The World Heritage Convention is an international agreement established in 1972 to identify, protect, and preserve cultural and natural heritage sites of outstanding value. Managed by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), the convention encourages countries to nominate sites for inclusion on the World Heritage List, which recognizes their significance to humanity. Countries that ratify the convention commit to safeguarding these sites and promoting their conservation. The convention also fosters international cooperation, allowing nations to share knowledge and resources to protect their shared heritage. Notable sites include the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Egypt.