site.btaDeputy Tourism Minister Georgieva: Bulgaria Proud to Safeguard Shared Heritage
Bulgaria voiced pride in being part of the collective effort to safeguard and celebrate shared heritage, Deputy Minister of Tourism Irena Georgieva said at the official reception hosted by the Republic of Bulgaria in Paris on Monday on the occasion of the opening of the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
Georgieva said Bulgaria is a country home to ten UNESCO World Heritage sites — from the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak and the Rila Monastery to the Madara Rider, carved into rock — cultural treasures which showcase the richness and diversity of human history.
“These sites are not merely testimonies from the past — they are living links that continue to guide and inspire us as we build a future grounded in respect for heritage and its enduring value. Bulgaria’s heritage is a bridge across centuries — it carries stories carved in stone, painted in the vibrant colours of our traditions, and preserved in the songs, dances, and crafts of our people. From the melodies echoing in our mountain villages to the fine embroidery handed down through generations — our cultural expressions remain vivid and lively, reminding us of the continuity connecting past, present, and future,” Georgieva said.
She noted that culture and tourism are deeply intertwined. Every traveller who steps into a cultural heritage site enters a dialogue between past and present, gaining understanding and respect for the values, creativity, and resilience of those who came before us. This is why protecting cultural heritage is also an investment in our shared future — it fosters peace, forges connections across borders, and supports sustainable development in our communities, Georgieva added.
“At the start of this important session, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to protecting and celebrating the cultural and natural heritage that unites us, while also recognizing the crucial role of youth and local communities as its guardians,” she said.
The 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee runs until July 16 at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris under the presidency of Bulgaria. As part of the session, Bulgaria will present elements of its cultural and natural heritage. Later Monday, the July issue of LIK magazine – dedicated to Bulgaria and UNESCO – will also be officially presented at UNESCO.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded on November 16, 1945. Bulgaria became a member on May 17, 1956, the same year its National Commission for UNESCO was established. The Commission coordinates activities between Bulgarian institutions and UNESCO.
UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee is one of the two governing bodies responsible for implementing the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. It is composed of representatives from 21 countries elected from among the 196 States Parties to the Convention.
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