In a significant development, India will chair and host UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in New Delhi from July 21 to 31 this year, as announced by Vishal V Sharma, the Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO. This marks the first instance of a country leading and hosting the Committee, making New Delhi the focal point for global discussions on heritage preservation and a significant event for India's cultural and historical legacy.
According to UNESCO's official statement, "During the 19th extraordinary session in 2023, the World Heritage Committee determined that its 46th session will be held in India."
The statement further reads, "Following a proposal by the State Party of India authorities, and in consultation with the UNESCO Director-General, the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee will take place from July 21 to 31, 2024, in New Delhi, India."
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations. It promotes global peace and national security by fostering international cooperation in education, arts, science, and culture.
UNESCO's World Heritage Committee convenes annually and comprises representatives from 21 states' parties to the Convention, chosen by their General Assembly. During its initial session, the Committee established the Rules of Procedure for the World Heritage Committee.
The Committee carries out the execution of the World Heritage Convention, outlines the utilisation of the World Heritage Fund, and grants financial aid based on appeals from States Parties. It holds ultimate authority in determining whether a property qualifies for inclusion on the World Heritage List. It assesses reports on the conservation status of listed properties and urges States Parties to address inadequate management. Moreover, it makes decisions regarding including or removing properties from the List of World Heritage in Danger.