###PM Inaugurates 46th Session of World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Sunday. The World Heritage Committee holds its annual meeting to manage all matters related to world heritage and decide on the inclusion of sites in the World Heritage List. This is the first time India is hosting the World Heritage Committee meeting. The Prime Minister also visited various exhibitions displayed on this occasion. 

In his address, the Prime Minister mentioned the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima and extended his best wishes to all citizens. He expressed his happiness that the World Heritage Committee meeting is starting on such a sacred day and that India is hosting this event for the first time. The Prime Minister warmly welcomed all dignitaries and guests from around the world, especially UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, and expressed confidence that the World Heritage Committee meeting would set new benchmarks, similar to other global meetings held in India.

Referring to the repatriation of artifacts from abroad, the Prime Minister stated that over 350 heritage items have been brought back recently. He remarked, "The return of ancient heritage artifacts is a demonstration of global generosity and respect for history." He also highlighted the development of technology, increasing research, and tourism opportunities in this field.

The Prime Minister emphasized, "India is committed to promoting global cooperation and engaging local communities in heritage conservation efforts." He added, "India is so ancient that every point in its present tells a story of a glorious past." Modi also noted that "the return of ancient heritage artifacts is a display of global generosity and respect for history."

Modi highlighted that "Maidaam, the first entry from the northeast in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is special due to its uniqueness." He stated, "India's heritage is not just history. It is a science. The history of India and its civilization is much older and broader than commonly understood." Modi called on the world to come together to promote each other's heritage and enhance the spirit of human welfare. He articulated India's vision: "Development along with heritage - Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi."

Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi urged all foreign guests and dignitaries to explore India and provided information about a series of prestigious heritage sites for their convenience. He expressed confidence that their experiences in India would become a memorable journey.

On this occasion, Union Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, and Chairman of the World Heritage Committee Vishal Sharma were present among others.

**Background**

This is the first time India is hosting the World Heritage Committee meeting, scheduled from July 21 to 31, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The annual meeting of the World Heritage Committee is responsible for managing all matters related to world heritage and deciding on sites to be included in the World Heritage List. During this meeting, proposals for nominating new sites to the World Heritage List, conservation reports of 124 existing World Heritage properties, international assistance, and the use of the World Heritage Fund will be discussed. More than 2,000 international and national delegates from over 150 countries will participate in this meeting. Alongside the World Heritage Committee meeting, the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum and the World Heritage Site Managers Forum are also being organized.

In addition, various exhibitions are being set up at Bharat Mandapam to showcase India's culture. The "Returning Treasures" exhibition displays some artifacts that have been brought back to the country. So far, over 350 artifacts have been repatriated. AR and VR technologies are being used to provide an immersive experience of three of India's World Heritage sites: Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat; Kailasa Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra; and Hoysala Temples, Halebidu, Karnataka. An "Incredible India" exhibition is also being established to highlight India's rich cultural heritage, centuries-old civilization, geographical diversity, tourism destinations, as well as modern developments in information technology and infrastructure.