site.btaCulture Minister Calls for Unity, Resilience in Protecting Cultural Heritage at 43rd Session of UNESCO’s General Conference

UNESCO continues to be a cornerstone of multilateralism, dialogue, and international cooperation, said Culture Minister Marian Bachev during the opening of the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference, the Ministry of Culture reported on Wednesday. The event is held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 30 to November 13.

In his address, Bachev congratulated Dr Khaled El-Enany on his election as UNESCO Director General and expressed gratitude to former UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay (2017-2025) for her leadership over the past years.

Bachev emphasized Bulgaria’s readiness to work towards greater transparency and efficiency in UNESCO’s governance, highlighting the importance of stronger cross-sectoral cooperation and closer links between the organization’s headquarters and field offices.

“In the complex geopolitical context and given UNESCO’s fragile financial situation, Bulgaria supports the approach of zero nominal growth, reflecting responsibility and solidarity among Member States,” Bachev stated.

Bachev highlighted Bulgaria’s initiative to establish a Regional Centre for Underwater Archaeology in the Black Sea region under the auspices of UNESCO. The centre would strengthen regional and international cooperation in researching and preserving underwater cultural heritage.

Bulgaria also reaffirmed its commitment to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and announced its intention to run for membership in the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026–2030 period.

The 43rd session of the General Conference defines UNESCO’s priorities, programmes, and budget for the coming years.

The Bulgarian delegation, led by Minister Bachev, includes Deputy Minister of Culture Todor Chobanov, Bulgaria’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Radka Balabanova, and Deputy Permanent Delegate Iskra Angelova.

During the conference, Bachev and the accompanying delegation will hold meetings with Audrey Azoulay and Dr Khaled El-Enany, the Ministry said.