The World Heritage Committee of UNESCO unanimously inscribed the wider area of Mount Olympus, Greece, onto the World Heritage List during its 48th session held in Busan, South Korea. The decision, finalized on Sunday, July 26, 2026, recognizes the mountain for its outstanding universal value, designating it as a protected cultural and natural heritage site. The Greek delegation, led by the country's permanent representative to UNESCO, Giorgos Koumoutsakos, and composed of experts from the Ministries of Culture and Environment and Energy, had conducted weeks of intensive diplomatic engagement to secure this status.

This recognition marks a significant achievement for Greece, following the successful inscription of the Zagori region and the Minoan palaces of Crete. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that the designation is a major national success that places Greece at the center of international interest and provides new opportunities for sustainable development in the surrounding region. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasized that the status entails a collective international responsibility to preserve the site for the benefit of present and future generations. The inclusion highlights the enduring legacy of the mountain, famously associated with ancient Greek culture and Homeric epics, ensuring enhanced protection and care for its unique ecosystem and historical significance.