Resolution 23 GA 9

Future of the World Heritage Convention, including final implementation report of the Strategic Action Plan 2012-2022 and 50th Anniversary of the World Heritage Convention in 2022

The General Assembly,

1. Having examined Document WHC/21/23.GA/9,
2. Recalling Resolutions 17 GA 9, 18 GA 11, 19 GA 10, 20 GA 12, 21 GA 9 and 22 GA 9 adopted during the 17th (UNESCO, 2009), 18th (UNESCO, 2011),19th (UNESCO, 2013), 20th (UNESCO, 2015), 21st (UNESCO, 2017) and 22nd (UNESCO, 2019) sessions of the General Assembly of States Parties respectively, concerning the adoption of the Strategic Action Plan and Vision and the monitoring of the implementation of the Strategic Action Plan,
3. Recalling Decision 44 COM 14 adopted by the World Heritage Committee at its extended 44th session (Fuzhou/online, 2021),
4. Welcomes with satisfaction the continuous progress in the performance of the implementation of the Strategic Action Plan;
5. Takes note of the reflection undertaken on the Global Strategy using the opportunity of the 50th Anniversary of the World Heritage Convention in 2022;
6. Takes note of the status of preparation of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the World Heritage Convention and invites States Parties to mark this anniversary in collaboration with UNESCO and use this opportunity to enhance the implementation of the World Heritage Convention and the protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage recognizing its enduring and irreplaceable value for furthering sustainable development and for biological and cultural diversity worldwide;
7. Acknowledges with thanks the invitation of the government of Italy and the City of Florence to host a celebration for the 50th Anniversary in November 2022 in partnership with UNESCO;
8. Recognizes the importance of undertaking a reflection on how to strengthen the involvement and contribution of local communities and NGOs, taking into consideration the diversity of the expertise views, transparency and dialogue with the Advisory Bodies, to ensure an appropriate and equitable balance between conservation, sustainability and development in line with the Policy Document on Sustainable Development adopted in 2015, and encourages all stakeholders to undertake a reflection on these points;
9. Concludes that the Strategic Action Plan has led to positive outcomes and encourages the World Heritage Centre, with the support of the States Parties and the Advisory Bodies, to continue, within the available resources, activities that were launched as a result of the Strategic Action Plan.