Azerbaijan represented at the 34th Session of the ICCROM General Assembly
From 10 to 12 December, the 34th Session of the General Assembly of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) was held in Rome.
Azerbaijan participated in the session with a delegation led by Sabina Hajiyeva, Head of the State Service for the Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture.
At the opening session, Sabina Hajiyeva delivered a national statement highlighting Azerbaijan’s cooperation with ICCROM, heritage sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the work being carried out in the field of cultural heritage protection. She also provided information on restoration and monitoring processes in the territories liberated from occupation, the destruction that has been identified, and monuments whose inventory has been delayed due to security risks.
It was noted that nominations such as the “Azikh and Taghlar Cave Camps,” “Khudafarin Bridges,” “Ancient City of Gabala,” and the “Gemiqaya and Goygol Historical, Cultural and Natural Complex” have been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List, and that Azerbaijan remains committed to international cooperation in the field of cultural heritage protection.
Within the framework of the session, on 11 December, Sabina Hajiyeva spoke at a side event entitled “The Culture-Climate Nexus: the Missing Link”. She addressed the role of culture in Azerbaijan’s climate policy, targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding renewable energy, as well as the “Culture for Climate” initiative proposed within the framework of COP29.
During the session, Sabina Hajiyeva met with ICCROM Director-General Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral to discuss the prospects for joint projects.
At the General Assembly, discussions were held on ICCROM’s financial situation, the Programme of Work and Budget for 2026-2027, as well as the organization’s strategic areas of activity.
