World Heritage Committee adds “Guiding Principles for sites of memory associated with recent conflicts” to its Operational Guidelines
OWH celebrates the decision taken by the World Heritage Committee at its 48th session held in Busan, Republic of Korea in July 2026 to include the “Guiding Principles for sites of memory associated with recent conflicts” in its Operational Guidelines. OWH is grateful to Poland as a Committee member who proposed the amendment to incorporate the guiding principles—approved by the committee in 2023 in the final decision:
Recalls Decision 18 EXT.COM 4 and further requests the World Heritage Centre, in consultation with the Advisory Bodies, to make proposals in view to include the “Guiding principles for Sites of Memory Associated with Recent Conflicts”, into draft document for the next substantive revision of the Operational Guidelines (WHC.48 COM 8, point 28).
In summary, the landmark decision in 2023 sets out a comprehensive suite of measures to guide future nominations of sites of memory associated with recent conflicts to avoid ongoing conflicts and achieve sustainable peace. The entire decision is a thoughtful and meaningful exploration of this sensitive issue and may be consulted at Report of the Decisions adopted during the 18th extraordinary session of the World Heritage Committee (UNESCO, 2023).
Highlights of these requirements include:
· texts that are accurate to avoid distortion of memories;
· proof that serious efforts have been made to ensure inclusive and effective participation of all potentially affected stakeholders;
· inclusion of a multi-dimensional interpretation strategy to ensure an accurate presentation of the full meaning of the site, showing both its historical past and present-day meanings;
· evidence of educational and information programs that are ethical, meet scholarly standards, and reflect multiple narratives based on research and comparative analysis;
· documentation that a reconciliation process has been carried out by the State Party;
· text demonstrating that the nomination does not interrupt the process of dialogue and reconciliation.
By incorporating the 2023 committee decision in the Operational Guidelines, these important principles and the extensive debates that underpin them will not be forgotten as delegations change and memory fades. World Heritage sites have the potential to teach preventive lessons and promote reconciliation and peace. They are places of local and global dialogues.
