UNESCO's 2023 World Heritage List

On September 25, 2023, UNESCO unveiled its latest additions to the World Heritage List, highlighting the rich cultural diversity and historical significance of 33 new sites. You can explore the full list on Lonely Planet's coverage.

These listings included several remarkable sites from North America, with a focus on underrepresented communities and historical narratives. One of the standout additions is the Mayan Tak’alik Ab’aj in Guatemala The site includes a Maya royal tomb and examples of Maya hieroglyphic inscriptions that are among the earliest from the Maya region Canada also claimed a place on the list with the recognition of the Tr’ondek-Klondike, a site that reflects the Klondike Gold Rush's historical importance and the stories of the diverse communities involved. 

In the United States the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, a group of monumental geometric earthworks representing a fascinating indigenous history and cultural tradition was added to the list. According to the National Park Service, “These earthwork complexes were ceremonial landscapes used for feasts, funerals, rituals, and rites of passage associated with an American Indian religious movement that swept over half the continent for almost 400 years.” It is the 25th World Heritage Site located in the United States.

In addition to these exciting new additions, UNESCO's committee also made a critical decision to add Kyiv's St Sophia's Cathedral and the historic center of Lviv to its List of World Heritage in Danger. This move underscores the importance of safeguarding these sites from potential threats and maintaining their cultural and historical significance. There are currently 56 properties on the list.

UNESCO's 2023 additions not only celebrate cultural diversity but also call for global responsibility in preserving our shared heritage. These sites, both celebrated and endangered, serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding, protecting, and cherishing the multifaceted stories that make up our world's history.