The iconic complex has hosted large cultural events before — including the inaugural India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB) in December 2023, which featured seven curated exhibitions across three restored British-period barracks.
The ministry of culture and the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) are coordinating the UNESCO gathering, which the government says reflects India’s intention to link its tangible and intangible heritage and showcase its cultural identity “under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”. Though an official programme has not been released, sources suggest the inaugural session may be held on 7 December.
In the Rajya Sabha, Union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the event is expected to draw over 800 delegates from 180-plus countries, including UNESCO officials, committee members, NGOs, experts, and practitioners.
He said key agenda items include:
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Evaluating safeguarding reports submitted by countries for elements already on the list
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Processing requests for international assistance
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Reviewing best practices and new methods for protecting “living heritage”
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Mapping out future safeguarding plans
Hosting the event, Shekhawat added, offers India “strategic and diplomatic advantages”, from boosting cultural soft power to strengthening cooperation with UNESCO and inspiring young people to reconnect with their cultural roots.
Ahead of the session, the UNESCO India office marked Diwali with a social-media post highlighting the festival’s nomination and the upcoming committee meeting.
“Light, heritage, and togetherness. This Diwali, the UNESCO family came together to celebrate the spirit of joy and shared traditions that connect us all… As India nominates #Diwali to UNESCO’s Representative List … we celebrate how living traditions continue to unite communities and illuminate the world with cultural diversity,” the message said.
The December session follows New Delhi’s hosting of the 46th World Heritage Committee (WHC) meeting at Bharat Mandapam in July 2024 — another major UNESCO event.
Reported by Kunal Dutt/PTI
