UNESCO to Play Active Role in Reducing Tensions Over Preah Vihear Temple
UNESCO to Play Active Role in Reducing Tensions Over Preah Vihear Temple
BUSAN, 22 July 2026 — UNESCO is closely monitoring developments related to Cambodia’s Preah Vihear Temple and will continue contributing to efforts to ease tensions between Cambodia and Thailand through cultural cooperation, a senior UNESCO official said during talks with Cambodian representatives.
The commitment was made during a meeting on Tuesday between Cambodia’s Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and Nayef Al-Fayez, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, on the sidelines of the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan.
During the meeting, the Cambodian minister congratulated Al-Fayez on his appointment as UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture and thanked him for facilitating the delivery of a report prepared by experts from the World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) following their mission to Preah Vihear Temple from March 1-6, 2026, conducted at Cambodia’s invitation.
The minister praised the report as comprehensive, technically sound and reflective of the situation at the World Heritage site.
She also informed UNESCO of Cambodia’s intention to host a future session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage during its term as a committee member from 2026 to 2030.
According to the Cambodian ministry, Al-Fayez expressed support for Cambodia’s proposal to host the meeting and reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to monitoring developments concerning Preah Vihear Temple.
He also pledged UNESCO’s continued engagement in helping reduce tensions between Cambodia and Thailand through cultural dialogue and cooperation.
The meeting took place as delegates gathered in Busan for the World Heritage Committee session, where member states are discussing the protection and management of cultural and natural heritage sites worldwide.
