Paris, Nov 25 (V7N) – Bangladesh has achieved a historic milestone by securing a seat on UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee for the first time. The election took place during the 25th General Assembly of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, held at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. This victory highlights Bangladesh’s growing diplomatic influence in cultural and international affairs.

This year, no seat was specifically allocated for the Asia-Pacific region, prompting Bangladesh to compete in the open category. Despite strong competition from other countries, Bangladesh successfully won the seat for the 2025–2029 term, allowing it to participate in key decisions regarding the conservation and management of World Heritage Sites globally.

Earlier, on October 7, 2025, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Khandakar M. Talha, had been elected President of the UNESCO General Assembly, defeating contenders from Japan, South Korea, and India. His leadership in previous UNESCO elections has consistently brought success for Bangladesh, reflecting sustained diplomatic efforts.

Ambassador Talha said, “Bangladesh’s success at UNESCO is not a singular event. It represents our continuous diplomatic engagement, the trust of other member states, and the result of meticulous preparation and cooperation between our foreign ministry, the cultural ministry, and the Paris Embassy.”

He further expressed gratitude to all officials and staff who contributed to the election campaign, highlighting that Bangladesh’s strategic focus on cultural diplomacy has strengthened its international profile.

Since becoming a member of UNESCO in 1972, Bangladesh has successfully registered three cultural sites and one natural site as World Heritage Sites. The Sundarbans, inscribed in 1997, remains the most prominent natural heritage recognition. Experts say the election win not only underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to cultural preservation but also elevates its diplomatic credibility on the international stage.

The World Heritage Committee election is regarded as one of the most competitive in UNESCO’s calendar. Countries are evaluated not just on diplomatic influence but also on their contribution to cultural preservation, experience in heritage management, and engagement in regional initiatives. Analysts note that Bangladesh’s win demonstrates recognition of its track record in promoting both cultural and natural heritage.

Bangladesh will officially begin its tenure at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in June 2026 in Busan, South Korea. During the committee term, Bangladesh will have a say in evaluating new World Heritage nominations, monitoring existing sites, and influencing global heritage policies.

This election marks another step in Bangladesh’s expanding global presence, following successes in international diplomacy, cultural advocacy, and multilateral engagement at UNESCO. Observers say it reflects the country’s ability to leverage expertise, coordination, and sustained diplomacy to achieve recognition on the world stage.

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