India Hosts UNESCO’s Prestigious World Heritage Committee Meeting for the First Time

New Delhi: India is hosting UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time, from July 21st to 31st, 2024, in New Delhi. As part of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee and within the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme, the Ministry of Culture is organizing the 2024 World Heritage Young Professionals Forum.

The Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology, a sub-office under the Archaeological Survey of India, is hosting the Young Professionals Forum under the theme “World Heritage in the 21st Century: Building Capacities and Exploring Opportunities for Youth” from July 14th to 23rd, 2024, in New Delhi.

The event was inaugurated today in the presence of Chief Guest, Govind Mohan, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, along with Yadubir Singh Rawat, Director General, ASI, Vishal Sharma, Ambassador to UNESCO, Alok Tripathi, ADG (Archaeology), ASI, Janhwij Sharma, ADG, ASI, and Ines Yousfi, Project Officer from UNESCO.

During the Forum, 50 young professionals from across the globe (20 from India and 30 from other countries) will make presentations. This event aims to enhance the expertise, skills, and capacities of young professionals in protecting, preserving, and promoting natural and cultural World Heritage. Participants will discuss and gain in-depth knowledge of global concepts of World Heritage and Sustainable Development while familiarizing themselves with Indian heritage management practices, accompanied by local and international experts.

This year’s sub-themes focus on tackling climate change while maintaining the pace of sustainable development. The Forum aims to commendably integrate scientific and human-centric approaches, involving the latest technological innovations, managerial practices, and a participative approach with community involvement for preserving cultural heritage.

To supplement their theoretical knowledge, the young participants will visit World Heritage properties including the Qutb Minar complex, Red Fort, and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, as well as the Taj Mahal in Agra during the event.

On the concluding day of the Forum, July 22nd, 2024, these young professionals will present their ‘Declaration’ to the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.