India to Host 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting, Showcasing Cultural and Natural Riches

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/20th July 2024

The 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting, set to commence in New Delhi this Sunday, marks a landmark event for India as it presents its rich cultural and natural heritage on an international stage. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighted the importance of this gathering, noting that it will elevate India’s cultural prestige globally. This event, taking place from July 21 to July 31, is hosted by India for the first time and will be officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The inaugural ceremony will feature esteemed guests including Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, alongside senior officials from the UNESCO World Heritage Secretariat. The event will also be attended by various high-profile dignitaries such as Culture Ministers, Ambassadors, and experts from around the world. This high-profile assembly underscores the significance of the meeting in showcasing India’s commitment to cultural heritage and global cooperation.

Minister Shekhawat emphasized that this is the first major international event organized by India during Prime Minister Modi’s third term. He commended the Culture Ministry for its swift and effective organization of the event, accomplished within a mere 40 days, reflecting a robust whole-of-government approach. The meeting is expected to enhance India’s global influence and serve as a platform for international dialogue on preserving world heritage.

The logo for the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting, inspired by the World Heritage Site of Hampi, symbolizes the rich historical and cultural legacy India brings to the global stage. This choice reflects the significance of India’s historical sites and its dedication to heritage conservation.

Organized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, the meeting will assemble delegates from around the world to engage in discussions and collaborations aimed at safeguarding our shared cultural, natural, and mixed heritage. This global dialogue is a crucial step towards reinforcing India’s role in fostering international cooperation and ensuring the protection and preservation of World Heritage sites.

As India steps into the spotlight as the host of this prestigious meeting, it not only underscores its growing prominence in the realm of global heritage preservation but also highlights its ongoing efforts to promote and protect its diverse cultural and natural assets. The event promises to be a significant milestone in advancing international collaboration on heritage issues and further establishing India’s position as a key player in global cultural preservation efforts.