India is set to host the prestigious 46th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the first time from July 21st to 31st, 2024, in New Delhi. This significant event will include the 2024 World Heritage Young Professionals Forum, organized under the theme “World Heritage in the 21st Century: Building Capacities and Exploring Opportunities for Youth.”
The Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology, a sub-office of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), will host the Young Professionals Forum from July 14th to 23rd. The forum aims to enhance the skills and expertise of young professionals in protecting, preserving, and promoting natural and cultural World Heritage.
The event was inaugurated today with Chief Guest Sh. Govind Mohan, Secretary Ministry of Culture, along with other distinguished attendees, including Sh. Yadubir Singh Rawat, Director General of ASI; Sh. Vishal Sharma, Ambassador to UNESCO; Sh. Alok Tripathi, ADG (Archaeology) of ASI; Sh. Janhwij Sharma, ADG of ASI; and Ms. Ines Yousfi, Project Officer from UNESCO.
During the forum, 50 young professionals from around the world (20 from India and 30 from other countries) will present their research and ideas. They will discuss global concepts of World Heritage and Sustainable Development while gaining insights into Indian heritage management from local and international experts. The forum’s sub-themes will focus on addressing climate change and sustainable development through innovative, scientific, and human-centric approaches, emphasizing community involvement and advanced technological practices.
To supplement their theoretical knowledge, participants will visit World Heritage sites, including the Qutb Minar complex, Red Fort, and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, as well as the Taj Mahal in Agra.
On the concluding day of the forum, July 22nd, 2024, the young professionals will present their ‘Declaration’ to the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This declaration will encapsulate their collective vision and recommendations for the future of World Heritage preservation and promotion.
This event underscores India’s growing role in global heritage conservation and its commitment to fostering the next generation of heritage professionals through education and international collaboration.
