Russia’s world heritage meet on ice

A UNESCO world heritage meeting due to take place in Russia has been postponed indefinitely.

The decision follows pressure from global cultural organisations to pull the meeting in Kazan following the invasion of Ukraine.

The 21 member states of UNESCO’s heritage committee take turns to host the annual meeting, chairing the edition they host. There are currently no plans to relocate the 45th edition.

UNESCO estimated 53 cultural buildings in Ukraine had been destroyed by Russian attacks by the end of March. The number is now thought to be closer to 100.