Minister Amanda Bernstein Leads Seychelles Delegation to the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan

The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs Amanda Bernstein, is leading the Seychelles delegation to the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, being held in Busan, Republic of Korea, from 21 to 30 July 2026.

Accompanying the Minister are Ms Benjamin e Rose, Mrs Sophia Rosalie, Ms Julienne Barra and Ms Josh in ta Hort er, all members of the National Technical Committee responsible for coordinating the preparation of the nomination dossier for the Mission Ruins of Venn’s Town. Also forming part of the delegation is Mr Ralph A grip pine, Counsellor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora.

The delegation’s participation reflects Seychelles ‘ continued commitment to the implementation of the 1972 UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and to the conservation, protection and promotion of the country’s cultural heritage.

The Mission Ruins of Venn’s Town is one of Seychelles ‘ most significant cultural heritage sites, representing an important chapter in the country’s history and preserving the legacy of the nineteenth-century mission established for liberated African children. Its nomination in accordance with international standards.

The annual session of the World Heritage Committee brings together States Parties to the Convention to consider matters relating to its implementation, including the examination of nominations submitted by States Parties, the conservation of World Heritage properties, and international cooperation in heritage management and engaging in technical discussions and bilateral meetings with UNESCO officials, advisory fields of heritage conservation and management.

The delegation is also following discussions relating to the Mission Ruins of Venn’s Town nomination, which is currently progressing through UNESCO’s established evaluation process. The participation of the National Technical Committee members supports ongoing technical exchanges and provides an opportunity to engage with the relevant advisory bodies on procedural and technical aspects of the nomination.

The Ministry of Tourism and Culture remains committed to working closely with UNESCO and its advisory bodies throughout the evaluation process while continuing national efforts to safeguard, conserve and promote the Mission Ruins of Venn’s Town as an important part of Seychelles’ cultural heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.