The United Nations has urged the international community to collaborate with UNESCO in preserving and restoring the historic Jam Minaret in Afghanistan, warning that neglect could cause irreparable damage.

Andriko Ratwatte, the UN humanitarian coordinator, said the protection of the 12th-century monument in Ghor province was not solely Afghanistan's duty but a shared global responsibility. He stressed the need for financial resources, technical teams, and specialized equipment to prevent further decay.

The Jam Minaret, standing about 65 meters tall, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2002, simultaneously marked as endangered due to frequent floods, earthquakes, and soil erosion that threaten its foundations.

Local experts have raised concerns that the lack of maintenance and professional supervision has increased the risk of structural collapse. Previous stabilization projects have been minimal and insufficient to counter the ongoing environmental challenges.

UN officials said safeguarding the Jam Minaret represents more than cultural preservation - it is about protecting a vital link to human history and shared identity.

Cultural organizations and heritage activists are now calling on donors and regional governments to support a coordinated restoration plan led by UNESCO. They warn that without swift intervention, the world could lose one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Central Asia.

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