India is hosting for the first time the UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage Committee meeting from 21st-31st July, 2024 in New Delhi. As an integral part of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, and in the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme, the Ministry of Culture is hosting the 2024 World Heritage Young Professionals Forum.

Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology, a sub-office under the Archaeological Survey of India is hosting the Young Professionals Forum under the theme of World Heritage in the 21st Century: Building Capacities and Exploring Opportunities for Youth from 14th to 23rd July 2024, at New Delhi.

The event was inaugurated today in the presence of Chief guest, Sh. Govind Mohan, Secretary Ministry of Culture along with Sh. Yadubir Singh Rawat, Director General, ASI, Sh. Vishal Sharma, Ambassador to UNESCO, Sh. Alok Tripathi, ADG (Archaeology), ASI, Sh. Janhwij Sharma, ADG, ASI, Ms Ines Yousfi, Project Officer from UNESCO.

 

During the course of the Forum, 50 Young professionals from across the globe (20 from India and 30 from outside India) will make presentations. This event would enhance the expertise, skills and capacities of young professionals in protecting, preserving, and promoting our natural and cultural World Heritage. They will discuss and gain in-depth knowledge of the global concepts of World Heritage and Sustainable Development while also having the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the local Indian heritage and its management accompanied by local and international experts.

The focus of this year’s sub-themes will be on tackling of the issue of climate change alongside maintaining the pace of sustainable development. Further, it is optimistically commendable that an integrated scientific and human-centric approach involving latest technological innovations, managerial practices and participative approach with community involvement for the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.

In order to supplement their theoretical knowledge, the Young participants would v isit the World Heritage properties which includes Qutb Minar complex, Red fort and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi and Tajmahal in Agra during this event.

 

On the concluding day of the Forum on 22^ndJuly 2024, these young professionals will present their ‘Declaration’ to the 46^th session of the World Heritage Committee which would be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

 

About the World Heritage Young Professional Forum:

 

The Forum serves as a platform by bringing young people and heritage experts together to foster intercultural learning and exchange. It also provides an opportunity for the youth to meet and learn about each other's heritage, discuss common concerns in preservation and discover new roles for themselves in heritage conservation. Each Forum is focused on a specific topic linked to World Heritage and aligned with the context of the World Heritage properties of the Host Country.

 

Joined by both local and international experts, young professionals will engage in a diverse range of activities such as presentations, roundtable discussions, and site visits. Together, they will delve into the potential of heritage management, focusing on community involvement and shared participation This collaborative approach aims to tackle various sub-themes, including:

• Understanding the achievements and challenges of the World Heritage Convention
• Climate change and its impact on World Heritage sites
• Integrating innovative technologies for the promotion of World Heritage
• Leveraging World Heritage conservation as a participative approach alongside with communities
• Strengthening sustainable tourism and development through young entrepreneurship

 

As pivotal figures within their respective localities, the Young Professionals will collaboratively seek avenues to implement the World Heritage Convention effectively in the modern era. Through discussions, they'll acquire deep insights into global principles of World Heritage and Sustainable Development, alongside getting acquainted with the management of India's local heritage. Concluding the Forum, these young professionals will deliver their "Declaration to the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee".

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Beena Yadav/Ritu Kataria

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