Seychelles delegation at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan

The Seychelles delegation continues to make a meaningful contribution at the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, through active participation in high-level discussions, strategic engagements and international partnerships.

Yesterday’s programme began with the Africa Group Meeting, followed by the Committee’s Plenary Sessions, where Seychelles joined fellow States Parties in deliberating on key World Heritage matters.

A major highlight of the day was the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF). Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs Amanda Bernstein, joined fellow Ministers, UNESCO officials, representatives of the World Heritage Centre, development partners and heritage experts in commemorating two decades of African cooperation in heritage conservation.

In her intervention, the Minister reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to protecting and safeguarding its cultural heritage while expressing the country’s sincere appreciation for the African World Heritage Fund’s invaluable support in advancing the Mission Ruins of Venn’s Town nomination, Seychelles’ first cultural property proposed for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. She also highlighted the importance of empowering African States Parties through capacity-building, technical cooperation and stronger regional partnerships.

Later in the day, Minister Bernstein addressed the high-level event, “Positioning Africa: Advancing Leadership, Cooperation and Empowered Action Beyond Statutory Processes,” where she called for greater African leadership, stronger collaboration among States Parties and sustained investment in the conservation and management of Africa’s exceptional heritage.

On the margins of the Committee, the Minister also engaged with fellow Ministers, senior UNESCO officials and other high-level dignitaries, including Mr Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. She also held a brief bilateral meeting with Mrs Ahlem Gharbi, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of France to UNESCO, during which opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Seychelles and France in the fields of culture and heritage were discussed, reaffirming the strong and longstanding partnership between the two countries.

As the work of the Committee continues, Seychelles remains committed to working alongside international partners to safeguard our shared heritage while ensuring that Africa’s rich cultural legacy is recognised, protected and celebrated for generations to come.