WHC-2015/5
July 2015
RULES OF PROCEDURE
UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND
CULTURAL ORGANISATION
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE
FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE
WORLD CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE
WORLD HERITAGE CENTRE
The Rules of Procedure were last revised by the World Heritage Committee at its thirty-ninth
session (Bonn, 2015). Additional copies are available from the Secretariat:
UNESCO World Heritage Centre
7, place de Fontenoy
75352 Paris 07 SP
France
Tel: +33 (0)1 45 68 15 71
Fax: +33 (0)1 45 68 55 70
E-mail :
[email protected]
www: http://whc.unesco.org/
http://whc.unesco.org/en/committeerules (English)
http://whc.unesco.org/fr/comitereglement (French)
Printed: July 2015
Rules of Procedure, World Heritage Committee WHC-2015/5
UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL,
SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR THE PROTECTION
OF THE WORLD CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE
Established under the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and
Natural Heritage adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO at its seventeenth session
on 16 November 1972
RULES OF PROCEDURE
Adopted by the Committee at its first session (Paris, 1977) and amended
at its second, (Washington D.C., 1978), third (Luxor, 1979), twentieth
(Mérida, 1996), twenty-fourth, (Cairns, 2000), twenty-fifth (Helsinki,
2001), thirtieth (Vilnius, 2006), thirty-fourth (Brasilia, 2010), thirty-fifth
(UNESCO, 2011), thirty-seventh (Phnom Penh, 2013) and thirty-ninth
(Bonn, 2015) ordinary sessions and sixth extraordinary (Paris, 2003)
session.1 2
All the terms used in these Rules to designate the person discharging
duties or functions are to be interpreted as implying that men and women
are equally eligible to fill any post or seat associated with the discharge of
these duties and functions.3
1
Amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
2
The revisions made to these Rules have resulted in a change to the numbering in certain sections and Rules. To
trace the changes in the numbering see the report of the sixth extraordinary session (document WHC-03/6 EXT.
COM/8, Annex II)
3
Adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003). The Rules amended as a
consequence are not mentioned in the footnotes.
Rules of Procedure, World Heritage Committee WHC-2015/5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. MEMBERSHIP VII. VOTING
Rule 1 The World Heritage Committee Rule 35 Voting rights
36 Conduct during voting
II. SESSIONS 37 Two-thirds majority
38 Simple majority
Rule 2 Ordinary and 39 Counting of votes
extraordinary sessions 40 Show of hands
3 Convocation 41 Secret ballot
4 Date and Place 42 Conduct of voting by secret ballot
III. PARTICIPANTS VIII. SECRETARIAT OF THE COMMITTEE
Rule 5 Delegations Rule 43 The Secretariat
6 Organizations attending in an
advisory capacity IX. WORKING LANGUAGES AND REPORTS
7 Invitations for consultation
8 Observers Rule 44 Working languages
45 Deadline for distribution of
IV. AGENDA documents
46 Reports of the session
Rule 9 Provisional Agenda 47 Summary Record
10 Adoption of the Agenda 48 Communication of the
11 Amendments, deletions and new documentation
items 49 Reports to the General Assembly of
States Parties and to the UNESCO
V. BUREAU General Conference
Rule 12 Bureau X. ADOPTION, AMENDMENT AND
13 Elections SUSPENSION OF THE RULES OF
14 Duties of the Chairperson PROCEDURE
15 Replacement of Chairperson
16 Replacement the Rapporteur Rule 50 Adoption
51 Amendment
VI. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS 52 Suspension
Rule 17 Quorum
18 Public meetings
19 Private meetings
20 Consultative bodies
21 Subsidiary bodies
22 Order and time-limit of speeches
23 Text of proposals
24 Division of proposals
25 Voting on amendments
26 Voting on Proposals
27 Withdrawal of proposals
28 Points of order
29 Procedural motions
30 Suspension or adjournment of the
meeting
31 Adjournment of debate
32 Closure of debate
33 Order of procedural motions
34 Decisions
Rules of Procedure, World Heritage Committee WHC-2015/5
I. MEMBERSHIP
Rule 1. The World Heritage Committee
Convention The Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of the World
Article 8.1 Cultural and Natural Heritage called the World Heritage Committee and
hereinafter referred to as the "Committee" is composed of the States
Parties to the Convention elected in accordance with Article 8 of the
Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural
Heritage hereinafter referred to as the "Convention".
II. SESSIONS
Rule 2. Ordinary and Extraordinary Sessions4
2.1 The Committee shall meet at least once per year in ordinary session5.
2.2 The Committee shall meet in extraordinary session at the request of at
least two-thirds of the States members.
Rule 3. Convocation6
3.1 Sessions of the Committee shall be convened by the Chairperson of
the Committee, hereinafter referred to as "the Chairperson", in
consultation with the Director-General of UNESCO, hereinafter referred
to as "the Director-General".
3.2 The Director-General shall notify the States members of the
Committee, the date, place and provisional agenda of each session, not
less than sixty days in advance in the case of an ordinary session and, if
possible, not less than thirty days in advance in the case of an
extraordinary session.
3.3 The Director-General shall, at the same time, notify to the States,
organizations and individuals mentioned in Rules 6, 7 and 8, the date,
place and provisional agenda of each session.
Rule 4. Date and Place
4.1 The Committee shall determine at each session, in consultation with
the Director-General, the date and the place of the next session. The date
4
Rule 2.1 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
5
By Decision 35 COM 12B (paragraph 9) adopted at its 35th session (UNESCO, 2011), the World
Heritage Committee decided that three ordinary (not extended) sessions of the Committee should be
held each biennium as follows:
a) Even years – host country; agenda: reports, budget, nomination and state of conservation reports;
b) Odd years – host country; agenda: reports, budget, nomination and state of conservation reports,
c) Odd years – UNESCO Headquarters immediately after the General Assembly; agenda: strategic
and policy issues and as necessary, reports on the state of conservation needing urgent examination
6
Rule 3.1 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
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and/or place may be modified, if necessary, by the Bureau, in
consultation with the Director-General.
4.2 Any State member of the Committee may invite the Committee to
hold a session in its territory.
4.3 In determining the place of the next session, the Committee shall give
due regard to the need to ensure an equitable rotation among the different
regions and cultures of the world.
III. PARTICIPANTS
Rule 5. Delegations7
5.1 Each State member of the Committee shall be represented by one
delegate, who may be assisted by alternates, advisers and experts.
Convention 5.2 States members of the Committee shall choose as their
Article 9.3 representatives persons qualified in the field of cultural or natural
heritage. They are strongly encouraged to include in their delegation
persons qualified in both fields.
5.3 States members of the Committee shall transmit to the Secretariat in
writing the names, designations and qualifications of their
representatives.
5.4 In order to ensure a fair representation within the Committee of the
various geographical and cultural areas, the Committee allocates in its
budget a sum intended to cover the cost of participation, in its sessions
and sessions of its Bureau, of representatives of developing countries, but
only for persons who are experts in cultural or natural heritage. And, if
the budget allows, representatives of developing countries who are non-
members of the Committee may also be supported; their representatives
too must be experts in cultural or natural heritage.
5.5 Requests for assistance to participate in the Bureau and Committee
meetings should reach the Secretariat at least four weeks before the
session concerned. These requests shall be considered within the
resources available as decided by the Committee, in increasing order of
GNP income per capita of each member of the Committee. In no event
may the World Heritage Fund finance more than two representatives of
each State member, who must in this case be one expert in the natural and
one in the cultural heritage field. If financial resources permit, other
requests for assistance to attend shall be considered.
7
Rule 5.2 amended and Rules 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary
session (Paris, 2003)
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Rule 6. Organizations attending in an advisory capacity8 9
Convention A representative of the International Centre for the Study of the
Article 8.3 Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), a
representative of the International Council on Monuments and Sites
(ICOMOS) and a representative of the World Conservation Union,
formerly International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN), to whom may be added, at the request of States
Parties to the Convention meeting in General Assembly during the
ordinary sessions of the General Conference of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, representatives of
other intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations, with similar
objectives, may attend the meetings of the Committee in an advisory
capacity.
Rule 7. Invitations for consultation10
Convention The Committee may at any time invite public or private organizations or
Article 10.2 individuals to participate in its sessions for consultation on particular
problems.
Rule 8. Observers11
8.1 States Parties to the Convention which are not members of the
Committee may attend the sessions of the Committee and its Bureau as
observers. They shall be consulted by the Committee on all matters in
respect of which consultation is prescribed by the Convention.
8.2 Non States Parties to the Convention who are Member States of
UNESCO or of the United Nations may also be permitted by the
Committee, upon written request, to attend the sessions of the Committee
and its Bureau as observers.
8.3 The United Nations and organizations of the United Nations system,
as well as, upon written request, at least 15 days prior to the date of the
session of the Committee, other international governmental and non-
governmental organizations, permanent observer missions to UNESCO
and non profit-making institutions having activities in the fields covered
by the Convention, according to criteria defined by the World Heritage
Committee, may be authorized by the Committee to participate in the
sessions of the Committee as observers.
8
Not to confuse the Advisory Bodies (Article 8.3 of the World Heritage Convention and Rule 6 of the
Rules of Procedure of the World Heritage Committee) with the consultative bodies (Article 10.3 of the
World Heritage Convention and Rule 20 of the Rules of Procedure of the World Heritage Committee).
9
Rule 6 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
10
Rule 7 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
11
Title and Rule 8.1 amended and Rule 8.2 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session
(Paris, 2003); Rule 8.3 amended by the Committee at its twenty-fifth ordinary session (Helsinki, 2001),
at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003), at its thirty-fourth ordinary session (Brasilia, 2010) and
at its thirty-fifth ordinary session (UNESCO, 2011)
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8.4 The Director-General may provisionally invite any organization
referred to in Rule 8.3 subject to subsequent confirmation by the
Committee.
IV. AGENDA
Rule 9. Provisional Agenda12
Convention 9.1 The provisional agenda of the sessions of the Committee shall be
Article 14.2 prepared by the Director-General, utilizing to the fullest extent possible
the services of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation
and the Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), the International
Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the World
Conservation Union, formerly International Union for Conservation of
Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), in their respective areas of
competence.
9.2 The provisional agenda of an ordinary session of the Committee shall
include:
a. all questions, the inclusion of which has been decided by the
Committee at previous sessions;
b. all questions proposed by members of the Committee;
c. all questions proposed by States Parties to the Convention not
members of the Committee;
d. all questions proposed by the Director-General.
9.3 The provisional agenda of an extraordinary session shall include only
those questions for the consideration of which the session has been
convened.
Rule 10. Adoption of the Agenda
The Committee shall adopt its agenda at the beginning of each session.
Rule 11. Amendments, deletions and new items
The Committee may amend, delete or add items to the agenda so adopted
if so decided by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.
12
Rule 9.1 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
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V. BUREAU13
Rule 12. Bureau14
12.1 The Bureau of the Committee shall consist of the Chairperson, the
five Vice-Chairpersons and the Rapporteur. The Bureau shall co-ordinate
the work of the Committee and fix the dates, hours and order of business
of meetings. The Vice-Chairpersons and the Rapporteur shall assist the
Chairperson in carrying out his duties.
12.2 The Bureau shall meet during the sessions of the Committee as
frequently as deemed necessary.
Rule 13. Elections15
13.1 The Committee, at the end of each ordinary session, shall elect,
from amongst those members whose term continues through the next
ordinary session, a Chairperson, five Vice-Chairpersons and a Rapporteur
who shall remain in office until the end of that session.
13.2 The Chairperson, the Vice-Chairpersons and the Rapporteur shall be
eligible for immediate re-election for a second term of office.
13.3 In electing the Bureau, due regard shall be given to the need to
ensure an equitable representation of the different regions and cultures of
the world and a proper balance between the cultural and natural heritage
as provided in the Convention.
Rule 14. Duties of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons and Rapporteur16
14.1 In addition to exercising the powers which are conferred upon him
elsewhere by the present Rules, the Chairperson shall open and close
each plenary meeting of the Committee. He shall direct the discussions,
ensure observance of these Rules, accord the right to speak, put questions
to the vote and announce decisions. He shall rule on points of order and,
subject to the present Rules, shall control the proceedings and the
maintenance of order. He shall not vote, but he may instruct another
member of his delegation to vote on his behalf. He shall work, with the
assistance of the vice-chairpersons at his discretion, to anticipate and
address potentially contentious issues, including out of session. He shall
exercise all other functions given to him by the Committee.
13
Title amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003) with respect to
the English version
14
Rule 12.1 amended by the Committee at its second ordinary session (Washington D.C., 1978) and
Rule 12.2 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
15
Rule 13.1 amended by the Committee at its second (Washington D.C., 1978) and twentieth (Mérida
1996) ordinary sessions and at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
16
Title, Rule 14.1 and Rule 14.2 amended by the Committee at its thirty-fifth ordinary session
(UNESCO, 2011); Rule 14.4 adopted by the Committee at its thirty-fifth ordinary session (UNESCO,
2011)
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14.2 Should the Chairperson be absent during a meeting, or any part
thereof, he shall be replaced by a Vice-Chairperson. A Vice-Chairperson
acting as Chairperson shall have the same powers and duties as the
Chairperson.
14.3 The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, or Vice-Chairpersons, of a
subsidiary body of the Committee shall have the same duties with regard
to the bodies over which they are called upon to preside as the
Chairperson and the Vice-Chairpersons of the Committee.
14.4 In addition to exercising the powers which are conferred upon him
elsewhere by the present Rules, the Rapporteur shall certify that the
Secretariat has accurately recorded the Committee’s decisions. He shall
work with the Secretariat to monitor and record Committee debate on
amendments.
Rule 15. Replacement of Chairperson17
15.1 If the Chairperson is unable to act at any session of the Committee
or Bureau, or part thereof, his functions shall be exercised by a Vice-
Chairperson, in the English alphabetical order of States members of the
Bureau commencing with the country of the Chairperson.
15.2 If the Chairperson ceases to represent a State member of the
Committee or is for any reason unable to complete his term of office, he
is replaced by a Vice-Chairperson, in the English alphabetical order of
States members of the Bureau commencing with the country of the
Chairperson, for the remainder of the term of office.
15.3 The Chairperson shall abstain from exercising his functions for all
issues relating to a property situated on the territory of the State Party of
which he is a national.
Rule 16. Replacement of the Rapporteur18
16.1 If the Rapporteur is unable to act at any session of the Committee or
Bureau, or part thereof, his functions shall be exercised by a Vice-
Chairperson in the English alphabetical order of States members of the
Bureau commencing with the country of the Rapporteur.
16.2 If the Rapporteur ceases to represent a State member of the
Committee or if he is for any reason unable to complete his term of
office, he is replaced by a Vice-Chairperson, in the English alphabetical
order of States members of the Bureau commencing with the country of
the Rapporteur, for the remainder of the term of office.
17
Rules 15.1 and 15.2 amended and Rule 15.3 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary
session (Paris, 2003)
18
Rules 16.1 and 16.2 adopted by the Committee at its third ordinary session (Luxor, 1979) and
amended at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
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VI. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
Rule 17. Quorum
Convention 17.1 At plenary meetings, a quorum shall consist of a majority of the
Article 13.8 States members of the Committee.
17.2 At meetings of subsidiary bodies, a quorum shall consist of a
majority of the States which are members of the bodies concerned.
17.3 Neither the Committee nor its subsidiary bodies shall decide on any
matter unless a quorum is present.
Rule 18. Public meetings19
Meetings shall be held in public unless decided otherwise by the
Committee. This rule cannot be suspended by the Bureau.
Rule 19. Private meetings20
19.1 When in exceptional circumstances, the Committee decides to hold
a private meeting, it shall determine the persons who, in addition to the
representatives of States members, shall be present.
19.2 Any decision taken by the Committee at a private meeting shall be
presented in written form at a subsequent public meeting.
19.3 At each private meeting, the Committee shall decide whether the
Summary Record and the working documents of that meeting shall be
published. Documents resulting from private meetings shall be made
public after a period of twenty years.
Rule 20. Consultative bodies21
Convention 20.1 The Committee may create such consultative bodies as it deems
Article 10.3 necessary for the performance of its functions.
20.2 The composition and the terms of reference (including mandate
and duration of office) of such consultative bodies shall be defined by
the Committee at the time of their creation. These bodies can include
States non members of the Committee.
20.3 The Committee shall also determine the extent to which the present
Rules shall apply to any such consultative body.
19
Rule 18 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
20
Rules 19.2 and 19.3 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
21
Rules 20.2 and 20.3 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003) and
Rule 20.5 adopted at the twenty-fourth ordinary session of the Committee (Cairns, 2000) and amended
by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
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20.4 Each consultative body shall elect its Chairperson and, if
necessary, its Rapporteur.
20.5 In appointing members of consultative bodies, due regard shall be
given to the need to ensure an equitable representation of the different
regions and cultures of the world.
Rule 21. Subsidiary bodies22
21.1 The Committee may establish such subsidiary bodies as it deems
necessary for the conduct of its work, within the limits of the technical
facilities available.
21.2 The composition and the terms of reference (including mandate
and duration of office) of such subsidiary bodies shall be defined by the
Committee at the time of their creation. These bodies can only be
constituted from amongst States members of the Committee.
21.3 These Rules shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to the subsidiary
bodies, unless otherwise decided by the Committee.
21.4 Each subsidiary body shall itself elect its Chairperson and, if
necessary, its Rapporteur.
21.5 In appointing members of subsidiary bodies, due regard shall be
given to the need to ensure an equitable representation of the different
regions and cultures of the world.
21.6 Subsidiary bodies' recommendations to the World Heritage
Committee should be made in the form of draft decisions.
Rule 22. Order and time-limit of speeches23
22.1 The Chairperson shall call upon speakers in the order in which they
signify their wish to speak.
22.2 The Chairperson may limit the time allowed to each speaker if the
circumstances make this desirable.
22
Rules 21.2 and 21.3 adopted and Rule 21.4 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary
session (Paris, 2003); Rule 21.5 adopted by the Committee at its twenty-fourth ordinary session
(Cairns, 2000) and amended at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003); Rule 21.6 adopted by the
Committee at its thirtieth ordinary session (Vilnius, 2006)
23
Rules 22.1 and 22.2 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003); Rule
22.3, Rule 22.5 and Rule 22.6 adopted by the Committee at its thirty-fifth ordinary session (UNESCO,
2011); Rule 22.6 amended by the Committee at its thirty-seventh ordinary session (Phnom Penh, 2013);
Rule 22.7 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003) and amended by the
Committee at its thirty-fifth ordinary session (UNESCO, 2011), at its thirty-seventh ordinary session
(Phnom Penh, 2013) and at its thirty-ninth ordinary session (Bonn, 2015)
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22.3 The Chairperson, at his discretion, shall call on speakers from the
Advisory Bodies and the Secretariat prior to the Committee taking a
final decision.
22.4 The representatives of organizations, individuals and observers
referred to in Rules 6, 7 and 8 may address the meeting with the prior
consent of the Chairperson.
22.5 The Chairperson shall put Committee members’ questions to a
State Party once at the end of the Committee’s debate on the property.
22.6 States Parties shall not speak to World Heritage properties in their
own territories, except at the explicit invitation of the Chairperson
within the allowed time for their speech and in response to specific
questions posed.
22.7 Representatives of a State Party, whether or not a member of the
Committee, may be invited by the Chairperson to present their views
after the Advisory Bodies have presented their evaluation of the site
proposed by the State for inscription. The presentation shall be limited
to a clarification or an update on the proposed site. After this permitted
time, the State Party may be allowed to take the floor again, but only in
order to answer questions, within a limited time, that have been asked.
This provision also applies to other observers mentioned in Rule 8.
Rule 23. Text of proposals24
23.1 At the request of any member of the Committee, supported by two
other members, discussion of any motion, resolution or amendment may
be suspended until the written text is circulated in the working
languages to all Committee members present.
23.2. The proposed amendments or Decisions will only be accepted and
communicated to the members of the Committee if they are signed only
by the member of the Committee who is author.
23.3: New draft decisions/proposals and amendments thereto should,
whenever possible, be submitted to the Secretariat at least 24 hours
before the discussion of the agenda item concerned. The Rapporteur
shall work with the Secretariat to distribute such draft
decisions/proposals and amendments to all Committee Members in a
timely manner.
24
Title and Rule 23.1 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003) and
amended by the Committee at its thirty-seventh ordinary session (Phnom Penh, 2013); Rule 23.2
adopted by the Committee at its thirty-seventh ordinary session (Phnom Penh, 2013); Rule 23.3
adopted by the Committee at its thirty-ninth ordinary session (Bonn, 2015)
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Rule 24. Division of proposals25
Part of a proposal shall be voted on separately if a member of the
Committee requests that the proposal be divided.
Rule 25. Voting on amendments26
25.1 When an amendment to a proposal is moved, the amendment shall
be voted on first. When two or more amendments to a proposal are
moved, the Committee shall first vote on the amendment deemed by the
Chairperson to be furthest removed in substance from the original
proposal, and then on the amendment next furthest removed therefrom
and so on, until all the amendments have been put to the vote.
25.2 If one or more amendments are adopted, the amended proposal
shall then be voted upon as a whole.
25.3 A motion is considered an amendment to a proposal if it merely
adds to, deletes from or revises part of that proposal.
Rule 26. Voting on proposals
If two or more proposals relate to the same question, the Committee
shall, unless it decides otherwise, vote on the proposals in the order in
which they have been submitted. The Committee may, after each vote on
a proposal, decide whether to vote on the next proposal.
Rule 27. Withdrawal of proposals
A proposal may be withdrawn by its proposer at any time before voting
on it has begun, provided that the proposal has not been amended. A
proposal withdrawn may be reintroduced by any State member of the
Committee.
Rule 28. Points of order27
28.1 During a discussion, any State member may raise a point of order;
such point of order shall be immediately decided upon by the
Chairperson.
28.2 An appeal may be made against the ruling of the Chairperson.
Such appeal shall be put to the vote immediately and the Chairperson's
ruling shall stand unless overruled.
25
Title and Rule 24 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
26
Rule 25.1 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003) with respect to
the English version
27
Rule 28.1 amended and Rule 28.2 (with respect to the English version) amended by the Committee at
its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
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Rule 29. Procedural motions28
During the discussion on any matter, a member of the Committee may
propose a procedural motion: suspension or adjournment of the meeting,
adjournment of the debate or closure of the debate.
Rule 30. Suspension or adjournment of the meeting
During the discussion of any matter, any State member of the
Committee may move the suspension or adjournment of the meeting.
Such motions shall not be debated but shall be immediately put to the
vote.
Rule 31. Adjournment of debate
During the discussion of any matter, any State member of the
Committee may move the adjournment of the debate on the item under
discussion. On moving the adjournment the State member shall indicate
whether he moves the adjournment sine die or to a particular time which
he shall specify. In addition to the proposer of the motion, one speaker
may speak in favour of, and one against, the motion.
Rule 32. Closure of debate
A State member of the Committee may at any time move the closure of
the debate, whether or not any other speaker has signified his wish to
take part in the discussion. If application is made for permission to speak
against the closure, it may be accorded to not more than two speakers.
The Chairperson shall then put to the vote the motion for closure and, if
the Committee is in favour of the motion, he shall declare the closure of
the debate.
Rule 33. Order of procedural motions
Subject to Rule 28 the following motions shall have precedence in the
following order over all other proposals or motions before the meeting:
a) suspension of the meeting;
b) adjournment of the meeting;
c) adjournment of the debate on the question under discussion;
d) closure of the debate on the question under discussion.
28
Title and Rule 29 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
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Rule 34. Decisions29
34.1 The Committee shall adopt such decisions and recommendations as
it may deem appropriate.
34.2 The text of each decision shall be adopted at the end of the
discussion of the agenda item.
VII. VOTING30
Rule 35. Voting rights 31
Each State member of the Committee shall have one vote in the
Committee.
Rule 36. Conduct during voting32
After the Chairperson has announced the beginning of voting, no one
shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order in connection with
the actual conduct of the voting.
Rule 37. Two-thirds majority33
Convention Decisions of the Committee on matters covered by the provisions of the
Article 13.8 Convention shall be taken by a majority of two-thirds of its members
present and voting.
Rule 38. Simple majority34
38.1 Except where otherwise specified in the present Rules, all other
decisions of the Committee shall be taken by a majority of the States
members present and voting.
38.2 Decisions as to whether a particular matter is covered by the
provisions of the Convention and decisions on any other matters not
covered by the present Rules shall be taken by a majority of the States
members present and voting.
Rule 39. Counting of votes35
For the purpose of the present Rules, the expression "States members
present and voting" shall mean States members casting an affirmative or
29
Title amended and Rule 34.2 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris,
2003)
30
Title adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
31
Title and Rule 35 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
32
Title and Rule 36 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
33
Title adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
34
Title adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
35
Title adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
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negative vote. States members abstaining from voting shall be regarded
as not voting.
Rule 40. Show of hands36
40.1 Voting shall normally be by a show of hands.
40.2 When the result of a vote by a show of hands is in doubt, the
Chairperson may take a second vote by a roll-call.
40.3 A vote by a roll-call shall also be taken if it is requested by not less
than two States members before the voting takes place.
Rule 41. Secret ballot37
A decision shall be voted on by secret ballot whenever two or more
States members shall so request or if the Chairperson so decides.
Rule 42. Conduct of voting by secret ballot38
42.1 Before the vote begins, the Chairperson shall appoint two tellers
from amongst the Delegations of the members of the Committee to
scrutinize the votes cast.
42.2 When the counting of the votes is completed and the tellers have
reported to the Chairperson, he shall announce the results of the ballot
bearing in mind that the voting will be recorded as follows:
From the total number of members of the Committee will be deducted:
a) the number of members absent, if any;
b) the number of blank ballot papers, if any;
c) the number of invalid ballot papers, if any.
The remaining number will constitute the number of votes recorded.
36
Title adopted and Rule 40.2 amended (with respect to the English version) by the Committee at its
sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
37
Title adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
38
Title and Rules 42.1 and 42.2 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris,
2003)
Rules of Procedure, World Heritage Committee WHC-2015/5
VIII. SECRETARIAT OF THE COMMITTEE
Rule 43. The Secretariat39
Convention 43.1 The Committee shall be assisted by a Secretariat appointed by the
Article 14.1 Director-General.
43.2 The Director-General, utilizing to the fullest extent possible the
services of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and
the Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), the International
Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the World
Conservation Union, formerly International Union for Conservation of
Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), in their respective areas of
competence and capability, shall prepare the Committee's documentation
and shall have the responsibility for the implementation of its decisions.
43.3 The Director-General or his representative shall participate in the
work of the Committee, the consultative and subsidiary bodies without
the right to vote. He may at any time make either oral or written
statements on any question under consideration.
43.4 The Director-General shall appoint an official of the Secretariat of
UNESCO to act as Secretary to the Committee, and other officials who
shall together constitute the Secretariat of the Committee.
43.5 The Secretariat shall receive, translate and distribute all official
documents of the Committee and shall arrange for the interpretation of
the discussions, as provided in Rule 44.
43.6 The Secretariat shall perform all other duties necessary for the
proper conduct of the work of the Committee.
IX. WORKING LANGUAGES AND REPORTS 40
Rule 44. Working languages41
44.1 The working languages of the Committee shall be English and
French. When the conditions permit, the official languages recognized
by the United Nations may be used as well as the working languages.
44.2 Interventions made at a meeting of the Committee in one of the
working languages shall be interpreted into the other language.
44.3 Speakers may, however, speak in any other language, provided they
make their own arrangements for interpretation of their speeches into
one of the working languages.
39
Rule 43.2 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
40
Title amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
41
Rules 44.1, 44.2 and 44.4 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
Rules of Procedure, World Heritage Committee WHC-2015/5
44.4 The documents of the Committee shall be issued simultaneously in
English and French. When the conditions permit, they shall also be
issued in the official languages recognized by the United Nations.
Rule 45. Deadline for distribution of documents42
The documents relating to the items on the Provisional Agenda of each
session of the Committee shall be distributed at the latest six weeks
before the beginning of the session in the two working languages to the
Members of the Committee, and to the International Center for the Study
of the Preservation and the Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM),
the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the
World Conservation Union, formerly International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), as well as to all
other organizations invited to the session. They shall also be made
available to States Parties non members of the Committee in electronic
format.
Rule 46. Reports of the Session43
At the closure of each session, the Committee shall adopt its report of
the session comprising a list of Decisions. This shall be published in the
month that follows the closure of the said session.
Rule 47. Summary Record44
47.1 The Secretariat shall prepare a Summary Record of all the
interventions made during the Plenary session of the Committee. A
provisional text of the Summary Record, which is not intended to be
published, shall be submitted as soon as possible to the Members of the
Committee and the representatives of organizations, individuals and
observers mentioned in Rules 6, 7 and 8 so that they may indicate any
corrections to their own statements.
47.2 The final version of the Summary Record shall be published as
an information document within three months following the closure of
the said session.
Rule 48. Communication of the documentation45
The Reports of the sessions, the Summary Records and all final
documents, once published, shall be transmitted to the States members
of the Committee, and to the International Centre for the Study of the
Preservation and the Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), the
42
Title and Rule 45 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
43
Title and Rule 46 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
44
Title and Rules 47.1 and 47.2 adopted by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris,
2003)
45
Rule 48 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session (Paris, 2003)
Rules of Procedure, World Heritage Committee WHC-2015/5
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the
World Conservation Union, formerly International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), as well as to all
other organizations invited to the session.
Rule 49. Reports to the General Assembly of States Parties and to the
UNESCO General Conference46
Convention 49.1 The Committee shall submit a report on its activities at each
Article 29.3 General Assembly of States Parties and at each of the ordinary sessions
of the General Conference of UNESCO.
49.2 The Committee may authorize its Chairperson to submit these
reports on its behalf.
49.3 Copies of these reports shall be sent to all States Parties to the
Convention.
X. ADOPTION, AMENDMENT AND SUSPENSION OF THE
RULES OF PROCEDURE
Rule 50. Adoption
Convention The Committee shall adopt its Rules of Procedure by a decision taken in
Articles plenary meeting by a two-thirds majority of the States members present
10.1 & 13.8 and voting.
Rule 51. Amendment
The Committee may amend these Rules of Procedure except when they
reproduce provisions of the Convention by a decision taken in plenary
meeting by a two-thirds majority of the States members present and
voting, provided the proposal has been included in the agenda of the
session in accordance with Rules 9 and 10.
Rule 52. Suspension
The Committee may suspend the application of any of these Rules,
except when they reproduce provisions of the Convention, by a decision
taken in plenary meeting by a two-thirds majority of the States members
present and voting.
46
Title and Rules 49.1, 49.2 and 49.3 amended by the Committee at its sixth extraordinary session
(Paris, 2003)
Rules of Procedure, World Heritage Committee WHC-2015/5
Culture Sector
World Heritage Centre
United Nations
Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
Organisation To States Parties to the World
des Nations Unies
pour l'education, Heritage Convention
Ia science et Ia culture (Non-Committee Members)
Organizaci6n
de las Naciones Unidas
para Ia Educaci6n,
Ia Ciencia y Ia Cultura
OpraHj,l3aL\j,l~
06beAj,!HeHHbiX Ha4j,llil no
sonpocaM o6pa3osaHj,l~.
HayKj,l 1>1 KYflbl)'pbl
1i.1:>...l.JI ~~I t..J:.:....
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-1.11 L -·~ "II
ll*ir~~1L
*-4~ .&:>c1UJH.R Ref.: CLT/PCM/WHC/19/3362 15 April 2019
Subject: Invitation to the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee,
Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, from 30 June to 10 July 2019
Sir/Madam,
On behalf of the Director-General, I have the honour to invite you to participate as
an observer in the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee. The session
will take place in Baku (Republic of Azerbaijan) at the Baku Convention Center,
from 30 June to 10 July 2019. This session will be preceded by an opening ceremony
and will be followed by a reception offered by the host country. More details will be
communicated in due course regarding the time and venue.
Rule 8.1 of the Rules of Procedure of the Committee states that "States Parties to
the Convention which are not Committee Members may attend the sessions of the
Committee as observers". I should be grateful, therefore, if you would inform me of
the name(s) and title(s) of the person(s) designated to represent your Government
at the forthcoming session of the Committee.
1. Meeting documents
Please find enclosed the Provisional Agenda for the session, together with the
General Information document describing the facilities provided by the host country.
The working languages of the Committee are English and French. Simultaneous
interpretation will be provided in both languages. Thanks to the generosity of the
Republic of Azerbaijan, interpretation in Azeri will be also available throughout the
session.
All working and information documents for the 43rd session (in English and French)
can be consulted on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre's website, starting on
20 May 2019 and as they become available, at the following address:
http://whc.unesco.org/en/sessions/43com/
./. ..
7, place de Fontenoy
75352 Paris 07 SP, France
Tel.: +33 (0)1 45 68 15 05
www.unesco.org
-2-
The General Information document containing complete details of all the
arrangements (travel, excursions, hotels, etc.) for the session is also available on
the host country's website:
43whcbaku2019.az
2. Registration of participants and logistics
The host country has specifically asked that all requests be submitted online. Please
note that the registration of participants for the Committee session will be entirely
handled by the host country. To register, please follow the instructions at the
following link:
43whcbaku2019.az
To register as an Observer- State Party Non-Committee Member, kindly note that
your access code is BAKU43SP. Once you have successfully registered online, a
confirmation e-mail will be sent to you.
All delegates who wish to attend the 43rd session are strongly encouraged to
register as soon as possible, and before 1 June 2019. This will enable the
organizers, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, to process information
rapidly and prevent any inconvenience for the participants.
If you require any assistance, encounter any problems with online registration, or if
you have not received a confirmation e-mail, please contact the following address:
reqistration@43whcbaku20 19 .az
Participants are encouraged to book their hotels as early as possible, following their
online registration and accreditation . Please note that hotel accommodations are the
responsibility of the participants. Further information on hotels is available in the
General Information document attached.
Please note that any information sent to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre
regarding registration and hotel reservations will be considered for
information purposes only and will not be forwarded to the host country.
3. Visas
For all enquiries concerning visas and other formalities required to enter the
Republic of Azerbaijan . please refer to the General Information document attached
herewith.
To ensure visas are issued in time for the meeting, I kindly request all participants to
take steps to obtain their visa as soon as possible following the completion of their
online registration and accreditation.
.../.
- 3-
I would like to inform you that no individual letters will be provided to support your
visa process . nor will the UNESCO World Heritage Centre be able to intervene
regarding decisions taken on visa applications by the host country.
Please accept, Sir/Madam, the assurances of my highest consideration.
n~rco~s/
Mechtild Rossler
Director, World Heritage Centre
Secretary, World Heritage Convention
En c.
Provisional Agenda of the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee
General Information document
Rules of Procedure of the World Heritage Committee
cc: National Commissions
World Heritage 43 COM
WHC/19/43.COM/3A
Paris, 15 April 2019
Original: English
UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC
AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION
CONVENTION CONCERNING THE PROTECTION OF
THE WORLD CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE
WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE
Forty-third session
Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan
30 June – 10 July 2019
Item 3 of the Provisional Agenda: Adoption of the Agenda and Timetable of
the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee (Baku, 2019)
3A. Provisional Agenda of the 43rd session of the World Heritage
Committee (Baku, 2019)
SUMMARY
This document contains the Provisional Agenda of the 43rd session of the World
Heritage Committee (Baku, 2019).
Draft Decision: 43 COM 3A, see Point II
I. PROVISIONAL AGENDA OF THE 43RD SESSION OF THE WORLD HERITAGE
COMMITTEE (2019)
OPENING SESSION
1. Opening session
2. Admission of Observers
3. Adoption of the Agenda and the Timetable
3A. Adoption of the Agenda
3B. Adoption of the Timetable
REPORTS
4. Report of the Rapporteur of the 42nd session of the World Heritage Committee
(Manama, 2018)
5. Reports of the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies
5A. Report of the World Heritage Centre on its activities and the
implementation of the World Heritage Committee’s decisions
5B. Reports of the Advisory Bodies
5C. World Heritage Convention and Sustainable Development
5D. Priority Africa, sustainable development and World Heritage
5E. Report on strengthening of dialogue between the Advisory Bodies and
States Parties
6. Follow-up to the World Heritage Capacity-Building Strategy and Progress report
on the World Heritage-related category 2 centres
EXAMINATION OF THE STATE OF CONSERVATION
7. State of conservation of World Heritage properties
7A. State of conservation of World Heritage properties inscribed on the List
of World Heritage in Danger
7B. State of conservation of World Heritage properties inscribed on the
World Heritage List
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST AND OF THE LIST OF WORLD
HERITAGE IN DANGER
8. Nomination process
8A. Tentative Lists submitted by States Parties as of 15 April 2019
8B. Nominations to the World Heritage List
Provisional Agenda of the 43rd session of the WHC/19/43.COM/3A, p.1
World Heritage Committee (Baku, 2019)
8C. Update of the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in
Danger
8D. Clarifications of property boundaries and areas by States Parties
8E. Review and approval of retrospective Statements of Outstanding
Universal Value
GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR A REPRESENTATIVE, BALANCED AND CREDIBLE
WORLD HERITAGE LIST
9. Global Strategy for a representative, balanced and credible World Heritage List
9A. Upstream Process
9B. Progress report on the reflection on processes for mixed nominations
PERIODIC REPORTS
10. Periodic Reports
10A. Progress report on the follow-up to the Second cycle of Periodic
Reporting
10B. Progress report on the Third cycle of Periodic Reporting
WORKING METHODS AND TOOLS
11. Operational Guidelines and Policy Compendium
11A. Revision of the Operational Guidelines
11B. Policy Compendium
12. Follow-up to Recommendations of Evaluations and Audits on Working Methods
and outcomes of the ad-hoc working group
FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
13. International Assistance
14. Report on the execution of the budget for the biennium 2018-2019, budget
proposal of the World Heritage Fund for the biennium 2020-2021 and follow-up to
Decision 42 COM 14
15. Other business
CLOSING SESSION
16. Election of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons and Rapporteur of the 44th
session of the World Heritage Committee (2020)
17. Provisional Agenda of the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee (2020)
18. Adoption of Decisions
Provisional Agenda of the 43rd session of the WHC/19/43.COM/3A, p.2
World Heritage Committee (Baku, 2019)
19. Closing session
II. DRAFT DECISION
Draft Decision: 43 COM 3A
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Having examined Document WHC/19/43.COM/3A,
2. Adopts the Agenda contained in the above-mentioned document.
Provisional Agenda of the 43rd session of the WHC/19/43.COM/3A, p.3
World Heritage Committee (Baku, 2019)
World Heritage 43 COM
WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1
Paris, 15 April 2019
Original: English
UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC
AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION
CONVENTION CONCERNING THE PROTECTION OF
THE WORLD CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE
WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE
Forty-third session
Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan
30 June – 10 July 2019
GENERAL INFORMATION
SUMMARY
This document provides important information regarding the 43rd session of the World
Heritage Committee that will be held in the Republic of Azerbaijan (Baku) from 30 June to
10 July 2019 (registration, visas, travel and accommodation, etc.).
All information on the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee is also available at
the following webpage: www.43whcbaku2019.az
Contents
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 4
2 Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 4
3 Session Organizers .............................................................................................................. 4
3.1 Contact Details Of The Organizers .............................................................................. 5
3.2 Service Contacts And Side Events ............................................................................... 5
4 Participants and Registration .............................................................................................. 6
4.1 Participants ................................................................................................................. 6
4.2 Registration ................................................................................................................. 7
5 Protocol ............................................................................................................................... 7
6 Accommodation .................................................................................................................. 7
7 Passport, Visa and Other Travel Information ...................................................................... 8
7.1 Passport Requirements ............................................................................................... 8
7.2 Visa Requirements ...................................................................................................... 8
7.3 E-Visa (ASAN Visa) ....................................................................................................... 9
7.4 Travel To Azerbaijan and To Baku ............................................................................. 10
7.5 Medical Insurance ..................................................................................................... 10
8 The Meeting ...................................................................................................................... 10
8.1 Conference Venue ..................................................................................................... 10
8.2 Local Transportation and Transfers To The Conference Venue................................ 11
8.3 Registration Desk and Distribution Of Badges .......................................................... 11
8.4 Badges ....................................................................................................................... 11
8.5 Service Area For Participants .................................................................................... 11
8.6 Meals And Refreshments .......................................................................................... 11
8.7 Prayer And Meditation Room ................................................................................... 12
9 Media ................................................................................................................................ 12
9.1 Accreditation, VISA and Customs .............................................................................. 12
9.2 Media Registration and Security Measures .............................................................. 12
9.3 Media Centre ............................................................................................................ 12
9.4 Press Conferences ..................................................................................................... 13
9.5 Press Material ........................................................................................................... 13
9.6 Media Access to the Session Or Media Assistance on the Spot ............................... 13
10 Reception Programme And Related Events .................................................................. 13
10.1 Guided Tours and Day Trips ...................................................................................... 13
11 World Heritage Young Professionals Forum ................................................................. 14
12 World Heritage Site Managers Forum .......................................................................... 14
13 Information about The Republic Of Azerbaijan ............................................................ 14
13.1 Republic of Azerbaijan .............................................................................................. 14
13.2 Climate ...................................................................................................................... 15
13.3 Currency & Exchange ................................................................................................ 16
13.4 Gratuities ................................................................................................................... 16
13.5 Electricity Supply ....................................................................................................... 16
13.6 Smoking ..................................................................................................................... 16
13.7 Time Zone .................................................................................................................. 17
13.8 Drinking Water .......................................................................................................... 17
13.9 Telephone, Mobile & Useful Phone Numbers .......................................................... 17
13.10 Medical Care ......................................................................................................... 17
14 Additional Information .................................................................................................. 17
Annex 1: Recommended 4* and 5* Hotels ............................................................................... 18
Annex 2: Visa Regulations ......................................................................................................... 25
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 3
1 INTRODUCTION
The Republic of Azerbaijan has the pleasure of hosting the 43rd session of the World Heritage
Committee. The Committee Session will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from 30 June to 10 July,
2019.
The information document is hereby presented to give a general introduction to the
participants of the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee. The practical information
included in the document intends to ensure that the participants have all the required
information to conveniently plan and realize their visit to the Host Country, Azerbaijan. Kindly
be reminded that the official website 43whcbaku2019.az and the organizers of the 43rd Session
of the Committee are ready to assist you, if you have any further questions.
2 PURPOSE
The World Heritage Committee is comprised of representatives from 21 States Parties to the
Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage elected by
the General Assembly of States Parties to the Convention.
The current composition of the Committee is as follows:
Angola, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, China,
Cuba, Guatemala, Hungary, Indonesia, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Norway, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Spain,
Tunisia, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zimbabwe.
For further information, please visit https://whc.unesco.org/en/committee/ .
The essential functions of the Committee are:
i. To identify, on the basis of nominations submitted by States Parties, cultural and natural
properties of Outstanding Universal Value which are to be protected under the Convention,
and to inscribe those properties on the World Heritage List;
ii. To monitor the state of conservation of properties inscribed on the World Heritage List, in
liaison with States Parties; decide which properties included in the World Heritage List are to
be inscribed on or removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger; decide whether a
property may be deleted from the World Heritage List;
iii. To examine requests for International Assistance financed by the World Heritage Fund.
The 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee will be held in Baku from 30 June to 10 July
2019 at the Baku Congress Centre.
3 SESSION ORGANIZERS
The 43rd session is organized by UNESCO with the Republic of Azerbaijan.
H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed an order on 9 August 2018
to establish the Organizing Committee in connection with holding the 43rd Session of the
UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Baku in 2019. According to this order, the Ministry of
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 4
Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the main organizer of the session with the support of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other governmental agencies.
For general logistical and organizational information regarding the 43rd session of the World
Heritage Committee, please contact the organizers at the following email address:
[email protected]
3.1 CONTACT DETAILS OF THE ORGANIZERS
For specific requests to the organizers, please find below a list of relevant contacts:
Host country: Chairperson
H.E. Mr. Abulfas Garayev
Minister of Culture
Chairperson of the 43rd Session of World Heritage Committee and Host Country Organizing
Committee
Email:
[email protected]
Phone: +994124934398
UNESCO: Secretary of the World Heritage Convention
Ms. Mechtild Rössler
Director
World Heritage Centre
Email:
[email protected]
Phone: +33145681891
Postal address: UNESCO, 7 place de Fontenoy, 75007 Paris, France
H.E. Mr. Anar Karimov
Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Azerbaijan to UNESCO
Email:
[email protected]
Mr. Vasif Eyvazzade
Head of International cooperation and innovative development Department, Ministry of
Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Head of Host Country Operational Committee of the 43rd Session of the World Heritage
Committee
Email:
[email protected]
Phone: +994124936538
3.2 SERVICE CONTACTS AND SIDE EVENTS
Side Events and Exhibitions, including Catering Requests
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 5
If you wish to organize a side event or an exhibition, kindly submit your request to the UNESCO
Secretariat focal point, Mr David Martel (
[email protected]), by 15 May 2019 at the latest.
You will receive a form to fill in with details regarding the type of event or exhibition your
country would like to organize, indicating the characteristics of the required space as well as
catering and technical needs.
Further to the review of your request, you will be put in contact with the Host Country
organizers for any relevant information and details concerning the organization of the event
(technical assistance, catering, etc.). Please note that the organizers reserve the right to
indicate the space in which the requested event will take place. Though diverse, the space
available at the Baku Congress Centre premises is limited and it may occur that the organizers
may not be able to accept all applications.
For logistical queries, you may contact the organizers of the session as below:
Mr. Eldar Gurbanov, Focal Point for Venue and technical issues:
00994125050585/86,
[email protected]
Mr. Mirkamran Mahmudov and Ms. Leman Alekberli, Focal Points for Accommodation:
+994125050585/86,
[email protected] and leman.alekberli@khazar-
travel.com
Ms. Aygun Babazade, Focal Point for Registration:
+994125050585/86,
[email protected]
Ms. Safaa Hamdani, Focal Point for Side Events:
+994125050585/86,
[email protected]
General e-mail address for logistical queries:
[email protected]
4 PARTICIPANTS AND REGISTRATION
4.1 PARTICIPANTS
The main participants in the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee are the 21
members of the Committee.
The States Parties to the Convention, which are not members of the Committee, may attend
the sessions of the Committee and its Bureau as Observers.
Non States Parties to the Convention who are Member States of UNESCO or of the United
Nations may also be permitted by the Committee, upon written request, to attend the sessions
of the Committee and its Bureau as Observers.
Representatives of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration
of Cultural Property (ICCROM), the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS),
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 6
and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) will attend the sessions of the
Committee in an advisory capacity.
The United Nations and organizations of the United Nations system as well as, upon written
request and at least 15 days prior to the date of the session of the Committee, other
international governmental and non-governmental organizations, permanent observer
missions to UNESCO and non-profit-making institutions having activities in the fields covered
by the Convention, according to criteria defined by the World Heritage Committee, may be
authorized by the Committee to participate in the sessions of the Committee as Observers.
4.2 REGISTRATION
Please note that all requests to participate in the 43rd session of the Committee must be
submitted online through the official website: https://43whcbaku2019.az/
All delegates and those who wish to attend the 43rd session as observers are kindly advised to
register preferably before 1 June 2019. This will allow the session organizers sufficient time to
process the information and make the necessary arrangements. Please see further details
under 7.2. Visa Requirements section.
To register, please use the registration code provided in the invitation letter addressed to
either the Permanent Delegation, National Commission or your organization. If you have not
received the registration code, please contact your Permanent Delegation or National
Commission. Contact details are available at: https://en.unesco.org/countries.
Please note that the registration of participants for the Committee session will be entirely
handled by the Host country. Once you have registered online, and your accreditation has been
granted, you will receive an email confirming your registration. Should you require any
assistance, please contact the organizers at:
[email protected]. If you
encounter any technical problems during your registration, kindly contact:
[email protected].
For Media registration please refer to paragraph 9.
5 PROTOCOL
The Host Country is in charge of all matters relating to protocol and the reception of VIPs. For
further information and necessary arrangements, please send an e-mail at
[email protected]. Please make sure to contact us as soon as possible to ensure we
can meet your requests.
6 ACCOMMODATION
Kindly be informed that the participants are responsible for arranging their accommodation.
For your convenience, organizers have agreed on special rates with a list of hotels and have
reserved a certain number of rooms for the duration of the Committee meeting. The list of
hotels can be found in the Annex 1 to this document and at: https://43whcbaku2019.az/. You
are advised to book your accommodation as soon as possible. Shuttle buses will be provided
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 7
between the listed hotels and the venue on a regular basis. For further information, please
refer to section 8.2. Local Transportation and Transfers to the Conference Venue.
The hotel rates are based on Bed & Breakfast basis. Kindly visit the official website
(https://43whcbaku2019.az/en/accomodation/) for further details and booking your
accommodation. Please kindly note that the hotel rates will be valid until 1 May, so please
make sure that you visit the website and make your reservation beforethen.
7 PASSPORT, VISA AND OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION
7.1 PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
All participants in the 43rd session of the Committee are required to possess an international
passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry into Azerbaijani
territory, with sufficient pages for visa stamps.
Arrival to and departure from the Republic of Azerbaijan is exercised under one of the following
documents:
(a) Ordinary International Passport; (b) Official/Special Passport; (c) Diplomatic Passport; (d)
Service Passport.
7.2 VISA REQUIREMENTS
Only registered persons will be eligible to apply for visas, where required, and to enter into the
territory of the Host Country to attend the Committee session. Please note that the UNESCO
World Heritage Centre will be unable to intervene in any visa decisions taken by the authorities
of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
All participants must check entry requirements to Azerbaijan in accordance with the nationality
and the type of passport they hold with the nearest consulate or the diplomatic mission of
Azerbaijan in their home country. The list of Diplomatic Missions of the Republic of Azerbaijan
abroad with their current contact details is available at:
http://mfa.gov.az/files/file/The_Diplomatic_Missions_of_the_Republic_of_Azerbaijan_-
_19.01.16.pdf)
Should an Entry Visa be required, participants are advised to submit their visa application as
early as possible, at least 4 weeks prior to the Session, and obtain the visa in advance.
At present in accordance with bilateral intergovernmental agreements, visa free regime (i.e
visa not needed) is being applied on the basis of reciprocity between the Republic of Azerbaijan
and the following countries (Annex 2):
I group
Citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan and 62 foreign countries (see Annex 2) holding diplomatic
or service (or official/special) passport
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 8
II group
Countries (see Annex 2) with visa free regime for:
Citizens holding any type of valid passport giving a right to cross a border in accordance with
the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan and relevant foreign country – as well as
diplomatic, service (or official/special) or regular passport;
Also citizens travelling with these persons, but not holding a valid passport, and whose photo,
name, surname, patronymic is officially indicated in their passports;
Stateless persons having relevant identification document that is given to specially stateless
persons by the government bodies of the Republic of Azerbaijan or by the relevant foreign
country for border crossing purposes;
Citizens and stateless persons holding a temporary border crossing document – repatriation
certificate given to persons when the passport is lost, stolen, became worthless or validity
period is expired for only to return for a short period to the country which is the citizen of or
where he/she lives permanently.
III group
Meanwhile, visa free regime is being applied at present for the citizens of the Republic of
Azerbaijan holding regular passports, on a unilateral basis within relevant period by 6 countries
(see Annex 2).
The list of countries that are visa free/ may obtain visa upon arrival, is also available at the
official web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan
http://www.mfa.gov.az.
If you travel to Azerbaijan via another country, or if you are planning to stopover elsewhere,
you must familiarize yourself with the entry and transit requirements of those countries. Please
check with your travel consultant about the need for transit visas for all countries you may be
travelling through on your way to or from Azerbaijan. The host organizer is not responsible for
facilitating transit visas for any countries other than Azerbaijan.
7.3 E-VISA (ASAN VISA)
Participants can also apply for a visa through ASAN visa portal (evisa.gov.az) designed to
simplify procedures for issuing visas to foreigners and stateless persons visiting Azerbaijan.
Please see the list of countries eligible for e-visa before you apply:
https://evisa.gov.az/en/countries
About e-visa (ASAN visa)
The Electronic standard visa is issued within 3 (three) working days and there is also
an Electronic urgent visa which can be issued within one day.
e-Visa applications can be created for an individual, for a family (minimum of 2 and
maximum of 10 persons) or for a group (minimum of 10 and maximum of 300 persons).
The necessary data required for the e-Visa should be entered directly into the system.
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 9
The fee for the e-Visa is paid electronically via the system. The fee for e-Visa is 20 US
Dollars. An amount of 3 (three) US dollars is charged as a service fee for processing an
electronic visa application. This amount is payable in addition to the 20 (twenty) USD
state fee for the electronic visa.
The e-Visa is sent to the e-mail address of the applicant.
For more information about e-visa please visit the website (evisa.gov.az)
Note: Only if there is not an Azerbaijani Embassy in the respective country/city or the country
is not eligible for e-visa, official visa letters that will enable participants to obtain a visa upon
arrival at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport will be provided to invited participants who
have sent their passports and flight details to Host Country organizers in advance. All
participants will be responsible for their visa fees.
7.4 TRAVEL TO AZERBAIJAN AND TO BAKU
Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport which has recently been awarded as a 5-star Regional
Airport by an international air transport rating organization is one of the six international
airports serving in Azerbaijan. The airport is located 20 km northeast of the capital Baku and is
linked to the city by two modern highways. Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport complies
with international requirements. Due to its favorable geographical location, it has become a
first-choice regional airport for transfer flights between East and West, North and South.
To assist participants attending the 43rd session of the Committee, a clearly indicated airport
welcome desk will be set up at the Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport from 20 June 2019
for Committee participants.
7.5 MEDICAL INSURANCE
The Host Country will provide a first-aid service for participants at the meeting venue and all
the recommended hotels. All other medical services will not be covered. Participants are
expected to assume the costs of any medical treatment that they might receive while in Baku.
It is strongly recommended that medical insurance be purchased in your home country to cover
you in Azerbaijan as well as any other destinations on your journey. The Host Country will not
be responsible for travel and medical insurance costs of the Session participants.
8 THE MEETING
8.1 CONFERENCE VENUE
The official venue of the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee is Baku Congress
Centre. Baku Congress Center is a multifunction complex located in Baku with the auditorium
for 3,500 visitors. It was designed to host international events, banquets, presentations,
concerts, trade shows, and meetings. It is situated near the Heydar Aliyev Center – building
complex designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and noted for its distinctive architecture
and flowing, curved style. Plenaries and Bureau sessions, working groups and side events will
take place in this area. The detailed location and a plan of the venue will be available on the
website. Heydar Aliyev International Airport is within approximately 20 minutes’ driving
distance from the venue session, Baku Congress Centre.
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 10
8.2 LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSFERS TO THE CONFERENCE VENUE
All participants of the 43rd session of the Committee are entitled to free of charge
transportation with the designated buses, upon showing their registration badge. The buses
will circulate between the airport and the session venue as well as between the recommended
hotels and the session venue. A detailed timetable of buses will be available on the website
beginning of June 2019, as well as at the session venue and at the airport information desk
from 20 June 2019. Participants who prefer to rent their own vehicle should arrange it
themselves with one of many international or local transportation companies.
8.3 REGISTRATION DESK AND DISTRIBUTION OF BADGES
Registration is mandatory for all participants.
The on-site registration desk, situated at the entrance of the session venue, Baku Congress
Centre, will be open on 25 June until 30 June from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm, and from 1 July until
10 July between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. All participants are encouraged to present themselves
at the on-site registration desk before the Opening Ceremony of the World Heritage
Committee on 30 June in order to allow a smooth registration process. Furthermore, please
note that a registration desk will also be available at the Boulevard Hotel for participants that
will be accommodated in this location. A welcome package with an information dossier about
the 43rd session will be provided at the time of registration. Please note that, due to safety
reasons and the expected number of visitors, the registration process and receiving your badge
may be time consuming. For this reason, an early registration is strongly encouraged.
The Opening Ceremony will take place on 30 June 2019. Only registered participants with a
badge and invitation will be allowed to take part in the Opening Ceremony. Please collect your
invitation beforehand at the on-site registration desk in Baku Congress Centre.
8.4 BADGES
Every participant must be in possession of a personal security photo identification badge (ID),
which can be obtained at the registration desk. The ID badges are not transferable. For security
purposes, the badge must be worn in a visible way at all time to access the session venue, to
attend meetings and to participate in other activities, such as opening and closing ceremonies.
Access to the meeting will be denied to any individual who is not officially accredited or who
uses the ID badge in an inappropriate manner.
8.5 SERVICE AREA FOR PARTICIPANTS
Various participants’ lounges with computers, internet access and printing facilities will be
available at the session’s venue. Technical staff will be on site to assist participants. Free
wireless Internet connection will be provided in the entire venue at all times.
Each Committee member delegation will be provided with one paper copy of all session
documents. All delegates are kindly requested to make use of the memory stick containing all
relevant documents for the session, which will be provided upon registration. Documents will
also be accessible online as soon as they are available.
8.6 MEALS AND REFRESHMENTS
During the session, coffee, tea, water and small refreshments will be offered outside the main
plenary room free of charge. Lunch and snacks can be purchased in the cafeteria at the venue.
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 11
Participants are advised to check the possibility of having their meals delivered from their
hotels to the venue, in case of renting a room with full board.
8.7 PRAYER AND MEDITATION ROOM
A Prayer Room will be at participants’ disposal during the entire Committee session.
Participants can obtain additional information about the prayer and worship locations on the
official website and at the registration desk.
9 MEDIA
9.1 ACCREDITATION, VISA AND CUSTOMS
Accreditation is mandatory for media representatives who wish to cover the 43rd session of
the World Heritage Committee. To be accredited, the following steps should be followed:
Kindly send an email with the full name of each person and the name of the media organization
seeking accreditation to
[email protected]. In reply to your email, you will
receive a registration code and a letter, which will be required to complete your visa
application. All media representatives who need a visa must apply for a visa by filling an online
form through the registration system on the website: https://43whcbaku2019.az. All media
representatives who wish to cover the session are kindly asked to register before 20 June 2019.
Please take note of the need to declare all media equipment at Customs upon arrival.
Additionally, certain items such as drones may not be brought to Azerbaijan without additional
permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Please visit
http://customs.gov.az/en/ferdler-ucun/mallarin-gomrukden-kecirilmesi/ for the list of all
prohibited items.
The organizers of Host Country will be in a position to facilitate the permission process for these
items, therefore, please contact the Organizers at:
[email protected] .
9.2 MEDIA REGISTRATION AND SECURITY MEASURES
A special desk will be reserved for the registration of media representatives in the main
registration area at the venue. The hours of registration will be the same as for all other
participants (please see point 8.3). Please note that your application for accreditation must be
received and approved before you register on site. Part of the registration procedure will be to
obtain your personal accreditation/security badge at the media registration desk. Accreditation
badges are to be worn visibly at all times to gain access to the venue and must be presented
upon request to security personnel. Accreditation badges are not transferable. Access to the
session venue will be denied to any individual who uses the badge improperly. Please be
advised that security personnel may verify that equipment taken into the session venue is used
for its intended purpose. Kindly allow sufficient time in your schedule to pass the security
checks.
9.3 MEDIA CENTRE
A Media Centre will be made available as a space with work stations for the media to cover the
43rd session of the World Heritage Committee. Journalists will also have access to the Internet
and a printer.
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 12
9.4 PRESS CONFERENCES
Press Conferences will take place in a dedicated space nearby the main plenary room of the
session venue. Only accredited media will have access to the room.
9.5 PRESS MATERIAL
Official press releases, photographs and live streaming of the 43rd session of the World
Heritage Committee will be available on the meeting website. Press releases and photos will
be regularly updated and available to download. Media briefings will be held to provide
information on proceedings or decisions taken by the Committee and press releases will be
issued regularly during the session. A team responsible for media relations will be present at
the Media Centre during the session.
9.6 MEDIA ACCESS TO THE SESSION OR MEDIA ASSISTANCE ON THE SPOT
A technical briefing for media representatives will be held prior to the session in order to
review media protocols and conduct of business of the World Heritage Committee. The
proceedings will also be live-streamed on the website of the session. A UNESCO-WHC press
office will also provide assistance to press as needed. In case of additional questions related to
media and media visas, you may contact the following email address:
[email protected].
10 RECEPTION PROGRAMME AND RELATED EVENTS
All registered participants are cordially invited to attend the social events and side-events that
will be held during the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee. Delegates who wish to
attend the Opening and/or the Closing Ceremony are kindly requested to indicate explicitly
their participation when registering online.
The Opening Ceremony of the 43rd session will be held on 30 June 2019 and will be followed
by a cultural performance and refreshments. Formal dress is recommended for this event.
The Closing Ceremony for the session will be held on 10 July 2019 and will include cultural
performances and a reception.
Further details on the Opening and Closing Ceremonies can be found on the website:
43whcbaku2019.az
10.1 GUIDED TOURS AND DAY TRIPS
Session participants and their accompanying family or guests will have opportunity to
participate in complimentary guided tours of the cultural and natural heritage sites as well as
some other destinations in Azerbaijan.
Full list of the tours and their timetable will be available on the website. Registration for tours
will be possible on the website and at the tours desk located at the meeting venue. Please note
that the availability for each tour is limited. You are therefore encouraged to book early to
avoid disappointment. Additional information and the reservation for tours are available at the
following link on the website: https://43whcbaku2019.az/en/tours/
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 13
11 WORLD HERITAGE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS FORUM
As an integral part of the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee, and in the framework
of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme, the Ministry of the Culture of the
Republic of Azerbaijan will host the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2019 under the
theme of ‘World Heritage: Local Insights for Global Challenges’, from 23 June to 2 July 2019, in
Baku, Azerbaijan.
The overall aim of the Forum is to highlight the key opportunities and challenges of heritage
management in the twenty-first century. Accompanied by local and international experts, and
through a variety of site visits, presentations and roundtables, the participants will gain insights
into the processes and working practices of the 1972 World Heritage Convention Concerning
the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. They will discuss and gain in-depth
knowledge of the global concepts of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New
Urban Agenda, while also having the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the local
Azerbaijani heritage and its management. At the end of the Forum, the young professionals
will present their Declaration/statement to the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee.
12 WORLD HERITAGE SITE MANAGERS FORUM
Considering that the World Heritage List includes over 1,000 properties and a global territory
of over 276 million hectares under its protection, increased understanding of the World
Heritage decision-making processes among Site Managers has become crucial in order to
achieve more effective protection of the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of World Heritage
properties. It will allow the Convention to fulfill its potential as a tool and catalyst for World
Heritage protection and heritage protection in general. At the same time, future improvements
to the World Heritage decision-making procedures must build on and respond to greater
engagement of those dealing with World Heritage on a day-to-day basis. Stronger bridges
should be built between the procedural core of the World Heritage system and its outer
segments – those in the field whose ongoing work to safeguard OUV constitutes the real
expression of the Convention. In this context, the Host Country will continue the admirable
initiative of the “World Heritage Site Managers Forum”, to unite representatives from World
Heritage properties with those at the heart of World Heritage procedures.
The Site Managers Forum will be held in Baku, from 26 June to 4 July 2019.
Detailed information and call for participation for the World Heritage Site Managers Forum are
available on the official website of the session: https://43whcbaku2019.az/.
13 INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN
13.1 REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN
The Republic of Azerbaijan is the largest country in the Caucasus region located at the
crossroads of Asia and Europe. It is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russian Federation
to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west and Iran to the south, covering an
area of 86,600 km2 with a population of 9,356,500.
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 14
Very often called the “Land of Fires”, Azerbaijan is a miraculous country with its rich natural
resources, historical and cultural monuments, literature, arts and musical heritage and people,
whose lifestyle is just a unique and harmonious combination of the traditions and ceremonies
of many different cultures and civilizations. From time immemorial the caravan routes of the
Silk Road invariably crossed Azerbaijan. It served as the “gate” between mysterious faraway
China and rich Europe. Location at the heart of the ancient Silk Road is very much embodied in
architecture, traditions and crafts of various emblematic monuments of Walled City of Baku
with Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Azerbaijan is one of the most ancient sites of human civilization. People have been present
here at every stage of history, leaving a wide range of ancient archaeological and architectural
sites and monuments, which belong to different periods of history. One of the most prominent
monuments of Azerbaijan, the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, UNESCO World Heritage
site featuring an outstanding collection of more than 6,000 rock engravings bearing testimony
to 40,000 years of rock art.
The Republic of Azerbaijan was established on 28 May 1918, becoming the first secular republic
and first in granting women’s suffrage and the equal political rights in the Muslim World.
Azerbaijan is also homeland of first opera of Muslim world “Leyli and Mejnun” by prominent
composer Uzeir Hajibeyli in 1907.
The features of historical development of Azerbaijan, its geographical location, ethnic and
religious diversity of local communities have led to the emergence and development of
longstanding traditions of peaceful co-existence and tolerance. During different periods of
history, communities in Azerbaijan have confessed their faith in Zoroastrianism, Judaism,
Christianity and Islam, mutual influence of which has shaped the unique peculiarity of the
religious environment in the country today. Islam remains the dominant religion among local
population, but there are vibrant Jewish and Orthodox Christian communities in the country.
Wonderful nature, climate, natural resources of the country produced a significant impact on
artistic thinking and creativity of the Azerbaijani people. The existing diversity of folk arts
represent a unity and enable us to get the full idea of the intangible heritage of Azerbaijan. The
living heritage of Azerbaijan is multi-coloured, complete and rich, just like its natural resources.
It is linked to the daily life of people and occupies a very special place in their lives.
It is also to be noted that, imprinted in the daily life of local people, the intangible heritage of
Azerbaijan is of particular importance for its society, proud of having more than ten elements
recognized as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2003 Convention).
You can easily find detailed information about Azerbaijan on the webpages of the Azerbaijan
Ministry of Culture https://azerbaijan.travel/en , http://www.mct.gov.az and
http://www.azerbaijan.az .
13.2 CLIMATE
The climate of Azerbaijan is unique as it presents nine of the Earth's eleven climatic zones.
Azerbaijan is situated on northern extremity of the subtropical zone in the south-eastern
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 15
Caucasus. Its climatic diversity is caused by the complex geographical location and landscape
and the proximity of the Caspian Sea. The climate varies considerably from east to west - in the
western mountains, the weather is drier and more extreme. The eastern part of Azerbaijan,
near the Caspian Sea, has relatively moderate climate.
Baku has a subtropical semi-arid climate with warm and dry summers, cool and occasionally
wet winters, and strong winds all year long. However, unlike many other cities with this climate,
Baku does not see extremely hot summers. This is largely because of its northerly latitude and
the fact that it is located on a peninsula on the shore of the Caspian Sea. At the same time Baku
is noted as a very windy city throughout the year, and gale-force winds, the cold northern wind
khazri and the warm southern wind gilavar are typical here in all seasons. The daily
temperature in July and August averages 26.4 °C (79.5 °F), and there is very little rainfall during
the summer season. Winter is cool and occasionally wet, with the daily temperature averages
4.3 °C (39.7 °F). The average temperature in December varies 9.7 °C (49.5 °F).
13.3 CURRENCY & EXCHANGE
The Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) is the currency of Azerbaijan. Banknotes in circulation are 1, 5,
10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 manat. Coins in circulation are 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 and 50 qepiks. ATMs are
common throughout Baku.
Most accept foreign credit cards (preferably Visa and Mastercard) and many allow withdrawals
in both AZN and US dollars. Some exchanges open late into the evening while most banks close
by 4 pm. The import of foreign currencies must be declared and their export is limited to the
amount declared upon arrival in the country.
The participants are recommended to check the currency rate at www.cbar.az.
13.4 GRATUITIES
In established restaurants, bars, hotels and taxis, a 5-10% service charge is usually added to the
bill - though feel free to tip more than this for exceptional service. At restaurants where a
service charge isn’t included, 10% is the acceptable gratuity. Although tipping at other places
isn't mandatory it will be well received, and setting aside a small amount for porters, guides
and drivers is also a good idea.
13.5 ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
The voltage is 220 V. and plugs are of a two-pin design, therefore an adaptor is necessary. If
your appliance's plug does not match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug
adapter in order to safely plug it in. Hotels will have a limited number of adapters for guest use,
so it is recommended that you obtain your own if you think you will need them during your
stay.
13.6 SMOKING
It is against the law to smoke in public transportation and in most indoor facilities. Restaurants
and bars, usually, offer smoking and non-smoking sections.
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 16
13.7 TIME ZONE
Starting from 2016, Baku is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +4, Azerbaijan
Time AZT).
13.8 DRINKING WATER
It is not recommended to drink tap water. Bottles of mineral water are widely available in shops
and hotels.
13.9 TELEPHONE, MOBILE & USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Roaming agreements are in place with most international phone companies. SIM cards can be
purchased at local phone stores (ID required) and supermarkets.
Country Code: +994
City (Baku) Code: 12
Police Station: 102
Fire Station: 101
Medical Emergency: 103
13.10 MEDICAL CARE
Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in several hospitals and clinics in Baku
offering a wide range of medical services. Pharmacies are common throughout Baku and carry
a wide range of medicine. Prescriptions are normally required. Payment at all medical facilities
is due at the time of service. For information about health insurance please refer to the point
7.5.
14 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For further information about the World Heritage Committee and the World Heritage
Convention, please see the UNESCO World Heritage Centre’s website at the following link:
https://whc.unesco.org.
For all questions of an organizational nature concerning the 43rd session of the World Heritage
Committee, please do not hesitate to contact the session organizers:
information@43whcbaku2019.
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 17
ANNEX 1: RECOMMENDED 4* AND 5* HOTELS
№ Photo Hotel Name Hotel Address Telephone Website
Category
1. Azcot Hotel 4 Star Azerbaijan ave. 7, (+994 12) 4925477 www.azcot.com
Lane 1, (+994 12) 4972507
(+994 12) 4929340
2. Boulevard Hotel Baku 5 Star Khagani Rustamov (+994 12) 310 00 10 www.boulevardhotelbaku.com/en
Autograph Collection Street 4C
3. Corniche Hotel Baku 4 Star Nobel Avenue 20 (+994 12) 489-08-66 www.cornichehotelbaku.com/dil/en/ind
(+994 12) 489-08-67 ex.php
(+994 12) 489-08-68
(+994 12) 489-08-69
4. Divan Express Baku 4 Star 15/A Hasanoğlu Ave., (+994 12) 564 25 55 www.divan.com.tr/divan-express-
Hotel baku/tr
5. Don-Dar Hotel Baku 4 Star 91-103, U. Hajibeyli str (+994 12) 598 20 87 www.dondarhotel.com/?page_id=3720
&lang=en
6. Excelsior Hotel & SPA 5 Star Baku, Heydar Aliyev (+994 12) 496 80 00 www.excelsior.az
Baku Avenue. 2, (+994 12) 496 80 01
7. Fairmont Hotel 5 Star 1A, Mehdi Huseyn (+ 994 12) 565 48 48 www.fairmont.com/baku/
8. Four Seasons Hotel 5 Star 1 Neftchilar Avenue (+994 12) 404 24 24 www.fourseasons.com/baku
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 19
9. Harmony Hotel 4 Star 7C, Khatai district, (+994 12) 404-80-70 www.harmonyhotel.az
Khagani Rustamov str,
10. Hilton Hotel 5 Star 1B Azadlig Avenue, (+994 12) 464 50 00 www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/azerbaijan/
Baku 1000 hilton-baku-GYDHBHI/index.html
11. Holiday INN Hotel 5 Star Keykab Khanim (994 12) 599 11 00 www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/tr/tr/b
Safaraliyeva Street 5 aku/bakhi/hoteldetail
12. Hyatt Regency Baku 5 Star Baku, Bakikhanov str. (+994 12) 496 12 34 www.hyatthotel.com
1
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 20
13. Intourist Hotel 5 Star Mikail Useynov (+994 12) 310 33 10 www.intouristhotelbaku.com
Autograph Collection avenue, 51
14. JW Marriott Absheron 5 Star Azadliq squaree, Block (+994 12) 493-20-57 www.hotel-absheron.com
674 (+994 12) 493-75-76
15. Kaspia Park Hotel 4 Star Khatai Ave 51 (+994 12) 496 39 85 www.qafqazhotels.com/en/hotels/qafq
az-park-hotel
16. Park Inn By Radisson 4 Star Azadlig Avenue 1 ( +994 12) 490 60 00 www.parkinn.com/hotel-baku
Baku Hotel
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 21
17. Premier Expo 4 Star 26A, Agha Neymatulla (+994 12) 567 84 18 http://www.premierexpo.az/
Street,
18. Premier 4 Star 28, Shamsi Rahimov (+994 12) 447 57 00 http://www.premierhotel.az
Street
19. Qafqaz Sahil Hotel 4 Star Khagani Rustamov (+994 12) 404 14 70 www.qafqazhotels.com/en/hotels/qafq
Street, Block 1210 az-sahil-hotel-baku
20. Royal Garden Hotel 4 Star Bakikhanov Street 1 (+994 12) 490 70 61 www.royalgardenhotel.az
Baku
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 22
21. Sapphire Bayil Hotel 4 Star Gurban Abbasov (+994 50) 229 22 32 www.sapphire.az
Street 33
22. Sapphire City Hotel 5 Star 64, Nizami Street (+994 12 ) 498 80 06 www.sapphire.az/hotel_city
23. Sapphire Hotel Baku 5 Star 23, Samed Vurgun Str. (+994 12) 498 90 08 www.sapphire.az/hotel_baku
24. Sapphire INN Hotel 4 Star 5, Hasan Abdullayev (+994 12) 505 11 05 www.sapphire.az/hotel_inn
Str.
25. Shah Palace Hotel 4 Star Boyuk Qala str. 47, (+99412) 497 0405 www.shahpalacehotel.com
Baku Icheri - Sheher,
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 23
26. Winter Park Hotel 4 Star M. Aliyev str. 210, (+ 994 12) 599 91 99 www.winterparkhotel.net/en/home
Baku Nasimi district,
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 24
ANNEX 2: VISA REGULATIONS
I GROUP
Name of the country Type of passport visa free regime is applied Permitted period of living without a
visa between two countries
1. Albania Diplomatic and service 90 days
2. Germany Diplomatic 90 days
3. Argentina Diplomatic, official and service 30 days
4. Austria Diplomatic and service 90 days
5. Belgium Diplomatic 90 days
6. UAE Diplomatic, service and special 90 days
7. Bulgaria Diplomatic and service 90 days
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina Diplomatic, official and service 30 days
9. Brazil Diplomatic, official and service 90 days
10. China Diplomatic and service 30 days
11. Czechia Diplomatic 90 days
12. Croatia Diplomatic 90 days
Service 30 days
13. Estonia Diplomatic 90 days
14. Finland Diplomatic 90 days
15. France Diplomatic 90 days
16. Palestine Diplomatic 30 days
17. Indonesia Diplomatic and service 30 days
18. Japan Diplomatic 90 days
19. Jordan Diplomatic and service 90 days
20. Iran (Islamic republic of) Diplomatic and service 30 days
21. Iraq Diplomatic, service and official 30 days
22 India Diplomatic, service and official 90 days
23. Spain Diplomatic 90 days
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 25
24. Sweden Diplomatic 90 days
25. Switzerland Diplomatic and biometrical service 90 days
26. Italy Diplomatic and service 90 days
27. Israel Diplomatic and service 90 days
28. Columbia Diplomatic, official and service 90 days
29. Republic of Korea Diplomatic, official and service 30 days
30. Cyprus Diplomatic 90 days
31. Cuba Diplomatic, official and service 90 days
32. Kuwait Diplomatic, service and special 90 days
33. Lao People's Democratic Diplomatic 30 days
Republic
34. Latvia Diplomatic and service 90 days
35. Lithuania Diplomatic and service 90 days
36. Libya Diplomatic, service and special Temporarily suspended
37. Liechtenstein Diplomatic 90 days
38. Luxembourg Diplomatic 90 days
39. Hungary Diplomatic and service 90 days
40. Malta Diplomatic 90 days
41. Mexico Diplomatic 90 days
42. Morocco Diplomatic, official, service and special 90 days
43. Montenegro Diplomatic and service 90 days
44. Netherlands Diplomatic 90 days
45. Norway Diplomatic 90 days
46. Pakistan Diplomatic and service 30 days
47. Poland Diplomatic 90 days
48. Peru Diplomatic, service and special 90 days
49. Qatar Diplomatic service and special 30 days
50. Portugal Diplomatic, service and special 90 days
51. Romania Diplomatic and service 90 days
52. San Marino Diplomatic and service 90 days
53. Serbia Diplomatic, service and official 90 days
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 26
54. Slovakia Diplomatic and service 90 days
55. Slovenia Diplomatic and service 90 days
56. Syrian Arab Republic Diplomatic, service and special 30 days
57. Turkey Diplomatic, service and special 90 days
58. Turkmenistan Diplomatic and service 30 days
59. Greece Diplomatic 90 days
60 Venezuela Diplomatic, service and official 30 days
61. Viet Nam Diplomatic, service and official 30 days
62. Uruguay Diplomatic, service and official 90 days
II GROUP
Period of visa free stay between two
Name of country countries
Republic of Belarus 90 days
Georgia 90 days
Kazakhstan 90 days
Kyrgyzstan 90 days
Republic of Moldova 90 days
Uzbekistan 90 days
Russian Federation 90 days
Tajikistan 90 days
Ukraine 90 days
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 27
III GROUP
Period of visa free stay between two
Name of country countries
Iran ( Islamic Republic of) 15 days
Turkey 1 month
Serbia 90 days
North Macedonia 90 days
Montenegro 90 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina 90 days
General Information WHC/19/43.COM/INF.1, p. 28