“Hosting the World Heritage Committee is a Matter of Immense Joy” – PM Modi

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 22nd July. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking the first time India is hosting the prestigious meeting. The session, which commenced on Sunday, will run until July 31, 2024.

During his address, PM Modi announced a $1 million contribution to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. He emphasized that this grant would aid countries, particularly in the Global South, with capacity building, technical assistance, and the conservation of world heritage sites.

Reflecting on India’s recent international engagements, Modi noted that last year, India hosted the G20 Summit under the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” guided by the principle of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbhkam.’

On July 20, he expressed his excitement about hosting the World Heritage Committee meeting on the social media platform X, stating, “It’s a matter of immense joy that India is hosting the meeting of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi. This is the first time our nation is hosting this committee. I look forward to attending the programme at 7 PM tomorrow evening.”

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, was also present at the inaugural event. The World Heritage Committee, which meets annually, manages all matters related to world heritage, including deciding on sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage List.

During this session, discussions will include proposals for new nominations, State of Conservation reports for 124 existing properties, and the utilization of World Heritage Funds.