In order to implement the Convention, in 1976, the UNESCO set up the World Heritage Committee according to the regulations of the Convention.

The Committee, as an international governmental organisation, is made up of 21 member countries selected by the General Conference of State Parties. The Committee holds at least one session annually (in June or July) to decide which heritages can be inscribed into the World Heritage List, and supervise the protection of listed heritages. The Bureau of the Committee, which is made up of seven Committee members, holds two sessions annually, and makes preparations for the work of the Committee.  

The main duties of the Committee
a)-In reference to the “tentative list” and documents submitted by state parties, confirm cultural and natural heritages, which have outstanding universal values and are protected as regulated by the Convention, and inscribe these heritages into the World Heritage List;
b)-Referring to reactive monitoring and regular reports, verify the protection situation of listed heritages;
c)-To decide which listed heritages shall be inscribed into the Endangered World Heritage List, or which listed heritages shall be removed from the Endangered World Heritage List;
d)-To decide whether or not a heritage can be removed from the World Heritage List;
e)-To make procedures for verifying applications for international aid; and before making the decision, carry out investigation and consultation, if necessary;
f)-To decide how to maximise the advantages of the World Heritage Fund, and assist state parties in protecting heritages that are considered to have outstanding universal values;  
g)-To take measures to increase the World Heritage Fund;
h)-Every two years, to submit a work report to the General Conference of State Parties and the UNESCO General Assembly;
i)-To examine and evaluate the implementation of the Convention on a regular basis; 
j)-To revise and pass the Operational Guidelines.

In order to boost the implementation of the Convention, the Committee has made strategic goals which are regularly verified and revised so as to resist new threats world heritages are confronting or will confront.  

The Strategic goals of the Committee:
a)-To enhance the creditability of the World Heritage List;
b)-To ensure that world heritages are effectively protected;
c)-To boost the capacity-building of state parties;
d)-By carrying out propaganda, raise and enhance the public knowledge, participation and support for the protection of world heritages.