TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: On a significant occasion for global heritage, Prime Minister inaugurated the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
EXPLANATION:
- India’s hosting of the World Heritage Committee Meeting, from July 21 to 31, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, involves discussions on new site nominations, conservation reports, international assistance, and the utilization of World Heritage Funds.
- Over 2000 delegates from more than 150 countries are participating, alongside the World Heritage Young Professionals’ Forum and World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum.
- This marks the first time India has hosted this prestigious event, which is crucial for managing and inscribing sites on the World Heritage list.
Inaugural Address and Significance
- Prime Minister highlighted the auspicious timing of the event, coinciding with Guru Purnima, and extended warm wishes to all attendees.
- He welcomed dignitaries from around the world, including UNESCO Director-General Ms. Audrey Azoulay, expressing confidence that the session would achieve historical milestones.
- The Prime Minister emphasized India’s successful efforts in retrieving over 350 heritage items from abroad, showcasing global generosity and respect for history.
- The increased opportunities for research and tourism has been highlighted as technology advances, reflecting the global significance of preserving cultural heritage.
Emphasis on India’s Ancient Heritage
- Highlighting India’s pride in hosting the World Heritage Committee, Prime Minister announced the nomination of North East India’s historic Maidam to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
- This would be India’s 43rd World Heritage Site and the first from North East India, enhancing its cultural significance.
- The Prime Minister emphasized India’s rich and ancient heritage, noting that New Delhi itself is a center of thousands of years of history.
- He cited examples such as the 2000-year-old Iron Pillar, the 8th century Kedarnath temple, and the architectural marvels of the Brihadeeswara Temple, Dholavira, and Lothal.
- These sites exemplify India’s advanced metallurgical and urban planning skills from ancient times.
Technological Advancements and New Discoveries
- Prime Minister mentioned recent discoveries at Sinauli in Uttar Pradesh, including a 4000-year-old horse-driven chariot.
- The need for new, prejudice-free perspectives to understand India’s vast history has been highlighted.
- He invited attendees to explore these new streams of historical research.
Heritage as a Shared Human Consciousness
- The Prime Minister underscored the importance of heritage as a shared consciousness of humanity, transcending current geopolitical factors.
- He called for global cooperation to promote and preserve each other’s heritage, emphasizing that heritage can foster human welfare, encourage tourism, and create job opportunities.
- Reflecting on the evolution of India’s approach to heritage, Prime Minister highlighted the vision of “Vikas bhi Virasat bhi” (Development as well as Heritage).
- He pointed to significant projects like the Kashi Viswanath Corridor, Shri Ram Mandir, and the modern campus of ancient Nalanda University, linking heritage preservation with serving humanity.
India’s Global Contributions
- Yoga, Ayurveda, and Global Welfare
- Prime Minister emphasized India’s contributions to global welfare through the promotion of Yoga, Ayurveda, and initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Mission LiFE.
- He reiterated the theme of the G-20 Summit hosted by India: “One World, One Family, One Future,” reflecting the vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family).
- Support for Global South
- India’s commitment to preserving global heritage extends to the Global South.
- The Prime Minister announced a contribution of 1 million dollars to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, aimed at capacity building, technical assistance, and conservation of world heritage sites, benefiting countries of the Global South.
Exhibitions and Technological Showcases
- Various exhibitions at Bharat Mandapam showcase India’s culture, including the “Return of Treasures Exhibition” with over 350 retrieved artifacts.
- AR and VR technologies provide immersive experiences of three World Heritage sites in India: Rani ki Vav, Kailasa Temple, and Hoysala Temple.
- The “Incredible India” exhibition highlights India’s rich cultural heritage, geographical diversity, and modern developments.
Initiatives and Programs
- A new certificate program in World Heritage Management for young professionals in India was also announced, aiming to bolster India’s cultural and creative industries as significant contributors to global growth.
- The Prime Minister concluded by expressing pride in India’s heritage and vision for development, calling for global cooperation to preserve and promote cultural heritage for the benefit of all humanity.
World Heritage Committee
- The World Heritage Committee was established under the Convention concerning the Protection of the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage.
- It was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO at its 17th session on November 16, 1972.
- The Rules of Procedure for the committee were last revised during its 39th session in Bonn, 2015.
- The World Heritage Committee is a crucial body within UNESCO, comprising representatives from 21 States Parties elected by the General Assembly of UNESCO.
- The current members, elected during the 24th General Assembly in November 2023, include Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Türkiye, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Zambia.
- The 45th session was previously held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Responsibilities of the Committee
- Implementation of the World Heritage Convention: The committee ensures the convention is upheld.
- Allocation of Financial Assistance: Funds from the World Heritage Fund are allocated by the committee.
- Inscription of Sites: The committee has the final authority to decide whether a site is inscribed on the World Heritage List.