The World Heritage Committee,
- Having examined Document WHC-15/39.COM/12,
- Recalling Decision 35 COM 12B and Decision 37 COM 13 adopted respectively at its 35th session (UNESCO, 2011) and its 37th session (Phnom Penh, 2013);
- Thanks the Government of Australia for their commitment and financial contribution in view of the development of a Policy Guidelines document for a better implementation of the World Heritage Convention;
- Takes note of the status report prepared by the World Heritage Centre on the progress made so far;
- Thanks ICCROM for taking the lead for undertaking the scoping study in close consultation with ICOMOS and IUCN and the World Heritage Centre;
- Requests the World Heritage Centre and Advisory Bodies to make additional progress beyond the scoping study over the next year;
- Requests ICCROM and other stakeholders involved in the preparation of the scoping study to take into account the Policy Document on sustainable development – once the Policy Document is adopted by the General Assembly of the States Parties – as one of the essential elements to be inserted in the future Policy Guidelines;
- Also requests the World Heritage Centre to present the scoping study along with additional progress report to the World Heritage Committee at its 40th session in 2016.