Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Bharat Mandapam to inaugurate the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee. This marks the first time India is hosting the World Heritage Committee Meeting, which will take place from July 21 to 31 in New Delhi. Modi expressed immense joy and highlighted the significance of the event for India.
In his address, PM Modi emphasised the importance of preserving global heritage, noting that India considers it a responsibility to support heritage conservation not only domestically but also in other countries, especially those in the Global South.
He announced that India will contribute one million dollars to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre to aid in capacity building, technical assistance, and conservation efforts worldwide.
The World Heritage Committee meets annually to manage matters related to World Heritage sites. This year's session will involve discussions on nominating new sites, reviewing the state of conservation for existing properties, and deliberating on international assistance and the utilisation of World Heritage Funds. More than 2,000 delegates from over 150 countries are expected to attend the meeting.
Alongside the main event, the World Heritage Young Professionals’ Forum and the World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum will also be held. Various exhibitions will be set up to showcase India's culture, including the "Return of Treasures Exhibition," which will feature artefacts that have been retrieved and brought back to the country.
Additionally, immersive experiences using AR and VR technologies will be offered for three World Heritage sites in India: Rani ki Vav in Gujarat, the Kailasa Temple at Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, and the Hoysala Temples in Karnataka.
PM Modi took the opportunity to underscore India’s commitment to its heritage while pursuing modern development. He cited several examples, such as the Vishwanath Corridor in Kashi, the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and the modern campus of the ancient Nalanda University. He also mentioned the global reach of Ayurveda as a testament to India's scientific heritage.
In a move to highlight India's advanced engineering and scientific achievements, Modi pointed to the Kedarnath Temple, built in the 8th century, which stands resilient in a geographically challenging location. He also referred to an iron pillar near Delhi, which has stood rust-free for 2,000 years, showcasing the advanced metallurgy of ancient India.
PM Modi informed the gathering that a historic site in north-east India, known as the "Maidam," has been proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. If accepted, this will be India's 43rd World Heritage site and the first cultural world heritage site in north-east India.
Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, attended the inaugural event, reflecting the international significance of the meeting. The World Heritage Committee's discussions will be crucial in shaping the future of heritage conservation globally, and India’s contributions and experiences are set to play a pivotal role in these deliberations.
The Prime Minister's announcement of financial support to UNESCO underscores India's commitment to global heritage preservation, aiming to foster a collaborative approach to safeguarding cultural and natural heritage worldwide.
This initiative aligns with India's broader vision of combining heritage preservation with modern development, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and benefit from the rich legacy of human history.
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