World Heritage Committee Session Wraps Up in New Delhi with Global Praise

As the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) concluded on Wednesday after 10 days of discussions, delegates from various countries expressed gratitude to India for its warm hospitality. The WHC session in New Delhi, held from July 21-31, marked India's first time hosting this significant annual UNESCO event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the session on July 21 at Bharat Mandapam, with distinguished guests in attendance. During his speech, Modi announced a USD 1 million grant to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This funding aims to support capacity building, technical assistance, and conservation efforts, especially benefiting countries in the Global South.

Support for Global Heritage Conservation

Director of World Heritage Lazare Eloundou Assomo highlighted that many crucial decisions were made during this session, including the addition of several new sites to the World Heritage List. He also praised Prime Minister Modi's support and announcements, noting that "world heritage is really bringing people and countries together to join hands and support the most important and rich heritage all over the planet."

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat addressed the media on Wednesday, stating that India successfully hosted the WHC session. He emphasised that this event showcased India's enhanced organisational capacity following the G20 summit. Shekhawat mentioned numerous projects like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and Ram Temple in Ayodhya as examples of India's commitment to cultural heritage.

New Additions to the World Heritage List

During the session, Moidams, a mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Assam, was inscribed on the World Heritage List on July 26. Shekhawat noted that in the last decade, 13 properties from India have been added to this prestigious list. He also mentioned that over 50 sites are currently on the tentative list for future inclusion.

Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, assistant director-general for culture at UNESCO, spoke at the closing ceremony on Tuesday. He stressed that support for protecting world heritage sites must be steadfast and unwavering. Ramirez also announced that the 2025 session would be held in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Delegates' Positive Feedback

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) released short video testimonials from several delegates about their experience at the WHC in New Delhi. A Bulgarian delegate praised the organisers for their phenomenal work and expressed a desire to return to India. An Argentinian delegate said, "When we came here, we were foreigners; when we leave, we are part of the Indian family." A Mexican delegate appreciated how comfortable they felt working in India.

Shekhawat also expressed pride in hosting the WHC and gratitude towards UNESCO for providing this opportunity. He stated that "the WHC session provided us with new friendships and inputs to augment our ideas in these fields."

The WHC session has reinforced India's commitment to heritage conservation and international cooperation. The successful hosting of this event has not only highlighted India's organisational capabilities but also strengthened global ties through shared cultural values.