Prime Minister Modi to Inaugurate First World Heritage Committee Meeting in India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed immense joy as India is set to host the World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time. The 46th session will be inaugurated by PM Modi at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Sunday evening.
PM Modi said, “It’s a matter of immense joy that India is hosting the meeting of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi. This is the first time our nation is hosting this committee. I look forward to attending the programme at 7 PM tomorrow evening. This is an important forum to exchange views on ways to preserve our heritage.”
According to a PMO release, the Prime Minister will also address the gathering on this occasion. The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, will also attend the inaugural event.
The meeting will take place from July 21 to 31, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The World Heritage Committee meets once a year to manage all matters related to World Heritage and decide on sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage List. During this meeting, proposals for nominating new sites, State of Conservation reports of 124 existing World Heritage properties, International Assistance, and Utilisation of World Heritage Funds will be discussed.
The meeting will be attended by more than 2000 international and national delegates from over 150 countries. Alongside the World Heritage Committee Meeting, the World Heritage Young Professionals’ Forum and the World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum will also be held. Various exhibitions will be set up at Bharat Mandapam to showcase India’s culture.
The Return of Treasures Exhibition will display some of the retrieved artefacts brought back to the country, with more than 350 artefacts returned to date. Using the latest AR and VR technologies, an immersive experience will be offered for three world heritage sites in India: Rani ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat; Kailasa Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra; and Hoysala Temple, Halebid, Karnataka.
An ‘Incredible India’ exhibition will highlight India’s rich cultural heritage, age-old civilisation, geographical diversity, tourism destinations, and modern developments in information technology and infrastructure.
Doubts Revealed
Prime Minister Modi -: Prime Minister Modi is the leader of India. He is like the head of the country and makes important decisions.
World Heritage Committee -: The World Heritage Committee is a group that decides which places in the world are very special and should be protected. These places are called World Heritage Sites.
UNESCO -: UNESCO is a part of the United Nations that works to protect education, science, and culture around the world. It stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Director-General Audrey Azoulay -: Audrey Azoulay is the head of UNESCO. She helps make decisions about protecting important places and cultures.
Bharat Mandapam -: Bharat Mandapam is a big place in New Delhi where important events and meetings happen. It is like a large hall or convention center.
delegates -: Delegates are people who represent their countries at important meetings. They come together to discuss and make decisions.
site nominations -: Site nominations are suggestions for new places to be added to the list of World Heritage Sites. These places are considered very special and worth protecting.
conservation reports -: Conservation reports are updates about how well the special places (World Heritage Sites) are being taken care of. They help make sure these places stay protected.