Fergana-Syrdarya corridor 
• Mongolia: The Cemetery Complexes of the Xiongnu Nobility The Cemetery Complexes of the Xiongnu Nobility
• Poland: Gdynia Modernist City Centre
• Portugal: Bulwarked Fortresses of the Raia
• Sao Tome and Principe: The Roças of Sao Tome and Principe: Colonial Agricultural System and Forced Migration 
• Spain: Ribeira Sacra Waterscape
• State of Palestine: Sebastia (nomination to be processed on an emergency basis)
• Thailand: Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat
• Tunisia: Village of Sidi Bou Saïd: Hub of Cultural and Spiritual Inspiration in the Mediterranean
• Türkiye: Zerzevan Castle and Mithraeum 
• Uzbekistan: Tashkent Modernist Architecture. Modernity and Tradition in Central Asia

Mixed sites (cultural and natural)

• Greece: The wider area of Mount Olympus

Extension of sites already inscribed

• Germany: Berlin Modernism Housing Estates: Extension to include Waldsiedlung Zehlendorf
• Republic of Korea: Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats (Phase II)Renomination of a property already inscribed on the World Heritage List
• Democratic Republic of the Congo: Garamba National Park