In the photo: Minister Nayden Todorov and Ernesto Ottone
The Bulgarian side raised its candidacy for chairman and host after the Minister of Culture, Maestro Nayden Todorov, held a series of meetings with delegates from various countries, at which a positive attitude and desire to support Bulgaria was established.
Our candidacy also received unreserved support from the parliamentary parties in our country.
"Cultural heritage is that part of our history that defines us as a civilization. Once a year, UNESCO convenes the World Heritage Committee, each year - in a different country. In 2025, for the first time in history, Bulgaria was chosen to host the session of the Committee.
What does this mean for all of us? Those involved in culture and science will see opportunities to meet and exchange experiences with colleagues from all over the world. Businessmen will see opportunities for high turnover and profits. Young people will see opportunities for new exciting acquaintances and future friendships. And Bulgaria? Bulgaria will assert itself where it belongs - in the focus of everyone in the world, for whom culture and science are not empty words. And finally - Bulgaria's candidacy did something considered by many to be "impossible" - it united all parliamentary parties around one cause. And isn't that the meaning of culture - to unite? Thank you to everyone who believed in this cause!" - shared Minister Todorov.
Yesterday, July 30, the Decision of the Council of Ministers to approve the submission of the candidacy of Prof. Dr Nikolay Nenov for the chairmanship of the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2025 and the holding of the 47th session of The UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Sofia in June/July 2025.
The candidacy of Prof. Dr. Nikolay Nenov was raised in his capacity as a scientist. He is a professor of museology and ethnology and director of the Regional History Museum in Ruse. His scientific interests are in the field of cultural heritage and museology, problems of urban ethnology and cultural tourism. Expert in Intangible Cultural Heritage. Lecturer at the University of Ruse. Prof. Nenov is a member of the National Council for Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture. Representative of Bulgaria for the European cultural routes "The Road of the Roman Emperors and the Danube Wine Route" and "Danube Road of the Iron Age".
Hosting such a prestigious event highlights the country's commitment to world heritage conservation and promotes global cooperation in this area.
It also brings significant advantages for Bulgaria, such as increasing our international prestige; increased interest in cultural and natural sites, which stimulates the tourist flow and the economy; and the emergence of new opportunities to strengthen diplomatic ties and cooperation with other countries. Our household is expected to increase the chances of receiving financial and technical assistance from UNESCO for the protection and development of the Bulgarian world heritage sites. And also to promote education and awareness among people about the importance of cultural and natural heritage. Among the expected benefits is increased attention and investments in cultural and natural sites, which will support the development of local infrastructure and economic development.
On behalf of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Ministry of Culture, the head of the Bulgarian delegation, the head of the office of the Minister of Culture Nayden Todorov - Mrs Persa-Anna Nakova, expressed deep gratitude for the honour of hosting the next session of the World Heritage Committee.
The 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is expected to include delegations from 150 countries or about 1,500 people. According to the rules of procedure, the session is held within 10 days in June and July. Specialized forums and events from different countries are parallel to the main session.
Bulgaria was accepted as a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO on May 17, 1956. The last time our country hosted a similar forum of the organization was back in 1985 when the session of the General Conference of the organization. | BGNES
