Ms Gayane Umerova elected Chairperson of the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention

Samarkand — 11 November 2025 — The States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, meeting during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, have elected Ms Gayane Umerova (Uzbekistan) as Chairperson of the 25th session of the General Assembly.

Ms Gayane Umerova, who currently serves as Chairperson of the National Commission of Uzbekistan for UNESCO and as Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, has been recognised for her active commitment to the preservation and promotion of Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage, her support for contemporary artistic practice, and her efforts to enhance the country’s cultural presence on the international stage.

At the same session, the General Assembly elected its Vice-Chairpersons and Rapporteur, and adopted the provisional agenda and timetable for the 25th session.

The Bureau of the 25th session of the General Assembly is as follows:

• Chairperson: Ms Gayane Umerova (Uzbekistan)
• Vice-Chairpersons: Belgium, Mexico, Kazakhstan and Senegal
• Rapporteur: Mr Nawfel El Majdoub (Morocco)

Other items on the provisional agenda, including the election of new members of the World Heritage Committee, will be considered on 24 and 25 November 2025 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.