The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/15EXT.COM/2,
Adopts the Agenda included in the above-mentioned Document, and decides to add an item 4 concerning the dates and place of its 45th session.
15 EXT.COM 3
Dates and modalities for the holding of the extended 44th session of the World Heritage Committee
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/15.EXT.COM/3,
Recalling the extreme exceptional circumstances that prevailed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide and that still prevail in 2021,
Also recalling Decision 14 EXT.COM 4 by which it decided to hold an extended 44th session in June/July 2021 in Fuzhou (China),
Decides that the extended 44th session will be held from 16 to 31 July 2021[1];
Also decides that the extended 44th session will be held according to Format B, as described in Document WHC/21/15.EXT.COM/3, section III.B (“online session”), and ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Decides to suspend Rule 4.1 of its Rules of Procedure;
Also decides that its 45th session will take place in Kazan, Russian Federation, in June/July 2022;
Underlines that the decision of the place for the 45th session is made during the 15th extraordinary session of the Committee due to the exceptional situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and should not create a precedent to Rule 4.1 of the Rules of the Procedure.
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/16EXT.COM/2,
Adopts the Agenda included in the above-mentioned Document.
The World Heritage Committee,
Recalling Decision 44 COM 16, adopted at its extended 44th session (Fuzhou/Online, 2021),
Elects Italy as Vice-Chairperson of the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee, whose mandate will begin at the end of the 16th extraordinary session of the Committee (UNESCO, 2021) and will continue until the end of the 45th session of the Committee (Kazan, 2022);
Elects Argentina as Vice-Chairperson of the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee, whose mandate will begin at the end of the 16th extraordinary session of the Committee (UNESCO, 2021) and ...
The General Assembly,
Elects E. Mr Tebogo Seokolo (South Africa) as Chairperson of the 23rd session of the General Assembly;
Elects Mr Gytis Marcinkevičius (Lithuania) as Rapporteur of the 23rd session of the General Assembly;
Elects Germany, Honduras, Islamic Republic of Iran and Syrian Arab Republic as Vice-Chairpersons of the 23rd session of the General Assembly.
The General Assembly,
Having examined Document WHC/21/23.GA/2A,
Adopts the Agenda of the 23rd session as amended.
The General Assembly,
Having examined Document WHC/21/23.GA/2B,
Adopts the timetable of the 23rd session, included in the above-mentioned Document.
The General Assembly,
Takes note of the report of the Rapporteur of the 22nd session of the General Assembly (UNESCO, 2019).
23 GA 4
Report of the Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee on the activities of the World Heritage Committee
The General Assembly,
Takes note of the report of the Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee on the activities of the World Heritage Committee.
The General Assembly,
Elects the following 12 States Parties: Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Zambia as members of the World Heritage Committee.
23 GA 6
Examination of the statement of accounts of the World Heritage Fund, including the status of the contributions of States Parties
The General Assembly,
Having examined Documents WHC/21/23.GA/6 and WHC/21/23.GA/INF.6,
Having also examined the accounts of the World Heritage Fund for the financial period ended 31December 2019,
Approves the accounts of the World Heritage Fund for the financial period ended 31 December 2019;
Takes note of the financial statements relating to the World Heritage Fund for the period 1January 2020 to 30 June 2021.
23 GA 7
Determination of the amount of the contributions to the World Heritage Fund in accordance with the provisions of Article 16 of the World Heritage Convention
The General Assembly,
Having examined Documents WHC/21/23.GA/7, WHC/21/23.GA/7.Corr and WHC/21/23.GA/INF.7,
Recalling Article 16 of the World Heritage Convention,
Decides to set the percentage for the calculation of the amount of the contributions to be paid to the World Heritage Fund by States Parties for the financial period 2022-2023 at 1% of their contributions to the regular budget of UNESCO;
Emphasizing the urgency of securing adequate financial resources to achieve the objectives of the World Heritage Convention to identify and conserve the world’s cultural and natural ...
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,
Having examined Document WHC/21/23.GA/8,
Recalling Resolutions 20 GA 8 and 22 GA 7 adopted at its 20th (UNESCO, 2015) and 22nd (UNESCO, 2019) sessions respectively,
Noting with concern the financial difficulties that the World Heritage Fund is facing,
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 ...
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,
Having examined Document WHC/21/23.GA/9,
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,
Recalling Decision 44 COM 14 adopted by the World Heritage Committee at its extended 44th session ...
23 GA 10
Elaboration of a Code of conduct, or a statement of ethical principles or equivalent text – follow-up to Resolution 22 GA 10
The General Assembly,
Having examined Document WHC/21/23.GA/10 and WHC/21/23.GA/INF.10,
Recalling Decisions 42 COM 12A and 43 COM 12 adopted respectively at the 42nd (Manama, 2018) and 43rd (Baku, 2019) sessions of the World Heritage Committee, as well as Resolution 22 GA 10 adopted by the General Assembly at its 22nd session (UNESCO, 2019),
Also recalling that the “Declaration of principles to promote international solidarity and cooperation to preserve World Heritage” is not legally binding, but that stakeholders are called upon to honour its contents,
Thanks the States Parties of ...
The General Assembly,
Having examined Documents WHC/21/23.GA/11 and WHC/21/23.GA/INF.11,
Recalling Decisions 40 COM 7, 41 COM 7, 42 COM 7, 43 COM 7.2 and 44 COM 7C, adopted respectively at the 40th (Istanbul/UNESCO, 2016), 41st (Krakow, 2017), 42nd (Manama, 2018), 43rd (Baku, 2019) and extended 44th (Fuzhou/online, 2021) sessions of the World Heritage Committee,
Thanking the State Party of the Netherlands for having funded the project to update the 2007 Policy Document on the impacts of Climate Change on World Heritage properties, and expressing its gratitude to all stakeholders of ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Taking into consideration Rule 8 (Observers) of the Rules of Procedure of the Committee,
Authorizes the participation in the extended 44th session, as observers, of the representatives of the international governmental organizations (IGOs), international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), non- governmental organizations (NGOs), permanent observer missions to UNESCO and non-profit-making institutions in the fields covered by the Convention, listed in Part I of the present document.
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/3A,
Adopts the Agenda contained in the above-mentioned document.
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/3B,
Recalling Decision 15 EXT.COM 3, adopted at its 15th extraordinary session (online, 2021),
Adopts the timetable contained in the above-mentioned document.
The World Heritage Committee,
Takes note of the report of the Rapporteur of the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee (Baku, 2019).
44 COM 5A
Report of the World Heritage Centre on its activities and the implementation of the World Heritage Committee’s decisions
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/5A, WHC/21/44.COM/INF.5A.1 and WHC/21/44.COM/INF.5A.2,
Recalling Decisions 42 COM 5A and 43 COM 5A adopted at its 42nd (Manama, 2018) and 43rd (Baku, 2019) sessions respectively,
Takes note with appreciation of the activities undertaken by the World Heritage Centre over the past year in pursuit of the five Strategic Objectives set by the World Heritage Committee and of the Expected Result 1 of Major Programme IV to ensure that “Tangible heritage [is] identified, protected, monitored and sustainably managed by Member ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/5B,
Mindful of the efforts undertaken by the Advisory Bodies (ICCROM, ICOMOS and IUCN) to respond to the exceptional situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic,
Takes note with appreciation of the reports of the Advisory Bodies on their activities;
Also takes note of the progress made as well as of the challenges and gaps identified by the Advisory Bodies in the framework of the implementation of the Convention.
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/5C,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 5D adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019) and Resolution 20 GA 13 adopted by the General Assembly at its 20th session (UNESCO, 2015),
Notes with appreciation the continued efforts of the African States Parties, with the support of partners under UNESCO’s Global Priority Africa, for the conservation and management of the unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage of Africa that must be transmitted to future generations, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/5D,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 5C adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019), as well as Resolution 20 GA 13 adopted by the General Assembly at its 20th session (UNESCO, 2015),
Welcomes the follow-up activities and the progress made so far in mainstreaming the “Policy Document for the integration of a sustainable development perspective into the processes of the World Heritage Convention” (WH-SDP) into the activities of the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies and into the texts and processes of the ...
44 COM 6
Follow-up to the World Heritage Capacity-Building Strategy and Progress report on the World Heritage-related category 2 centres
Decision: 44 COM 6
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/6,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 6, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Also recalling that capacity-building is one of the Strategic Objectives of the World Heritage Convention and is at the core of the sustainable implementation of the Convention and therefore is a priority for the effective implementation of the World Heritage Convention for all stakeholders;
Expresses its concern over the challenges faced by the States Parties in the protection and conservation of World Heritage properties ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7,
Recalling Decisions 40 COM 7, 41 COM 7, 42 COM 7 and 43 COM 7.1, adopted at its 40th (Istanbul/UNESCO, 2016), 41st (Krakow, 2017), 42nd (Manama, 2018) and 43rd (Baku, 2019) sessions respectively,
Evaluation of the Reactive Monitoring process
Taking note with appreciation of the recommendations of the evaluation of the Reactive Monitoring process, as prioritized in line with Decision 43 COM 7.1, requests all stakeholders of the Convention to implement them at their level as soon as possible;
Welcomes the ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7,
Recalling Decisions 40 COM 7, 41 COM 7, 42 COM 7, 43 COM 7.2 and 43 COM 7.3, adopted at its 40th (Istanbul/UNESCO, 2016), 41st (Krakow, 2017), 42nd (Manama, 2018) and 43rd (Baku, 2019) sessions respectively,
Emergency situations resulting from conflicts
Deplores the loss of human life and the degradation of humanitarian conditions resulting from the prevailing conflict situations in several countries, and continues to express its utmost concern at the devastating damage sustained and the continuing threats ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.53, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Expresses its satisfaction with regard to the important measures undertaken by the State Party to raise awareness in the local community, and more particularly the owners of the houses, on the conservation and management aspects of the site, notably the role of the different actors, including UNESCO, and requests the State Party to:
Pursue this awareness-raising work, notably to strengthen and promote maintenance of the banco houses ...
Sites: Old Towns of Djenné
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.54, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku,2019),
Expresses its appreciation for the efforts deployed in the conservation of the property, notably by reinforcing the mobilisation of the municipal and regional authorities, and the local community through the Management Committees of the mosques and the masons’ corporation;
Thanks the State Party for its intervention through the Management Committee for the Djingareyber mosque to halt the construction work for a building in the courtyard ...
Sites: Timbuktu
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.55, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Expresses its satisfaction with the important actions undertaken by the State Party for the rep/air of the roof of the men’s prayer room, the decrease in water erosion, and the plantation of hasu trees, particularly congratulates the Cultural Mission and the local stakeholders concerned for having decided to renounce replacing the hasu plantation with eucalyptus plants following a fruitful communication between the parties;
Also ...
Sites: Tomb of Askia
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.56, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Acknowledges the State Party’s continued engagement of the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies in developing instruments and approaches to safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property;
Thanks the Governments of the Norway and Japan for their financial support to the property;
Welcomes the continued progress that the State Party has made in responding to previous Committee decisions, in the reconstruction ...
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.17, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Welcomes the ongoing efforts of the State Party to improve the conservation conditions of the property, in particular through the Groundwater Level Reduction Project and the new Sustainable Development Plan, and requests the State Party to submit the Restoration and Conservation Plan to the World Heritage Centre for review by the Advisory Bodies;
Expresses concern that the State Party has not reported on recent conditions of the ...
Sites: Abu Mena
Decision: 44 COM 7A.6
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add,
Recalling Decisions 43 COM 7A.18 and 43 COM 7A.21, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Taking into account Decision 44 COM 7A.9, on the World Heritage properties of Iraq,
Notes the State Party’s efforts to address risks at the property and to keep the World Heritage Centre informed about the situation at the property, but expresses again its concern about its condition and the lack of comprehensive information on its state of conservation;
Acknowledges the information provided ...
Sites: Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)
Decision: 44 COM 7A.7
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decisions 43 COM 7A.19 and 43 COM 7A.21 adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Taking into account Decision 44 COM 7A.9, on the World Heritage properties of Iraq,
Notes the State Party’s efforts to keep the World Heritage Centre informed about the situation on the ground, welcomes the submitted ‘Damage Assessment Report Status Study’, takes note of the documentation carried out, and urges the State Party to compile comprehensive information on the state of conservation of ...
Sites: Hatra
Decision: 44 COM 7A.8
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decisions 43 COM 7A.20 and 44 COM 7A.21, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Taking into account Decision 44 COM 7A.9, on the World Heritage properties of Iraq,
Expresses again its concern about the condition of the property and the lack comprehensive information on its state of conservation, and reiterates its request to the State Party to submit documentation of the damage done to the property as a whole and its affected monuments, for review by the World Heritage ...
Sites: Samarra Archaeological City
Decision: 44 COM 7A.9
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.21, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Takes note of the reports provided by the State Party regarding the state of conservation of the properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger, and continues to express its concern about the lack of comprehensive and detailed assessment of the properties affected by the conflict and about the limited resources available for the safeguarding of affected cultural heritage;
Expresses its appreciation to the ...
Decision: 44 COM 7A.10
The World Heritage Committee,
Having considered document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add.2 and the Annex attached to this decision,
Recalling its previous decisions concerning the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls,
Decides that the status of the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls relating to the World Heritage List remains unchanged as reflected in Decisions 43 COM 7A.22 and 43 COM 8C.2 of its last session.
ANNEX
The World Heritage Committee
44th session of the Committee (44 COM)
Item 10: Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls (site proposed by ...
Decision: 44 COM 7A.11
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.23, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Notes with appreciation the efforts undertaken by the State Party to address conservation threats at the property and in fundraising activities that have led to projects aimed at the preservation of the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property; and requests it to continue its efforts in this regard to the extent possible;
Also requests the State Party to provide further detailed information and ...
Decision: 44 COM 7A.12
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.24, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Commends the important efforts made by the State Party to raise funds and undertake activities for the conservation of the property and its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), despite the difficult situation and working conditions on the ground, due to the effects of the conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic, and urges it to continue its efforts in this regard to the extent possible;
Requests the State Party to keep ...
Decision: 44 COM 7A.13
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.25, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Notes with appreciation the efforts undertaken by the State Party to address conservation threats at the property and in fundraising activities that have led to projects aimed at the preservation of the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property;
Requests the State Party to continue its efforts in this regard to the extent possible and to discuss with ICOMOS the restoration techniques and materials ...
Decision: 44 COM 7A.14
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.26, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Commends the important efforts made by the State Party to raise funds and undertake activities for the conservation of the property and its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), despite the difficult situation and working conditions on the ground, and urgesit to continue its efforts in this regard to the extent possible;
Also commends the State Party for the submission of the Retrospective Statement of OUV for the ...
Sites: Old Town of Ghadamès
Decision: 44 COM 7A.15
The World Heritage Committee,
Having examined Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A,
Recalling Decision 43 COM 7A.27, adopted at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019),
Commends the State Party for the important efforts made for the conservation of the property and its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), in close coordination with local communities and civil society, despite the difficult situation and difficult working conditions on the ground, and urges it to continue its efforts in this regard, if possible;
Welcomes the efforts made for the development of a Management Plan for ...
Decision: 44 COM 7A.16
The World Heritage Committee,
Having considered Document WHC/21/44.COM/7A.Add.2 and the annex attached to this decision,
Recalling Decisions 42 COM 7A.28, and 43 COM 7A 29, adopted at its 42nd (Manama, 2018) and 43rd (Baku, 2019) sessions respectively,
Decides that the status of Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town relating to the World Heritage List remains unchanged as reflected in Decision 41 COM 8B.1 of the World Heritage Committee.
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ANNEX
The World Heritage Committee44th session of the Committee (44 COM)
Having considered Document ...
Sites: Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town