IUCN has advised the World Heritage Convention since 1972, evaluating site nominations, conducting monitoring, and supporting initiatives like the World Heritage Leadership Programme. As the Convention marks its 50th anniversary, it faces challenges: funding shortages, political influence over site inscriptions, and disregard for Advisory Body recommendations. Despite this, it remains a key tool for heritage protection. Amid an organisation-wide restructure, IUCN aimed to re-assess its role in the Convention. In support of this work, Aleph was engaged to conduct a strategic review, gathering insights through interviews and workshops with key stakeholders, including UNESCO, IUCN offices, Indigenous groups, ICOMOS, and ICCROM.

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