World Heritage

UNESCO's World Heritage is much more than a List of remarkable sites. It represents the common heritage of humanity – a collection of cultural and natural treasures that transcend borders and generations. These sites tell the story of our world, illustrating our diversity, creativity and resilience through the ages.

India, a land of millennia of history, is a living witness to the cultural richness of humanity. Home to 42 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including 34 cultural, 7 natural and one mixed, each site tells a unique story of its evolution, influenced by various dynasties, religions and artistic movements. An emblematic example of this universality is Santiniketan, inscribed on this prestigious List in 2023. Founded by Rabindranath Tagore, this site is a center of learning and culture that embodies the ideals of holistic education and harmony between man and nature. Santiniketan is not only a place of education, but a symbol of commitment to educational innovation and artistic development.

This year, the country is hosting the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee and two Forums dedicated to young World Heritage professionals and site managers. The 2024 session of the Committee highlights the importance of continuing global efforts to strengthen actions to preserve cultural and natural heritage, with particular emphasis on the integration of local communities and Indigenous peoples. It is also an opportunity to remind ourselves of the role of World Heritage in providing sustainable responses to the global challenges it faces, such as climate change and armed conflict. World Heritage offers us extraordinary mechanisms and policies for preserving our heritage from the past and passing it on to future generations.

India's World Heritage testifies to the convergence of culture and nature, with cultural landscapes where these two elements coexist harmoniously. Modern Indian architects, such as Balkrishna Doshi and Charles Correa, have drawn on the country's architectural heritage to create works that resonate with the past while responding to present-day needs. This dialogue between old and new ensures that this heritage remains dynamic and relevant.

The sustainable preservation of these sites for the socio-economic benefit of India is a fine example to be commended. Initiatives such as the restoration of the Red Fort in New Delhi, or the conservation of Humayun's Tomb, are particularly important efforts that contribute to the improvement of their state of conservation, and to their revitalization. India's World Heritage is an inexhaustible source of inspiration and pride. It reminds us of the human capacity to create beauty, overcome challenges and leave a lasting legacy. Preserving this heritage is essential not only to honor our past, but also to enrich our future. By celebrating and protecting India's World Heritage, we ensure that its cultural and natural wonders continue to inspire and captivate the world for centuries to come.