Resolution 23 GA 8

Possible measures concerning arrears, including with respect to the examination of nominations submitted by the concerned States Parties, without detriment to the protection of States that cannot pay for causes beyond their control

The General Assembly,

1. Having examined Document WHC/21/23.GA/8,
2. Recalling Resolutions 20 GA 8 and 22 GA 7 adopted at its 20th (UNESCO, 2015) and 22nd (UNESCO, 2019) sessions respectively,
3. Noting with concern the financial difficulties that the World Heritage Fund is facing,
4. Recalls that the payment of annual contributions to the World Heritage Fund is a legal obligation incumbent on all States Parties which have ratified the Convention, as per Article 16 of the World Heritage Convention, and strongly urges all States Parties, which have not yet paid the totality of their assessed contributions, including voluntary contributions in accordance with Article 16.2 of the Convention, to ensure that their contributions are paid as soon as possible;
5. Also recalls that the sustainability of the World Heritage Fund and overall funding for World Heritage are strategic issues and a shared responsibility which concern States Parties and all relevant partners, affecting the overall credibility of the World Heritage Convention, including effectiveness and efficiency of World Heritage protection;
6. Recommends States Parties, when putting forward World Heritage List nominations, to contribute to financially sustain the system of evaluation of nominations by the Advisory Bodies through the mechanism for making voluntary contributions to a dedicated sub-account of the World Heritage Fund established by Decision 43 COM 14, with no prejudice to the payment of annual contributions;
7. Takes note of the possible measures concerning arrears contained in document WHC/21/23.GA/8 and the possible ways for their implementation, including their difficulties therein;
8. Requests the Secretariat to follow up under the appropriate items.