Principles for the protection of the world cultural heritage and global challenges

The article deals with international principles and ways of protection of the internationally significant cultural, natural and intangible heritage in the conditions of existence of global political challenges that threaten their conservation. The protection of the world cultural heritage refers to the primary topics of discussion for the entire world community in the context of the challenges of extremist movements. The problem of protection of the internationally significant cultural heritage goes beyond the interests of one state, one national community and denomination. Reveals how the notion of universality with regard to the protection of heritage is traced in the international instruments. Shows the different accents set by the world community during the period from the 1970s through the 2000s. Based on the analysis of international instruments allocated to general principles of protection for all varieties of objects of world cultural heritage. Describes the place and role of Russian law in the maintenance of the system for the protection of world heritage sites.