Nicaragua quits UNESCO
Nicaragua has pulled out of UNESCO after the agency recognized La Prensa, an exiled newspaper, as part of its global press freedom awards.
Mount Paektu, an active stratovolcano straddling the border of North Korea and China, has been officially designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. This recognition, which marks North Korea’s first natural site on the prestigious list,highlights the mountain’s significant natural and cultural heritage.
The announcement came after a meeting of UNESCO’s executive board in February, acknowledging Paektu for its geological features and volcanic history.
Standing at the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula, Mount Paektu is a place of deep cultural and historical importance to both North and South Koreans. According to North Korean legend, the mountain is the birthplace of Dangun, the mythical founder of the first Korean kingdom, and plays a pivotal role in the country’s foundation myth. Additionally, North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has frequently visited the mountain, often to mark significant moments in his leadership, and it is closely tied to the Kim family’s narrative of heroism and national identity.
The UNESCO designation draws attention to the geological importance of Mount Paektu, particularly its “millennial eruption” in 946 CE, one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recorded history. The mountain’s volcanic legacy, glacially eroded valleys, and rocky plains are considered key features contributing to its global significance.
This recognition may also help North Korea rebrand Mount Paektu as a geotourism destination, promoting both its natural beauty and its rich cultural mythology. However, the geopolitical implications of this designation remain uncertain. While the Chinese side of the mountain was previously designated as a global geopark under the name Changbaishan in 2024, the North Korean side's inclusion marks a rare recognition for the secretive nation.
The UNESCO Global Geopark status emphasizes the importance of managing such sites with a focus on protection, education, and sustainable development. While North Korea has sought this designation for several years, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed on-site inspections, and it remains to be seen whether the recognition will lead to greater international engagement or be used primarily as a tool for Pyongyang's state narrative.
Mount Paektu’s cultural and national significance in North Korea is immense, serving as a symbol of national unity and pride, and as a testament to the ruling Kim family's legacy. Whether this recognition will translate into broader global interest in the region, or remain a part of North Korea’s internal propaganda, is still unclear. Nonetheless, Mount Paektu, with its clouds shrouding its slopes and its legends passed down through generations, continues to hold a powerful place in the hearts of Koreans on both sides of the border.
AnewZ takes to the streets of Yerevan and Baku to ask a simple yet deeply complex question: How do you see peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan? In the first part of our special report, we hear the hopes, doubts, and scars still shaping people’s perspectives on both sides.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Kyiv faced a large-scale Russian drone and missile assault overnight, with explosions and gunfire echoing throughout the city, forcing residents to shelter in subway stations.
The Kingsway Exchange Tunnels beneath London, which served as the real-world inspiration for James Bond's legendary Q Branch, are set to become one of the world's most extraordinary spy museums by 2028.
Banksy has returned with a mysterious new artwork—this time, possibly in France—and fans are buzzing with theories.
Police detained five individuals on Wednesday during a protest linked to Gal Gadot’s latest film shoot in central London, citing offences including harassment and obstruction of workplace access.
Under the stars in Rome, Dior unveiled its cruise and haute couture 2026 collections with a dreamy runway show inspired by Italian cinema and theatre.
Rick Derringer, the rock guitarist behind hits like “Hang On Sloopy” and “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” has died at age 77. He was known for his decades-long career and collaborations with music legends and pop culture icons.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment