With the aim of strengthening the international reach of its natural and cultural heritage, Paraguay officially submitted its candidacy to join UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for World Heritage (ICWH). The ICWH is responsible for ensuring the protection of sites registered on the World Heritage List. The nomination was presented by Nancy Ovelar, Ambassador of the Permanent Delegation of Paraguay to UNESCO.
This step represents a historic opportunity for the country. Joining the ICWH would reinforce Paraguay’s leadership in the management of natural and cultural heritage. Being part of the ICWH would also strengthen the country’s role within the multilateral UNESCO system.
Minister of Tourism of Paraguay Angie Duarte spoke about the management of the Jesuit Missions in the nation. She highlighted the country’s commitment to the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable management of its heritage. She also put forward the importance of Paraguay’s active participation in the Committee. With this initiative, the government aims to position its natural and cultural resources on the global stage.
Meeting with the Deputy Director-General
Ernesto Ottone, the Deputy Director-General for Culture received Angie Duarte, the Minister for Tourism at the headquarters of the UNESCO. This meeting aimed at strengthening the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage. The objective was to establish concrete strategies for the management, conservation. Furthermore, the goal was the enhancement of the Jesuit Missions, the country’s historical and spiritual heritage.
The meeting took place within the framework of the International Conference “Preserving Our Cultural Heritage, Safeguarding Our Future.” This reunion reinforces the joint commitment between Paraguay and UNESCO to ensure that this cultural treasure remains alive and accessible for present and future generations. Furthermore, this meeting constitutes a firm step toward protecting our history, identity, and cultural wealth.
UNESCO World Heritage Committee
The Committee is responsible for essential functions. The ICWH has to identify and approve the inscription of natural and cultural sites of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). The organisation has to monitor the state of conservation of designated properties. That means including or excluding sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger. Furthermore, the Committee has to determine the use of resources from the World Heritage Fund. The ICWH also has to periodically reviewing the Convention’s Operational Guidelines (COG).
The importance of UNESCO World Heritage Committee lies in ensuring that decisions regarding heritage are made based on scientific, technical, and cultural criteria. The goal is also to promote transparent, participatory, and equitable management among Member States.
Joining the Intergovernmental Committee will allow Paraguay to participate in decision-making regarding the inscription of new sites, collaborate in monitoring their conservation, and contribute to the strategic use of the World Heritage Fund for technical and financial assistance.
About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is a specialist agency of the United Nations. The organisation promotes peace and security by fostering international co-operation in education, science, culture, and communication.
The UNESCO sets global standards and norms, provides knowledge, develops tools, and offers policy recommendations to help Member States address challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A key aspect of its work includes protecting the world’s cultural and natural heritage through initiatives like World Heritage Sites Those sites are considered valuable to all humanity.
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