DOHA - A new species of orchid has been named after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) to commemorate Singapore's ratification of the World Heritage Convention.

A Singapore-based team created the Dendrobium Unesco using the process of hybridisation.

It was unveiled by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong yesterday at the sitting of the 38th World Heritage Committee in Doha, Qatar.

"Singapore ratified the World Heritage Convention about two years ago," said Mr Wong. "So we are here to observe the committee in session, learn from other state party members' best practices in heritage protection and preservation, and above all, show our strong support for Unesco's important mission."

Singapore has previously named orchids after the World Trade Organisation and the International Olympic Committee.

The purplish-blue flower traces its lineage to many countries, including the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia and the United Kingdom.

The minister added: "In many ways, it embodies the coming together of many nations in the spirit of mutual appreciation, exchange, cooperation and growth for a common purpose."