Baku: Azerbaijan unveiled a new international program aimed at supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) during the side event organized by the World Heritage Center on the margins of the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Busan, Korea.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the program, titled 'International Technical Assistance Initiative of the Republic of Azerbaijan for World Heritage Pathway Capacity Building for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)', was announced at a high-level event on 'World Heritage Strategy for SIDS'. This initiative, organized by the Chartered Culture and Education Institute of Azerbaijan (CCEI Azerbaijan), focuses on enhancing institutional capacity and professional skills in SIDS countries and providing expertise for including rare heritage sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Elman Abdullayev, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to UNESCO, highlighted that the initiative is designed to contribute to UNESCO's efforts, addressing the specific needs of SIDS countries. It aims to strengthen practical capacities, especially in responding to climate change challenges affecting World Heritage sites. The program will involve professional experts from CCEI Azerbaijan, known for their international experience in the field.

Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre, emphasized the significance of the program and expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan's support to SIDS. Participants at the event noted that Azerbaijan's initiative is a crucial step in fostering international solidarity, sharing expertise in cultural and natural heritage protection, and enhancing capacity-building in SIDS and other vulnerable countries.