UNESCO’s Audrey Azoulay Praises India’s Heritage at World Heritage Committee Meeting in New Delhi
New Delhi, India – On July 21, 2024, Audrey Azoulay, the Director General of UNESCO, expressed her gratitude towards India for its inspiring commitment to heritage and culture. She spoke at the inauguration of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Historic Meeting in New Delhi
This is the first time in history that the World Heritage Committee is meeting in New Delhi. The committee, which is one of the two bodies governing the Convention for the Protection of the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage, consists of representatives from 21 States elected from the 195 States parties to the Convention.
Gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Azoulay thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for welcoming the world to this important event. She highlighted the significance of the World Heritage Committee’s mission to preserve, promote, and pass on humanity’s priceless legacies to future generations.
Appreciation for the Ministry of Culture and ASI
Azoulay also expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for co-organizing the meeting. She praised the ASI for its 160 years of work in protecting India’s world heritage and over 3600 ancient monuments and archaeological sites across the country. She noted ASI’s contributions to the restoration of the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia.
Prime Minister Modi’s Vision
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the session and called for global unity to advance heritage. He emphasized India’s dual focus on development and heritage, citing projects like the Vishwanath Corridor in Kashi, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and the modern campus of Nalanda University. Modi also announced a one million dollar contribution to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for capacity building, technical assistance, and conservation of world heritage sites.
The World Heritage Committee Meeting will continue at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from July 21-31, 2024.
Doubts Revealed
UNESCO -: UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It helps protect and promote education, science, and culture around the world.
Audrey Azoulay -: Audrey Azoulay is the Director General of UNESCO. She is the leader of this organization and helps make important decisions about education, science, and culture.
World Heritage Committee -: The World Heritage Committee is a group of people from different countries who decide which places in the world are important to protect because of their cultural or natural value.
New Delhi -: New Delhi is the capital city of India. It is where many important government buildings and events are located.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India. He is the head of the government and makes important decisions for the country.
Archaeological Survey of India -: The Archaeological Survey of India is a government agency that looks after historical sites and ancient monuments in India. They help protect and preserve India’s heritage.
heritage conservation -: Heritage conservation means taking care of and protecting important historical and cultural sites so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.
UNESCO World Heritage Centre -: The UNESCO World Heritage Centre is a part of UNESCO that focuses on protecting and promoting places around the world that have special cultural or natural importance.
