UNESCO Director-General visits Ukraine to pledge cultural heritage protection

UNESCO Director-General Khaled el-Anany conducted his first official visit to Ukraine, meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss cooperation regarding the country’s resilience and recovery.

During the visit, el-Anany addressed the protection of cultural heritage, specifically focusing on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery. The site, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been on the List of World Heritage in Danger since 2023 following significant damage from attacks in June. UNESCO has condemned all attacks on protected cultural property under international law.

To assist in preservation and reconstruction, UNESCO is working with Ukrainian experts and international partners. With support from Japan, the organization is currently conducting 3D laser and digital scanning of the Dormition Cathedral to prepare for future restoration efforts.