Slovenia’s Candidacy for UNESCO World Heritage Committee Presented in Paris

14. 7. 2025

Ministry of Culture

In March of this year, the Government adopted a decision endorsing Slovenia’s candidacy for membership in the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the 2025–2027 term. Slovenia presented its candidacy in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Paris, which is also accredited as Slovenia’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

Slovenia’s candidacy for the Intergovernmental Committee was formally introduced to the Member States of the World Heritage Convention at a reception hosted by the Embassy on 9 July 2025. At the presentation, Špela Spanžel, Director-General of the Cultural Heritage Directorate, participated as the official representative of the Ministry of Culture.

In her address, Director-General Spanžel emphasised that the idea for the candidacy to this Intergovernmental Committee had been developing for a long time and came to fruition through years of professional work and the formation of a wide group of experts on world heritage: “Slovenia believes that heritage is an important part of the quality of life of individuals and communities, a driving force for dialogue and cooperation, and a source of inspiration and goodwill. In the committee, we will work in this spirit, as excellent international cooperation is already exemplified by the multinational entries on the World Heritage List and by our shared commitment to preserving our common heritage.”

The inter-ministerial candidacy project involves ministries collaborating with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Ministry of Culture coordinates the content of the activities in cooperation with Slovenian public institutions in the cultural sector.

For many years, Slovenia has been an active party to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which unites 196 countries worldwide in their efforts to preserve heritage of importance to all of humanity. Slovenian experts regularly participate in UNESCO meetings and cooperate in several intergovernmental committees and working bodies. Through this involvement, they actively contribute to discussions about the future of the Convention and the sustainability of the world heritage system. They implement the principles and mechanisms of the Convention at the national level, considering the international framework when addressing key issues and collaborating with international professional associations and countries to facilitate the regular exchange of knowledge, experience and practices.

Slovenia's candidacy for the 21-member UNESCO committee holds significant importance both nationally and internationally. At the national level, it is grounded on the implementation of the Convention through professional foundations, a clear methodology, competent experts and active community involvement. At the international level, by building on activities within the professional framework of the Convention, it strengthens international cooperation and raises Slovenia's visibility within UNESCO.

Taking into account past experiences, creative approaches and the belief that heritage is key to a good quality of life, the well-being of communities and sustainable development, Slovenia, as a member of the World Heritage Committee, will always work for the benefit of heritage and communities, cooperating with all States Parties to the Convention.

In support of the nomination, the Ministry of Culture, together with its partners, has prepared informative materials – a brochure in the official languages of UNESCO (English and French) as well as in Slovenian.

Elections to this intergovernmental committee will be held during the 25th session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention at the end of November this year in Paris. Slovenia is running for a seat in Electoral Group II for the 2025–2029 term. In accordance with the Convention, it will be represented by experts in cultural and natural heritage. More information about the elections is available on the UNESCO website.

Director-General Špela Spanžel, together with a team of experts from the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia and the Museum of Architecture and Design, is also participating in the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The session is being held under the leadership of Bulgaria on 6–16 July 2025 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.