UNESCO’s 46th Session to Open with Welcome Address by Prime Minister of India

**New Delhi, India** – Preparations are underway for the landmark 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place from July 21 to 31, 2024, at India’s Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This session is set to be a significant event in the cultural and natural heritage conservation sector, attracting delegates from across the globe who will deliberate on critical documents related to World Heritage Sites.

India’s Prime Minister will deliver the welcome address at the inauguration ceremony, highlighting the country’s commitment to heritage conservation. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay will also be present, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in preserving cultural and natural treasures.

This session is expected to draw widespread attention due to the record number of nominations for the World Heritage List, the highest in the committee’s history. Among the notable nominations are the ancient city of Babylon in Iraq and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, both anticipated to generate considerable discussion and debate.

Key themes for the session include promoting sustainable tourism, assessing the impact of climate change on heritage sites, and incorporating indigenous knowledge into conservation practices. The committee will also review the status of sites already on the World Heritage List and those on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

As New Delhi gears up for this significant event, the global community eagerly anticipates a session that will not only celebrate cultural and natural diversity but also strengthen collective efforts to safeguard the world’s invaluable heritage for future generations.Ended. By… Z A Ansari