25 July 2010: The 34th session of the World Heritage Committee of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is taking place in Brasilia, Brazil, from 25 July-3 August 2010.

In her opening statement, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova said the Committee would have to address the fact that, in all regions, sites are affected by new and emerging threats and challenges, such as climate change, urbanization, unsustainable economic development and the question of how to reconcile modernity with tradition. Welcoming the “constructive stand” the Committee has taken on a number of these issues, she added that “policy statements on the impact of climate change on World Heritage sites and strategies for reducing risks from disasters pave the way for sustainable conservation policies.” [The Statement] [34th Session of the World Heritage Committee Website]