The presentation of the Modernist Gdynia Centre for representatives of the diplomatic corps of UNESCO World Heritage Committee

The candidature of the Modernist Gdynia Centre for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List is the result of many years of consistent collaboration among experts, local authorities, and government administration. In the past year, substantive activities have been complemented by extensive diplomatic and promotional initiatives aimed at highlighting the exceptional universal value of the site and building international support for the Polish nomination.

An important element of this process was a briefing for representatives of the diplomatic corps of UNESCO World Heritage Committee member states, organized on July 14 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland in Warsaw, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and the City of Gdynia.

Participants included representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Peru, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and Vietnam. These countries' representatives will be voting on Gdynia’s nomination during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan (South Korea), which will begin this weekend.

During the meeting, the exceptional universal value of the Modernist Gdynia Centre was presented as one of the most fully realized examples of a modernist port city from the 20th century. Its unique architectural qualities were highlighted, along with the history of the city’s dynamic development and the significance of its modernist heritage.

The presentation was met with a very positive response from participants, who showed great interest in the arguments supporting the unique character of Gdynia’s urban layout.

During the briefing, representatives of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee member states were also asked to support the candidature of the Modernist Gdynia Centre during the deliberations at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

The meeting at the MFA of the Republic of Poland marked the culmination of diplomatic activities accompanying the nomination process. After completing expert and formal procedures, Poland utilized all available instruments of public and cultural diplomacy to fully showcase the value of the nominated site and to ensure the best possible preparation for the Committee’s review of the application.

 Photo gallery

In the group photo, there are representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the National Heritage Institute, and, of course, Gdynia

Oktawia Gorzeńska, Deputy Mayor of Gdynia during the presentation of briefing

"Bankowiec" - the Pearl of Gdynia Modernism at 3 Maja Street 27-31