To States Parties to the
2001 Convention on the Protection
of the Underwater Cultural Heritage
18 February 2026
Culture Sector
Culture and Emergencies
Ref.: CLT/CEM/UCH/26/7
Sir/Madam,
As you know, the UNESCO General Conference, at its 43rd session, proclaimed the International
Day for Underwater Cultural Heritage, to be celebrated each year on 21 August
(43 C/Resolution 39).
The celebration of this International Day provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of
the importance of underwater cultural heritage and to further promote the objectives and
principles of the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. This
opportunity is particularly significant as the year 2026 will also mark the 25th anniversary of the
adoption of the Convention. Adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO on
2 November 2001, the Convention remains the only international legal instrument specifically
dedicated to the protection of underwater cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation for the
benefit of humanity.
In this context, States Parties are invited to consider organizing activities on the occasion of the
International Day, as well as throughout the year, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Convention.
Such initiatives may include conferences, exhibitions, educational, scientific, community-based
events or other public outreach actions aimed at promoting responsible access to and protection
of underwater cultural heritage.
To this end, I would be grateful to receive information on any initiatives planned or undertaken in
connection with the International Day and the 25th anniversary throughout the year, in order to
facilitate coordination, visibility and synergies among activities worldwide. I also invite to confirm
or update the contact details of your National Focal Point for the 2001 Convention and to transmit
this information to the Secretariat at the following address:
[email protected].
I wish to express my appreciation for your continued commitment to the protection of underwater
cultural heritage and look forward to continuing our cooperation to ensure that the International
Day and the 25th anniversary are marked in a meaningful and impactful manner.
Yours sincerely,
Krista Pikkat
Director, Culture and Emergencies
Secretary of the 2001 Convention
cc: National Commissions for UNESCO
UNESCO Field Offices
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
7, Place de Fontenoy 75352 Paris 07 SP France
T: +33 (0)1 45 68 13 96