At Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee, welcoming on a historic occasion as India hosts this renowned event for the first time. Every year, the World Heritage Committee, which oversees and designs World Heritage sites, gets together to discuss the global preservation and conservation of cultural and natural heritage.
PM Modi’s Address at the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee
Commitment to Heritage Conservation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized in his speech that India is committed to supporting international collaboration and including local populations in these endeavors, while also restating the nation’s dedication to cultural heritage protection. He cited the repatriation of more than 350 historical items to India as evidence of the world’s compassion and reverence for the past.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Modi emphasized the archaeological and cultural importance of India’s legacy, which encompasses technological advances while still reflecting the past. He gave other instances, including the Brihadeeswara Temple, the 2000-year-old Iron Pillar, and the Kedarnath Temple. He also mentioned the historic water management and urban planning systems of Dholavira and Lothal in Gujarat, which date back to 3000 BC.
Northeast India’s First World Heritage Site
The Prime Minister praised the work of community organizations in conserving this distinctive and culturally significant place as he celebrated Maidam, the first inclusion from Northeast India on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Technological Integration in Heritage Preservation
Modi talked about the creative ways that modern technology is being used to preserve cultural heritage, such as digital tools for management and documentation, 3D modeling, and AR/VR to increase the accessibility of historic places throughout the world.
Climate Resilience and Sustainable Tourism
He emphasized the significance of creating sustainable and climate-resilient historic monuments. To guarantee the survival of cultural sites for future generations, initiatives to save coastal and riverine heritage sites from the effects of changing climates were emphasized, in addition to programs encouraging eco-friendly tourist activities.
International Collaboration and Capacity Building
The prime minister advocated for efforts to build capacity to educate local populations and historical experts, as well as for enhanced international collaboration in heritage protection.
Vision of Development and Heritage
India’s ideal of “Vikas bhi Virasat bhi,” which aims to balance growth with legacy, was emphasized via the use of several examples, including the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Shri Ram Mandir, and the current site of the historic Nalanda University.
Global Responsibility in Heritage Preservation
In closing, Modi reaffirmed India’s dedication to protecting the world’s cultural legacy, citing initiatives in nations like Vietnam, Burma, and Cambodia. Additionally, he said that he would be contributing $1 million toward capacity-building and conservation initiatives at the UNESCO World Heritage Center.
Event Highlights and Exhibitions
- Heritage experts, government officials, and UNESCO representatives attended the event.
- The Return of Treasures Exhibition: Featured retrieved artifacts.
- AR & VR Experiences: Offered immersive experiences of world heritage sites like Rani ki Vav, Kailasa Temple, and Hoysala Temple.
- ‘Incredible India’ Exhibition: Highlighted India’s cultural heritage, geographical diversity, and modern developments.
The World Heritage Committee meets once a year and is in charge of handling all World Heritage issues as well as choosing whether sites should be added to the World Heritage List. This conference will cover applications for adding new sites to the World Heritage list, State of Conservation reports for 124 existing World Heritage properties, International Assistance, and the use of World Heritage Funds, among other topics. More than 2000 international and national representatives from 150 different countries will attend the convention.
PM Modi encouraged all foreign guests to visit India’s iconic heritage sites, expressing confidence that their experiences would be memorable and enriching. The session was a significant step in global heritage conservation efforts, promoting international cooperation and cultural exchange.
