Azerbaijan wins seat on UNESCO World Heritage Committee after competitive vote in Paris

Azerbaijan has been elected to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the 2025 to 2029 term, securing one of the most competitive seats allocated to the Eastern European regional group.

The vote, held on 24 November in Paris during the 25th session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the 1972 World Heritage Convention, took place under intense competition. Five countries contested the single seat reserved for the region.

Azerbaijan received 92 votes out of 161, finishing far ahead of Czechia with 28 votes, Armenia with 21, Poland with 11 and Slovenia with 9. The outcome highlights Azerbaijan’s strong diplomatic backing among member states.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the election reflects Azerbaijan’s growing role in global heritage protection and its increasing international standing.

The World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 member countries, is the main executive body overseeing the implementation of the World Heritage Convention. Its responsibilities include reviewing nominations for the UNESCO World Heritage List, ensuring the protection and conservation of cultural and natural sites of global value, and supervising the use of the World Heritage Fund.

The Fund supports a wide range of activities, from conservation and emergency assistance to management planning and capacity building for national institutions.

Azerbaijan previously served on the Committee from 2015 to 2019 and made what officials described as "significant contributions" to its work. In 2019, Baku hosted the 43rd session of the Committee, one of the largest gatherings in the history of the organisation.

Officials said the latest victory underscores Azerbaijan’s growing influence in regional and international cultural diplomacy, and strengthens the country’s position within UNESCO’s decision-making structures.

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