On 12 September 2025, upon the invitation of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Ms. Marie-Noël Tournoux, Project Director of the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region (WHITR-AP Shanghai), attended the online consultation on "Identifying and Streamline World Heritage Global Priorities for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)" in Shanghai.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Himalchuli Gurung, Head of the Asia-Pacific Unit at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, and introduced by Ms. Jyoti Hosagrahar, Deputy Director of the Centre.

Himalchuli Gurung, Head of the Asia-Pacific Unit, World Heritage Center, UNESCO

Ms. Sachiko Haraguchi, Coordinator of the World Heritage Programme for Small Island Developing States, introduced the initiative. She presented key data, noting that the 39 SIDS are better understood as "large ocean spaces", underscoring their significant maritime territories and heritage value. All SIDS have now ratified the World Heritage Convention, with 37 properties listed across 24 SIDS and 104 sites on Tentative Lists from 32 SIDS.

Sachiko Haraguchi, Coordinator of the World Heritage Programme for Small Island Developing States

Presenting Key Findings and Challenges

Ms. Lorna Abungu, consultant for the World Heritage Centre, presented initial findings from a baseline survey and desk study. Key recommendations aline with the results of the Third Cycle of Periodic Reporting and include securing sustainable funding, enhancing conservation, and fostering community engagement. She emphasized pervasive challenges such as financial constraints, insufficient capacity, and climate change acting as a "risk multiplier".

Lorna Abungu, consultant for the World Heritage Centre