Riyadh, September 11, 2023, The extended 45th Session is being held in Riyadh from September 10 to September 25 and is being hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chair of the 45th UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The World Heritage Committee will meet in person for the first time in four years at this time. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee, made up of representatives from 21 States Parties chosen by the General Assembly, is in charge of carrying out the World Heritage Convention, using the World Heritage Fund, selecting sites for inclusion on the World Heritage List, and overseeing the conservation of World Heritage Sites. Representatives of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee unanimously decided that the extended 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee should be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should preside over it. In accordance with UNESCO's objectives, the decision recognizes the Kingdom's significant contribution to supporting international cultural preservation and protection initiatives.
The opening ceremony for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee took place at the venerable Al-Murabba Palace. As the world modernizes and transforms for a better future, it is crucial to preserve and celebrate culture and legacy. To that end, a stunning exhibition with the subject "Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow" was presented for the audience.
His Majesty Saudi Arabia is happy to host the extended 45th session of the World Heritage Committee, according to Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science. Heritage is essential to Saudi Arabia's identity and unites the country with the rest of the globe. The Kingdom's participation in this crucial worldwide discussion indicates our dedication to maintaining our culture and legacy for upcoming generations. In order to realize our common vision of global sustainable development, we look forward to fostering increased global cooperation and collective capacity-building in the area of conserving the world's cultural heritage alongside UNESCO and partners.
Saudi Arabia is a country with a rich history and a varied culture. Hegra Archaeological Site (al-Hijr), At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah, Historic Jeddah, Rock Art in the Hail Region, Al-Ahsa Oasis, and Hima Cultural Area are the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are currently located in Saudi Arabia. At the committee meeting this year, one more Saudi Arabian property was proposed for consideration.
