The annual meeting of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee has kicked off in India for the first time, with thousands of delegates gathering to examine the state of conservation of existing World Heritage sites and discuss which sites should be added to the famous global list.
In an opening ceremony held on 21 July in New Delhi, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay highlighted what she called the “tremendous challenges in protecting heritage amid the global transformation driven by the digital revolution and climate disruption”.
Ms. Azoulay described India, which currently has 42 sites on the World Heritage List, as “an inspiration” when it comes to heritage.
“I would like to thank the Prime Minister for the milestone we reached during the Indian presidency of the G20 – when leaders gathered here issued a Declaration calling for the inclusion of culture as a stand-alone goal in the post-2030 development agenda,” she added.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also speaking at the ceremony, pledged $1 million to support UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, particularly for heritage conservation in India and across the Global South.
During the 10-day meeting, discussions will cover the state of conservation of World Heritage properties as well as those on the List of World Heritage in Danger. They will also consider strategies for helping countries manage their heritage sites.
India has one of the 28 sites nominated for inclusion this year: Moidams, the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty in the northeastern state of Assam. A decision on the site is expected towards the end of the week.
In addition to the main meeting, the gathering features 38 side events, including exhibitions and panel discussions involving heritage experts and site managers.
This year marks the first time that India has played host to the World Heritage Committee meeting, which rotates between countries each year.
UN entities involved in this initiative
UNESCO
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization