The 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, Republic of Korea, marks a historic milestone for Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). With the inscription of three new properties located in the Comoros, São Tomé and Príncipe, and South Sudan, three countries have joined the World Heritage List for the first time. Through this inscription, South Sudan joins the family of World Heritage nations. When the World Heritage Strategy for Africa (2022–2029) was adopted by the World Heritage Committee in 2021, twelve African countries had no properties inscribed on the World Heritage List. These achievements are part of a broader momentum driven by UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, aimed at strengthening support for the 26 States Parties that are still not represented on the World Heritage List, as reflected in the recent World Heritage Strategy for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) 2026–2034, adopted by the World Heritage Committee at its 48th session.