Prespa Toward UNESCO: Three Countries, One Statement and Still No Known Deadline
The culture ministers of Macedonia, Greece and Albania signed a joint statement as the basis for preparing a nomination of the Prespa region for the World Heritage List, but no deadlines have been published.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Sedat Sulejmani, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja signed, at a trilateral meeting in Greece, a joint statement on preparing a nomination of the Prespa region for UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The statement commits the three countries to protecting and promoting the natural and cultural heritage and to deepening cooperation.
“Prespa, naturally and historically, has always been one whole, even though its shores are divided among three neighboring states,” said Sulejmani, adding that the aim is a long-term, sustainable management model that benefits local residents. The meeting was attended by representatives of the EU, UNESCO, the United Nations, local governments and institutions from the three countries. Existing joint work cited includes conservation of the frescoes in St. George’s church in Kurbinovo, activities around Mal Grad island, and the EU-supported ACT4PRESPA project.
What is missing: published reports contain no deadline for submitting the nomination and no information on Prespa’s status on national lists. The statement is the start of preparation, not a nomination — before it reaches UNESCO, the region must go through long expert and administrative work. That is why the question “first step or symbolism” will be answered by deadlines and a budget that are yet to be published.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · October 10, 2026
