Korea will be home to UNESCO World Heritage Interpretation Centre

An associated institute of UNESCO for research and education on WH interpretation and presentation

A proposal by the Cultural Heritage Administration to establish the International Centre for the Interpretation and Presentation of the World Heritage Sites was adopted on November 21 (local time) during the 40th UNESCO General Assembly held at the international organization’s headquarters in Paris.

The Centre due to be established and operated by the Korean government assumes research and education on World Heritage interpretation and presentation as an institute associated with UNESCO.

The main area of the Centre’s activities includes 1) research on principles of World Heritage interpretation, 2) operation of capacity-building programs in relation to World Heritage interpretation, and 3) capacity-building in the establishment of information system and technology as a basis of World Heritage interpretation.

The government expects the Centre will contribute to and facilitate its cooperation with UNESCO and the overall advancement in the theme of World Heritage interpretation and presentation. Enhanced awareness of World Heritage and their value as well as relevant policies to be developed will also be helpful in progress of education through World Heritage for future generations.

Besides, during the session of the GA, the Global Research and Training Centre for Internationally Designated Areas (GCIDA) to be based on the Jeju Island was also approved to be established. CHA, the focal point of World Heritage Convention of the Republic of Korea, will join in the operation and management of the Centre.

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UNESCO Category 2 Centres in the Republic of Korea