India will be the chair and host of the 46th session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, marking a historic moment for the nation. The session will take place in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024. The announcement was made by Vishal V. Sharma, the Ambassador/PR of India to UNESCO.
This will transform New Delhi into a focal point for global discussions on heritage preservation.
According to UNESCO’s official statement, presented by Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director, the World Heritage Committee decided for its 46th session to be hosted in India, followingthe proposal by the State Party of India authorities and in consultation with the UNESCO Director-General, the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee.
About World Heritage Committee:
UNESCO’S World Heritage Committee consists of representatives from 21 States of the State Parties to the Convention elected by their General Assembly: Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, India, Italy, Jamaica Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Türkiye, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Zambia.
The Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties. It has the final say on whether a property is inscribed on the World Heritage List. It examines reports on the state of conservation of inscribed properties and asks States Parties to take action when properties are not being properly managed. It also decides on the inscription or deletion of properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
