Zambia Commends Unesco And Advisory Bodies For Strengthening World Heritage Conservation

Busan, Republic Of Korea Tuesday, July 21, 2026

The Government of the Republic of Zambia has expressed profound gratitude to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and its Advisory Bodies for their continued technical support and collaboration in advancing the country's World Heritage conservation agenda.

Delivering Zambia's statement on the sidelines of the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Mr. EVANS MUHANGA reaffirmed Zambia's unwavering commitment to implementing the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Mr. MUHANGA said Zambia greatly appreciates the sustained support provided by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies—IUCN, ICOMOS and ICCROM—which has significantly strengthened the country's capacity to fulfil its obligations under the World Heritage Convention.

"The Government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies for their continued support, technical guidance and constructive collaboration in assisting Zambia to implement the provisions of the 1972 World Heritage Convention," Mr. MUHANGA said.

He noted that the partnership has played a pivotal role in enhancing Zambia's World Heritage programme, particularly through the successful review and updating of the country's National Tentative List, thereby providing a stronger strategic direction for future World Heritage nominations.

The Permanent Secretary further highlighted the successful implementation of the Preliminary Assessment process for the proposed Kalambo Falls World Heritage nomination, describing it as a significant milestone in Zambia's efforts to secure international recognition for one of the country's most outstanding natural and cultural heritage sites.

Mr. MUHANGA paid special tribute to ICOMOS for its professional guidance and constructive recommendations, which have helped Zambia refine the Kalambo Falls nomination dossier while strengthening the site's protection and management framework in line with international standards.

He added that the continued collaboration with UNESCO, IUCN and ICOMOS has also contributed immensely to promoting sustainable development approaches that strike a balance between heritage conservation and the socio-economic aspirations of local communities living around heritage sites.

According to Mr. MUHANGA, the support rendered through capacity building, technical advisory services, monitoring missions, heritage impact assessments and the promotion of international best practices has substantially improved the management and conservation of Zambia's World Heritage property and other sites possessing Outstanding Universal Value.

He reaffirmed Zambia's commitment as a responsible State Party to the World Heritage Convention, emphasizing that the country values the enduring spirit of cooperation, dialogue and shared responsibility that characterizes the World Heritage community.

"Zambia looks forward to further strengthening its partnership with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the Advisory Bodies and fellow States Parties as we collectively safeguard our shared cultural and natural heritage for present and future generations," he said.

The 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has brought together representatives from States Parties, heritage experts and international organizations from across the world to deliberate on matters relating to the conservation, protection and sustainable management of World Heritage properties.

Issued by:

Ndubi Rodger Mvula, Manager – Information and Public Relations.

Source: National Heritage Conservation Commission Facebook Page