The 49th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will be held in Istanbul from June 27 to July 7 next year.
Türkiye has begun preparations to host the 49th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2027, an event set to gather top international experts and shine a global spotlight on the nation’s rich historical treasures.
Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy emphasized that the meeting will strengthen global cooperation under the World Heritage Convention while driving innovative strategies to protect shared cultural heritage.
The preparations cover a wide range of areas, including transportation, communications, technical infrastructure, media and promotional activities, as well as events to be held alongside the committee sessions.
A broad organizational structure is being planned for the 2027 meeting, with the Foreign Ministry, Istanbul Governor’s Office, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Turkish National Commission for UNESCO and other relevant authorities expected to take part.
A working group will be established after the UNESCO World Heritage Centre sends the agreement and statement of requirements. Consultations with relevant institutions and a protocol defining responsibilities are also planned.
One of the key preparations will be selecting a congress center that meets the infrastructure and capacity requirements set by the World Heritage Centre.
Preparations will also cover security, waste management and environmental measures, emergency medical and first-aid services and accessibility requirements for people with disabilities.
The program will include side events dedicated to World Heritage, providing states parties, UNESCO, advisory bodies, civil society organizations, experts and other institutions with opportunities to present projects.
