UNESCO World Heritage Convention marks 40th anniversary

Jazz icon and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock gave a concert at UNESCO headquarters on January 30 to mark the 40th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention launched by the UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. The concert was followed by a reception at the residence of U.S. Permanent Representative to UNESCO ambassador David Killion.

Sri Lanka's ambassador to France Dayan Jayatilleka participated at the 40th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.

Speaking of World Heritage sites, ambassador Hancock highlighted his support for UNESCO: "World Heritage sites are particularly important in providing a record of the past that would certainly have been lost. Knowing about your history - where you come from and what your ancestors have accomplished - has a direct impact on the psyche of a country as well as building a sense of self-worth of a people."

The launch featured performances by Corinne Bailey Rae, Esperanza Spalding, Manu Katché and Stephen Brown. This event was also the occasion to showcase successes and challenges in implementing the World Heritage Convention through audiovisual presentations.

The World Heritage Convention was adopted by the UNESCO General Conference at its 17th session in Paris on November 16, 1972. It is one of the most widely ratified international agreements with 188 state parties.