Odessa's World Heritage Status: A Triumph Against Russian Opposition

  The port city of Odessa in Ukraine referred to as the "pearl of the Black Sea," has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List after gaining six votes in favor, one against, and 14 abstentions. This came despite opposition from Russia, which had tried to delay the recognition of the city's "outstanding universal value." The designation of Odessa as a world-historic site symbolizes the collective determination to preserve the city amidst global upheavals and protect it from further destruction. President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has expressed his gratitude to the partners who have helped in protecting the city from Russian attacks. Since the Russian invasion, Ukrainian citizens have been working to protect the city's landmarks and structures using sandbags and barriers. The city's inclusion in the List of World Heritage in Danger gives it access to technical and financial international assistance for its protection and rehabilitation. UNESCO has already assisted in repairing the damages sustained by the Odessa Museum of Fine Arts and the Odessa Museum of Modern Art since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war. The agency's decision to add Odessa to the World Heritage List despite Russian opposition shows its commitment to preserving important cultural sites for future generations.