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New Delhi: On Tuesday morning, The Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO Vishal V Sharma said that in significant development for a first time, India is scheduled to chair and host the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee session in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024.
In a post on social media platform X, sharing the letter Sharma said,”India to chair & host UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee for the 1st time in the convention’s history! The dates & venue of the 46th session have been announced: 21st to 31st July, 2024 in New Delhi (India).”
In a letter, Director of UNESCO World Heritage Centre Lazare Eloundou Assomo said, “As you will remember, at its 19th extraordinary session (UNESCO. 2023). the World Heritage Committee decided that its 46th session will take place In India (Decision 19 EXT.COM 3).”
He further added,”I have the pleasure to inform you that, following a proposal by the authorities of the State Party of India, and in consultation with the UNESCO Director-General. the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee will take place from 21 to 31 July 2024 in New Delhi, India.”
It will be the first time the country will lead and host the committee. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of United Nations that aims at promoting the world peace and national security through international cooperation in education, arts, science and culture. The World Heritage Committee plays a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, which focuses on the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites of outstanding universal value.
The UNESCO’S World Heritage Committee, which meets once a year, and consists of representatives from 21 member states plays an important role in bringing new additions to the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As the chair and host of the committee in 2024, India will have the responsibility to lead discussions, make decisions, and contribute to the global efforts in safeguarding these important sites for the benefit of present and future generations.
