Is heritage a matter of intermittent attention?

In 2021, India had the opportunity to be re-elected as part of the World Heritage Committee. Merely three years later, we are proud to be hosting and chairing the World Heritage Committee annual meeting for the first time. The 46th committee meeting, scheduled to start on July 21 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, will have 2,500 delegates from 195 countries discussing UNESCO’S World Heritage list.

The Committee is the sole custodian for protecting and promoting cultural, natural, tangible and intangible heritage across the globe. Presently, India has 42 World Heritage sites. Having a UNESCO tag has been beneficial in terms of these historic structures being preserved and promoted.

The tag is also a badge of honour and pride for India, inspiring people across the nation to value their heritage. The agenda of the meeting will range from reviewing existing World Heritage Sites as well as adding new sites to the list. There will also be a discussion on funding for UNESCO Heritage sites, which is of high importance given the significance of these monuments and the tourist footfall they receive.

Especially in a post-pandemic world, sustainability and integration of local communities have been a pressing concern. While hosting the meeting is a feather in the cap for India where cultural diplomacy is concerned, the event gives the country the opportunity to showcase the nation’s heritage and boost tourism. Drawing inspiration from the meeting, a public art programme has been initiat.