2026 in Busan

Session 48 of the World Heritage Committee (WHC)

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This page presents the potential candidates for discussion at the WHC meeting in 2026.

The candidates for 2026 are already quite firm, since they are in the official document List of nominations received by 31 January 2025 for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 48th session in 2026 (publicized May 2025). Additional nominations can come from sites that have been Referred in the past 3 years. Also, State Parties can decide to withdraw candidates before evaluation or discussion.

Session Information

Session
#48 (2026)
Dates
July 31, 2026-Aug. 31, 2026
Chair
Republic of Korea in Busan
Chair
None
WHC Sessions
Vice Chairs
Rapporteur
None
Members
Useful Links
UNESCO
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      Follow the discussion in our 2026 WHC.

      winterkjm@ Aug 28, 2025 03:07
      winterkjm:
      Wadi Wurayah (United Arab Emirates)

      This was an interesting piece by the Dong A Ilbo (Korean newspaper) stating "Korea …
      elsslots@ Jul 15, 2025 13:45
      For 2026, I will add Gdynia - they got a Refer during the past session and have already announced to …
      winterkjm@ Jul 01, 2025 08:51
      If Korea is officially chosen (as expected) for host country, the host city will be Busan.

      https://m.koreaherald.com/article/10521144
      elsslots@ Jul 01, 2025 05:49
      Busan chosen as candidate to host UNESCO meeting on world heritage in 2026

      https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10521144
      Durian@ May 28, 2025 04:28
      winterkjm:
      - Silk Roads: Fergana-Syrdarya Corridor (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan)
      - Tashkent Modernist Architecture. Modernity and Tradition in Central Asia …
      elsslots@ May 27, 2025 05:29
      winterkjm:
      One question is, should we tentatively label all these nominations for 2027 now?

      I have done that, yes (although …
      winterkjm@ May 27, 2025 05:18
      elsslots:
      - Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape (Zambia) [INCOMPLETE]
      - Mayon Volcano Cultural Landscape (Philippines) [INCOMPLETE]
      - Zomin Mountains (Uzbekistan) [INCOMPLETE]
      …
      winterkjm@ May 27, 2025 02:13
      Official (Els source looks correct)!

      WHS 2026

      Africa (4)
      - Les medinas des Sultanats historiques des Comores (Comoros)
      - Parc …
      csarica@ May 26, 2025 12:59
      I am quite in shock for Zerzevan.
      elsslots@ May 26, 2025 12:19
      Something got sent my way... if the source is correct, this should be in the final document set as the …

      WHC Events

      Ancient Termiz
      Ancient Termiz Jan. 1, 2026

      Incomplete - not examined: .

      Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (modific) Jan. 1, 2026

      Incomplete - not examined: .

      Mayon Volcano Cultural Landscape
      Mayon Volcano Cultural Landscape Jan. 1, 2026

      Incomplete - not examined:

      Zomin Mountains Jan. 1, 2026

      Incomplete - not examined:

      Mongolian Gobi Jan. 1, 2026

      Postponed: On request of Mongolia, The Cemetery Complexes of the Xiongnu Nobility are given preference

      Barotse Plains
      Barotse Plains Jan. 1, 2026

      Incomplete - not examined:

      Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland Sept. 12, 2025

      Added to Tentative List: None

      The castles of Mount Amel Sept. 11, 2025

      Revision: Revised entry added to tentative list, replacing the existing one

      Golden Lion Tamarin Protected Areas Sept. 1, 2025

      Added to Tentative List: None

      Protected Areas of Caatinga Dry Tropical Forest Sept. 1, 2025

      Added to Tentative List: None

      Karst, Canyons, and Caves of Kugitang (Turkmen) Aug. 28, 2025

      Added to Tentative List: None

      Natural Heritage of Varkala Aug. 27, 2025

      Added to Tentative List: None

      Nominated