Paris: The State of Kuwait has been elected as a member of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee for a four-year term. This significant development took place during the 25th session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the 1972 Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in Paris.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Dr. Mohammad Al-Jasser, Secretary General of Kuwait's National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), stated that this election highlights Kuwait's prominent cultural position on both regional and international levels. Al-Jasser expressed pride in Kuwait's election to the UNESCO committee, emphasizing it as a turning point that will bolster Kuwait's influence in international policy-making concerning world heritage preservation.
Dr. Al-Jasser attributed this achievement to the unwavering support from Kuwait's political leadership for culture and arts. He also acknowledged the efforts of Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, the Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, as well as NCCAL Chairman, in promoting Kuwait's cultural and heritage initiatives. Additionally, Al-Jasser commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Kuwait's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO for their crucial role in garnering support for Kuwait's election.
He reiterated the NCCAL's commitment to enhancing Kuwait's contribution to the Committee and its preparation to qualify Kuwait's tangible heritage sites for inclusion on the World Heritage List. Al-Jasser also stressed the importance of world heritage sites in fostering tourism, economic development, and cultural exchange among countries.
The 21-member World Heritage Committee acts as UNESCO's primary executive body for the World Heritage Convention. Its responsibilities include overseeing the creation of the UNESCO World Heritage List and ensuring the protection and transmission of cultural and natural heritage for future generations. The Committee also manages the World Heritage Fund, providing financial support for conservation, management, emergency interventions, and capacity-building projects for its member states.