Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
10 ARTICLES
·
3mo ago

UNESCO World Heritage Committee Adopts Busan Declaration in Busan

The unanimous decision proposes adding 'collaboration' as a sixth strategic objective, flags responsible use of digital technologies, and triggers Korean plans for 12 follow-up programs.

A Buddhist monk demonstrates woodblock carving at the "K-Heritage House" during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center in Busan, some 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on July 20, 2026. (Yonhap)
Visitors look at exhibits at the "K-Heritage House" at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center in Busan, some 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on July 20, 2026. (Yonhap)
A visitor views a media art display inside the "K-Heritage House" at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center in Busan, some 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul. South Korea opened the pavilion on July 20, 2026, for local visitors and delegates attending the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, which runs through July 29. (Yonhap)
Visitors look at exhibits at the "K-Heritage House" at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center in Busan, some 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul. South Korea opened the pavilion on July 20, 2026, for local visitors and delegates attending the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, which runs through July 29. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • The 48th session opened in Busan with about 3,000 delegates expected to attend, marking the first time South Korea has hosted the World Heritage Committee since joining the convention in 1988.
  • On Monday the committee unanimously adopted the Busan Declaration, which calls for stronger international cooperation and proposes 'collaboration' be added to the convention’s five strategic objectives.
  • The declaration is the first World Heritage text to flag responsible use of digital technologies, including generative AI, as part of site protection and public engagement strategies.
  • Delegates are now reviewing 33 proposals, with IUCN recommending approval of South Korea’s Getbol tidal-flats extension and the committee expected to consider a draft decision urging Japan to better reflect wartime mobilization at the Sado mine site.
  • UNESCO officials urged urgent preventive action to protect sites from climate change, conflict and development pressures, while the Korea Heritage Service announced 12 concrete follow-up programs to translate the declaration into practice and support international cooperation.