UNESCO Advocates for Steadfast Protection of World Heritage Sites

The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in New Delhi, emphasized steadfast support for protecting world heritage sites. Key figures, including UNESCO officials and Indian dignitaries, highlighted the collective commitment to cultural preservation and announced next year's session in Sofia, Bulgaria. India pledged USD 1 million to aid UNESCO's efforts.

Support for protecting world heritage sites must be ''steadfast and unwavering'', a top UNESCO official said on Tuesday and asserted that the WHC session in New Delhi had ''reinforced our collective commitment'' to these goals.

During his address at the closing ceremony of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC), Ernesto Ottone Ramirez -- assistant director-general for culture at UNESCO -- also said the 2025 session would be held in the Bulgarian capital Sofia.

The WHC session in New Delhi from July 21-31 was India's first time hosting the key annual event.

(With inputs from agencies.)