Today, at its 18th extraordinary session, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has decided to inscribe the cultural and historical site “Historical Center of the Port City of Odesa” on the List of World Heritage in Danger. This step will protect the cultural heritage of Odesa and save it from Russian occupiers, who repeatedly direct their missile attacks on the city.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine and the Odesa City Council, which initiated the preparation of the nomination dossier, made significant efforts for the decision to be adopted. The essential work was also carried out with Ukraine’s partner states with the aim of advocating the positive decision of the WHC.
The National Commission for UNESCO expresses its gratitude to Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee, Her Highness Princess Haifa Al Mogrin for her decisive position and repelling Russia’s attempts to disrupt the consideration of the Ukrainian dossier during the WHC session.
Ukraine highly appreciates UNESCO’s support for our joint efforts to preserve our cultural heritage. Together, we have already managed to protect the unique Crimean Tatar national ornament Ornek by including it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The inscription of the element “Culture of Ukrainian borscht cooking” on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding was another significant achievement.
The National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO is grateful to all partners, in particular to the Group of Friends of Ukraine, for their support in the protection of our cultural heritage.