The 16th meeting of the States Parties to the Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was held from December 1 to 2.

As part of the meeting, the Republic of Azerbaijan was elected a member of the UNESCO Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict for the 2025–2029 term.

Six countries, including Azerbaijan, competed for four vacant seats. As a result of the competitive elections, Azerbaijan received the majority of votes from the participating states in the first round.

The committee was established to ensure the protection of cultural property during armed conflicts, monitor compliance with the 1954 Hague Convention and its Second Protocol, and facilitate technical, legal, and institutional support to states in this field.

Azerbaijan’s election to the committee reflects the country’s strong reputation within the international community in the area of cultural heritage protection, as well as its active engagement on international platforms and consistent policy efforts.