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(LEAD) World heritage representatives gather in Busan for UNESCO committee session
UNESCO's World Heritage Committee convenes in Busan for its 48th session, marking South Korea's first time hosting the event. Around 3,000 participants from 196 member states will review 33 proposals, including an extension of South Korea's Getbol tidal flats and a draft decision on Japan's Sado mine. Opening ceremonies featured President Lee Jae Myung and K-pop star G-Dragon.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee opened its 48th session in Busan on Sunday, marking the first time South Korea has hosted the annual meeting since joining the World Heritage Convention in 1988. Around 3,000 participants from 196 member states, international organizations, and non-governmental entities are expected to attend the 10-day gathering at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center, according to Yonhap News.
Coverage Comparison
Yonhap News reported that the session will be chaired by Lee Byong-hyun, a former South Korean ambassador to UNESCO, following the customary practice of the host country presiding over the meeting. The opening ceremony on Sunday evening featured cultural performances and was attended by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, Assistant Director-General for Culture Nayef Al-Fayez, and Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of the World Heritage Center.
K-pop star G-Dragon also attended the ceremony in his capacity as the session's honorary ambassador. Plenary sessions are scheduled from July 20 to 29.
Key Claims
The committee will review 33 proposals, including 30 new nominations and three requests to extend or modify existing World Heritage listings, as reported by Yonhap.
Among the proposals is a proposed extension of South Korea's 'Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats' site, which would add four coastal wetlands to the property inscribed in 2021. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has recommended approval of the extension, which is typically endorsed by the committee.
The committee is also expected to discuss a draft decision on Japan's implementation of follow-up measures for the Sado mine World Heritage site. The draft decision recommends that Japan take further steps to adequately reflect the mine's 'whole history' regarding the wartime mobilization of Korean laborers. More than 1,500 Koreans were mobilized to work at the mine during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. The draft decision is likely to be adopted during the session unless member states object.
The committee may adopt a 'Busan declaration', which would introduce 'collaboration' as an additional strategic objective alongside the committee's existing five 'C' priorities for the effective implementation of the World Heritage Convention.
In his congratulatory address, President Lee emphasized that world heritage is not merely a legacy of the past but a symbol uniting humanity across borders, serving as a foundation for peace and cooperation. He said, "The world can foster mutual respect for each other's history and strengthen trust and solidarity within the global community in the process of jointly preserving and remembering world heritage." He also pledged to work with the international community to build a more peaceful and prosperous future together with UNESCO.
K-pop star G-Dragon highlighted the role of art in safeguarding heritage in his speech as an honorary ambassador, saying, "Protecting heritage is not only about preserving the past but about building peace for the future."
How this outlet told it
Yonhap News — English
Framing: Informative — Neutral
Facts Included:
UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in Busan
3,000 participants from 196 member states
10-day meeting at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center
Review of 33 proposals for inscription or extension of World Heritage listings
Proposed extension of South Korea's 'Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats' site
Draft decision on Japan's implementation of follow-up measures for the Sado mine World Heritage site
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Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimThe UNESCO World Heritage Committee is meeting in Busan for its annual session, with around 3,000 participants from 196 member states attending the 10-day meeting at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center.
ClaimThe meeting marks the first time South Korea has hosted the UNESCO World Heritage Committee since joining the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in 1988.
ClaimAmong the proposals is a proposed extension of South Korea's 'Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats' site, which would add four coastal wetlands to the property inscribed in 2021.
ClaimThe draft decision recommends that Japan take further steps to adequately reflect the mine's 'whole history' regarding the wartime mobilization of Korean laborers.
ClaimThe committee may adopt a 'Busan declaration', which would introduce 'collaboration' as an additional strategic objective alongside the committee's existing five 'C' priorities for the effective implementation of the World Heritage Convention.
ClaimSouth Korean President Lee Jae Myung attended the opening ceremony of the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee and emphasized that world heritage is not merely a legacy of the past but a symbol uniting humanity across borders, serving as a foundation for peace and cooperation.
ClaimK-pop star G-Dragon highlighted the role of art in safeguarding heritage in his speech as an honorary ambassador for the session, saying 'Protecting heritage is not only about preserving the past but about building peace for the future.'