46th World Heritage Committee Meeting.

46th World Heritage Committee Meeting.

 

Context:

India recently hosted the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee for the first timeat Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

 

Relevance:
GS-01 (Culture)

 

Key highlights:

• World Heritage Site of Hampi and featuring the stone chariot from the Vijaya Vitthala Temple, symbolizes India’s architectural and sculptural excellence was used as the session’s logo.
• सह नौ यशः (May our Glory Grow)- the logo’s tagline, was derived from the Taitiriya Upanishad.
• It was organized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on behalf of the Ministry of Culture.
• The event underscored India’s growing role in fostering global cooperation and protecting World Heritage properties.

 

World Heritage Convention :

• The World Heritage Convention of 1972 outlines the duties of States Parties in identifying potential Cultural and Natural sites for the World Heritage List.
•  With 195 member states, India ratified the Convention in 1977.
• Currently, 1199 properties from 168 State Parties are inscribed on the list.
• The World Heritage Committee comprises representatives from 21 States Parties  who are elected by the UNESCO General Assembly.

 

India and the World Heritage Convention :

• India was elected to the 21-member World Heritage Committee in 2021 for its fourth term (2021-2025).
• Previously, India served on the Committee in 1985-1991, 2001-2007, and 2011-2015.
• India ranks 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia Pacific Region for the number of sites boasting 42 properties (34 Cultural, 7 Natural, 1 Mixed) inscribed on the World Heritage List, including 12 added in the last decade.
• Additionally, India has 57 sites on the Tentative List.