Greece Affirms Global Influence Through UNESCO Achievements

The year 2025 proved to be a landmark period for Greece within UNESCO, highlighting the country’s growing influence, credibility, and sustained engagement across culture, heritage protection, and global ocean science.

One of the most symbolically significant achievements came with UNESCO’s formal recognition of the international importance of the Greek language and its enduring impact on world civilisation. Acting on a proposal by the Greek government, UNESCO’s Executive Board approved in March 2025 the designation of 9 February as World Greek Language Day. The decision was officially ratified in November by UNESCO’s General Conference, held in Samarkand.

Greece also strengthened its institutional presence within UNESCO bodies throughout the year. In May 2025, it was elected to the Subsidiary Committee of the 1970 Convention on Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, during the 8th Meeting of States Parties in Paris. The election was widely viewed as recognition of Greece’s longstanding commitment to combating illicit trafficking and safeguarding cultural heritage.

A historic electoral result followed on 2 July 2025, when Greece was elected to the Executive Council of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). Securing 92 votes out of 110 valid ballots, Greece achieved one of the strongest results ever recorded, underscoring broad international confidence in its contribution to maritime affairs, ocean governance, and scientific cooperation.

At the same time, Greece concluded its term as a member of the World Heritage Committee (2021–2025), a period marked by active participation and substantive contributions. A major highlight was the unanimous inscription of the Minoan Palatial Centres on the World Heritage List during the Committee’s 47th session in Paris, confirming the outstanding universal value of Minoan civilisation.

The year ended with another significant success when Greece was elected to the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict for the 2025–2029 term. The vote took place on 2 December 2025 in Paris during the 11th Meeting of the Parties to the Second Protocol of the 1954 Hague Convention. Greece ranked first, receiving 79 of 85 valid votes, reinforcing its role in addressing the protection of cultural heritage amid contemporary armed conflicts.

Taken together, these achievements reflect Greece’s consistent leadership, expertise, and dedication to UNESCO’s principles. They also highlight the decisive role played by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose coordinated diplomatic efforts and strategic planning were instrumental in securing broad international support for Greece’s candidacies. Greece’s performance in 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to advancing culture, science, and heritage as foundations for international cooperation and peace.

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cultural diplomacy, cultural heritage, Greece news, Greece UNESCO, Greek City Times, Greek language, Greek news, Minoan Palatial Centres, ocean science, UNESCO, World Greek Language Day, world heritage