India Hosts 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee Session

In July 2024, the 46th meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will be held in New Delhi at the Bharat Mandapam. This important meeting is set to take place from July 21st to July 31st, and India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, will open it. Over 2,500 people from 195 countries, including state parties, advisory groups, and heritage experts, are attending this event. It is a turning point in global cultural diplomacy.

What is the World Heritage Committee?

The World Heritage Committee is an important part of the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Its main jobs are to make sure that the convention is followed, run the World Heritage Fund, and make final decisions about which new sites should be added to the World Heritage List. It is made up of members from 21 elected States Parties. The committee’s decisions affect the protection of important natural and cultural places all over the world.

Current Composition of the Committee

After the elections at UNESCO’s 24th General Assembly in 2023, the committee has people from all over the world, such as Argentina, Japan, and Kenya, which is in line with UNESCO’s multicultural goals. These members have a say in how funds are spent and what goals are set for heritage conservation.

Role and International Impact

At its meetings, the group not only talks about heritage site inscriptions, but it also talks about how well-listed sites are being taken care of. The committee is very important for protecting our natural and cultural heritage around the world because it gives out money and knowledge. The results of these talks affect how countries work together to protect heritage, raise awareness, and make sure that the history and natural beauty of the world will always be remembered.

Significance of the Event for India

India’s decision to host the 46th session shows its dedication to being a world leader in culture and its active participation in UNESCO. India has 42 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the newly added Santiniketan. These sites show off India’s rich cultural and political tapestry, making it a good place to talk about how to protect global heritage.

About the World Heritage Convention

• Global Protection: Established in 1972, the World Heritage Convention aims to protect natural and cultural heritage worldwide and has 194 signatory countries.
• Significant Influence: Inspired by the threat to ancient monuments from Egypt’s Aswan Dam construction, it led to the first listed site, the Island of Gorée in Senegal, in 1978.
• Conservation Efforts: The Convention recognizes ‘outstanding universal value’ for future preservation, includes a List of World Heritage in Danger, and supports endangered sites through the World Heritage Fund.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2024

Category: Summits and Conferences