UNESCO chief visits Ukraine, pledges support for cultural heritage

UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany visited Ukraine for the first time since taking office, meeting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv on 15 August to discuss protecting the country’s cultural heritage amid continued Russian attacks.

Following the meeting, Sybiha stressed the importance of continued UNESCO monitoring of heritage sites, documenting damage caused by Russia and efforts to hold those responsible to account.

“Culture, education, science and historical heritage are an integral part of Ukrainian identity and a source of resilience for our society. They are also important components of our national security,” Sybiha said.

“Russia fully understands their strategic importance, which is why its strikes on Ukrainian museums, monuments, universities, schools and scientific institutions are not accidental. They are part of a deliberate Russian policy aimed at destroying Ukraine and everything Ukrainian.”

He added that protecting these areas must remain a key component of Ukraine’s cooperation with UNESCO.

UNESCO mobilises $79 million for Ukraine

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, UNESCO has mobilised $79 million through its partners to support the country’s recovery — the organisation’s largest crisis response worldwide.

Its support has included more than 58,000 Chromebooks for teachers and learners, training for over 77,000 educators in digital pedagogy and psychosocial support for more than 170,000 children.

UNESCO has also supported more than 5,100 journalists through safety training, equipment, grants and psychological assistance.

In the cultural sector, the organisation has worked with more than 2,500 Ukrainian cultural professionals, supported the rehabilitation of cultural sites and established the Lviv Culture Hub. It has also worked with Ukrainian researchers and scientific institutions to strengthen the resilience of the country’s science sector.

UNESCO World Heritage sites in danger

As part of his visit, El-Enany attended a ceremony marking the 975th anniversary of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and reviewed ongoing restoration work at the Dormition Cathedral.

Following damage caused by strikes in June 2026, UNESCO mobilised technical expertise in coordination with Ukrainian authorities and partners to assess the cathedral, identify urgent measures and prepare for its stabilisation and future restoration.

Protecting the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra forms part of the World Heritage property “Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra,” which was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1990.

The property has been on the List of World Heritage in Danger since 2023 and was also granted provisional enhanced protection under the 1999 Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention.

“The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra carries exceptional importance for the people of Ukraine, and for humanity as a whole. Its protection is a responsibility shared by the international community, and UNESCO will continue mobilising its expertise and partners to safeguard and restore this extraordinary World Heritage site,” El-Enany said.

Work at the Lavra will continue in cooperation with Ukrainian authorities and heritage professionals, in line with international conservation standards and with the aim of protecting the site’s Outstanding Universal Value.

Dormition Cathedral receives emergency funding

A preliminary assessment completed in July found extensive damage to the Dormition Cathedral, with more than 80 per cent of its roof and parts of its upper structures affected.

While emergency measures have helped stabilise the cathedral in the short term, UNESCO experts identified several urgent interventions needed before full restoration can begin.

During his visit, El-Enany announced $100,000 from UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund for urgent stabilisation work at the Dormition Cathedral.

Switzerland has also committed $732,000 through UNESCO to support the preparation of detailed design documents for the reconstruction of the permanent roof, as well as emergency consolidation works.

Japan has offered funding for a 3D laser scan and digital survey of the Dormition Cathedral, creating a precise record of the damaged structure to guide stabilisation, conservation and future restoration efforts.

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Ukraine Russia War Ukraine Russia UNESCO UNESCO World Heritage Culture