Iran lost its voting rights in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), preventing the country from participating in certain international forums, including the arbitration body of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee. This restriction came as a result of years of unpaid membership fees.
According to Mehr News Agency, Iran owed $51,235 to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention Fund and $51,886 to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention Fund between 2020 and 2024. When extended back to 2017, the total debt exceeded $103,000. While relatively minor compared to other government expenditures, the unpaid fees eventually became significant enough to block Iran’s participation.
Observers note that the government has not fully recognized the importance of engagement in international organizations, which contributed to the unpaid dues.
Alireza Izadi, Director-General of the Office for the Registration of Historical and Cultural Properties, explained that membership in UNESCO’s 21-member arbitration committee requires countries to have no outstanding debts. “In recent years, Iran either did not pay its dues or payments were made incorrectly,” he said. “As a result, the country could not be elected to the committee.”
He noted that Iran is preparing for this year’s World Heritage Committee session, negotiating to settle its membership dues, and planning to send a delegation. “Iran’s position in the World Heritage Committee is respected. In this session, decisions will be made regarding participation in the arbitration body and the next four years,” he said.
Membership in the committee’s arbitration body requires payment of dues, as this is a government-held seat. Unlike non-governmental organizations such as ICOM or ICOMOS, the government must fund this membership.
Last year, it was also reported that the government did not intend to participate in ICOM or ICOMOS. In Farvardin 1402, the President and Foreign Minister submitted a bill to amend Iran’s 1986 law on membership in international organizations. Prepared by the President’s Legal Affairs Office and approved by the Cabinet, the bill cited the government’s lack of interest in continuing membership as its main reason.
The amendments aimed to remove Iran’s membership in three organizations: the International Council of Museums (ICOM, $175 annual fee), the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS, $5,800 annual fee), and the Third World Network of Scientific Organizations (TWNSO). The bill was formally submitted to Parliament last year.
Although these organizations play an important role in promoting cultural exchange, heritage diplomacy, and international collaboration, the bill did not provide detailed reasons for withdrawal or address potential consequences. With no legal obligation to continue membership and the costs of dues posing a financial burden, the government moved forward with the proposal.
The bill did not explain why Iran intended to withdraw from these international organizations and remained vague overall, much like a similar proposal submitted to Parliament in 2017. It only stated that the government had no interest in continuing membership in organizations such as ICOM, ICOMOS, and the Third World Network of Scientific Organizations. The reasons for this stance could include cost-benefit considerations, diplomatic priorities, or a shift in the government’s approach toward these bodies. If the withdrawals proceed, they could reduce Iran’s international engagement in cultural and heritage affairs.
The Parliament’s Research Center noted that while cutting costs might justify amending the law, formally pursuing the bill could disrupt certain processes, including global heritage registrations. The center also warned that removing Iran from international organizations and treaties could have negative consequences for the country’s cultural and public diplomacy. They recommended opposing the bill in principle and suggested seeking alternative legal mechanisms to manage non-payment of dues or support for these organizations.
At present, Iran faces challenges in participating in UNESCO World Heritage meetings due to unpaid membership fees. This non-payment threatens both Iran’s representation and its standing within the arbitration body. Therefore, officials at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage are encouraged to take stronger measures to justify these payments and ensure the government understands their importance.
