The Islamic Republic of Iran Holds Its First Side Event at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee Session
The first side event of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the sidelines of the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee was held on Friday, July 24, 2026, in Busan, Republic of Korea, at the initiative and with the coordination of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO.
The event featured a documentary highlighting the damage and consequences of the recent imposed war on the cultural heritage of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The booklet “Guardians of Science and Culture” was also presented to representatives of Member States, UNESCO officials, and experts.
Dr. Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, also held discussions and exchanged views with officials and representatives attending the event.
On the sidelines of the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, the Islamic Republic of Iran held its first side event on Friday, July 24, 2026. The event focused on explaining the impact and consequences of the recent imposed war on the country’s cultural heritage and was warmly received by representatives of Member States, experts, and other participants.
Within the framework of its specialized mandate and by drawing on its scientific, cultural, and public diplomacy capacities, Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO planned and implemented a series of initiatives on the sidelines of this international event to explain the extent and dimensions of the damage inflicted on the cultural heritage of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Documenting War Damage: Iran’s Story at the Heart of the World Heritage Committee Session
In this context, and with the aim of presenting the extent of the damage inflicted on the cultural heritage sites and monuments of the Islamic Republic of Iran during the recent imposed war, a documentary highlighting the impact and consequences of this damage was screened as part of a side event at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, following efforts and coordination by Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO.
The official invitation to the event was also prepared by Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO and sent to all Member States of the World Heritage Committee through the Permanent Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran to UNESCO.
Presentation of the Booklet “Guardians of Science and Culture” to Officials and Country Representatives
During the event, the English-language booklet Custodians of Science and Culture, previously prepared, produced, and published by Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, was distributed among representatives of Member States, officials, experts, and other participants.
In addition to presenting documentation and reports on the damage inflicted on the cultural heritage sites and monuments, scientific and educational centers, and sports facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran during the recent imposed war, the booklet outlines the efforts and follow-up actions undertaken by Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO to disseminate information, document the damage, and draw the international community’s attention to the need to protect cultural heritage during armed conflicts. Printed copies of the event invitation were also distributed to attendees.
UNESCO Officials and Representatives Express Strong Support for Iran’s Initiative
The event was attended by representatives and officials from various countries, including Japan, India, Armenia, Austria, Germany, and the Republic of Korea, as well as the Secretary-General of Russia’s National Commission for UNESCO and the Ambassador of India.
Among those in attendance was Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, who was among the event’s distinguished guests and described the documentary presented as highly impactful.
The Secretary-General of Russia’s National Commission for UNESCO and other visitors also described the Islamic Republic of Iran’s initiative as commendable and inspiring. The documentary attracted such strong interest from attendees that it was screened three times during the event.
Secretary-General of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO Holds Discussions on Documenting Cultural Heritage Damage and Expanding International Cooperation
Dr. Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, held meetings and discussions on the sidelines of the event with the secretaries-general of national commissions for UNESCO, representatives of Member States, officials, and experts in attendance.
These consultations provided an opportunity to explain the extent of the damage inflicted on the cultural heritage of the Islamic Republic of Iran, outline the measures undertaken by Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, and strengthen scientific and cultural engagement and cooperation within the framework of UNESCO.
The event also provided an important opportunity to highlight the extent of the damage inflicted on the cultural heritage of the Islamic Republic of Iran, underscore the need to safeguard cultural heritage during armed conflicts, and draw the international community’s attention to the importance of upholding the obligations set out in international instruments and conventions.
Meeting Between Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage and the Head of Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Korea
Another key event on the sidelines of the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee was the participation of Dr. Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a meeting with the head of cultural heritage of the Republic of Korea. Held in Busan, the meeting aimed to expand cooperation and strengthen bilateral engagement in the field of cultural heritage.
