Overview:
Palau Brings Pacific Island Perspective to UNESCO World Heritage Discussions
Palau’s participation in the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, highlighted the country’s commitment to protecting cultural and natural heritage while advancing sustainable tourism. A Palauan delegation joined Pacific island representatives in shaping discussions that led to the adoption of a new World Heritage Strategy for Small Island Developing States, aimed at strengthening support for vulnerable island nations.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
For Palauans, the Busan meetings were not just another overseas conference. They were a chance to put Palau’s heritage, tourism priorities and island concerns in front of the people helping shape the future of UNESCO World Heritage work.
From July 17–22, three Palauan representatives took part in a capacity-building workshop on sustainable tourism for Pacific small island developing states and the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea. The delegation was led by McMichael Mutok Jr., acting director of the Bureau of Cultural and Historical Preservation, and included Hope Rekisiwang, who manages the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Dilklumech David, a communications specialist for the Bureau of Tourism.
The workshop, organized by UNESCO with the Korea Tourism Organization and Korea National University of Heritage, gave participants practical training in sustainable tourism management, heritage conservation and site interpretation. Delegates also visited the Haman (Malisan) Tumuli, part of the Gaya Tumuli UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2023, to learn how Korea balances preservation with tourism.
Afterward, the Palau team joined other Pacific island delegations at the committee session. Their participation mattered because Pacific SIDS had been largely absent from earlier sessions, and this time island voices were present in discussions about the future of the World Heritage Convention.
A major outcome was the adoption and launch of the World Heritage Strategy for Small Island Developing States. Palau endorsed the strategy, reaffirming its commitment to protect World Heritage sites while supporting sustainable tourism.
Mutok said the strategy “represents a commitment to recognizing SIDS as equal partners in protecting the world’s shared heritage.” He said success will depend on “continued collaboration, capacity building, technical assistance, and financial support.”