India to Lead and Host UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in 2024, a Historic First

India prepares to mark its first chairmanship and hosting of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024. This role signifies a significant milestone, granting India an active part in conserving global cultural and natural heritage sites.

Image Source -www.whc.unesco.org

India is poised for an unprecedented role as it assumes leadership in UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, a monumental moment in the convention's history. Scheduled for July 21 to 31, 2024, New Delhi will host this esteemed gathering, as announced by Vishal V Sharma, India's Permanent Representative to UNESCO. Sharma unveiled this groundbreaking news via a post, expressing India's pride in chairing and hosting the 46th session of the committee.

The decision stems from Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of UNESCO World Heritage Centre, who confirmed India's selection for the 46th session during UNESCO's 19th extraordinary session. The committee, comprising representatives from 21 member States, convened and ratified the proposal put forth by India's State Party authorities in alignment with UNESCO's Director-General. This choice solidifies New Delhi as the hub for global discussions on preserving and acknowledging cultural and natural heritage.

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India's ascension to chair and host the committee in 2024 marks an unprecedented juncture, allowing the country to actively contribute to conserving these invaluable sites. The World Heritage Committee, entrusted with safeguarding sites of universal value, has a pivotal role in executing the World Heritage Convention. India's leadership underscores its commitment to preserving these treasures for posterity.

This decision places India at the forefront, guiding deliberations and decisions regarding these heritage sites. The Committee, with its defined Rules of Procedure, manages the World Heritage Fund and holds the decisive authority on inscribing properties on the World Heritage List. Moreover, it monitors the conservation status of these sites, intervening when necessary to ensure proper management. The inscription or removal of sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger also falls under the Committee's purview.