New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the UNESCO 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today. India is hosting the World Heritage Committee Meeting for the first time, from 21 July to 31 July. As one of the worlds oldest living civilizations, this is an important moment for India.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi said, India is committed to promoting global cooperation and engaging local communities towards heritage conservation efforts, adding “India’s heritage is not just a history but also a science.”
The Prime Minister said, over the years, the government has brought back more than 350 ancient heritage sites of India, adding that the return of ancient heritage reflects global generosity and respect for history.
During the opening ceremony, PM Modi announced that India will contribute one million dollar to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. He said, this grant will be used for capacity building, technical assistance and conservation of the world heritage sites and will especially be used for helping conserve ancient heritage in the countries of the Global South.
He also layed out India’s cultural vision in his address, which is development as well as heritage. He said, in the last ten years India has touched new dimensions of modern development and also taken unprecedented steps to preserve its heritage. Mr Modi said that the northeast’s historic Moidam is proposed to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, which will make it India’s 43rd World Heritage site and the first heritage of northeast India, rated as the Cultural World Heritage.
UNESCO’s Director General Audrey Azoulay was also present at the opening ceremony and in her address said there are “tremendous challenges when it comes to protecting heritage, as the world is undergoing transformation in every area driven by digital revolution and climate disruption.” She described India as “an inspiration for UNESCO”.
She added that the “WHC is meeting in New Delhi for the first time in its history to preserve, promote and pass on to future generations humanity’s priceless legacy established over time”, wearing a saree on the occasion, as she shared the dais with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries.
Also present was Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who said that the event provides an opportunity to showcase India’s rich culture, heritage and its diversity to international and national delegates. He said, apart from this, India will showcase the efforts made by the government in maintaining its historical and cultural heritage. The Minister said, the proposals for nominating new sites on the World Heritage list will also be discussed during the meeting.
The World Heritage Committee meets once a year and is responsible for managing all matters pertaining to World Heritage and deciding on sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage list. During this meeting, proposals for nominating new sites on the World Heritage list, State of Conservation reports of 124 existing World Heritage properties, International Assistance and Utilisation of World Heritage Funds among others will be discussed. Over two thousand international and national delegates from more than 150 countries are attending the meeting.
