UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2024

It was a matter of great pride for India to chair and host the 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the first time, since inception of the 1972 Convention. As an integral part of the World Heritage Committee and in the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Program, the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2024 was held from 14th till 20th of July in New Delhi, under the theme of, World Heritage in 21st century: Building capacities and exploring opportunities for Youth’ During the event, delegates from 31 countries convened to discuss and collaborate on preserving our shared cultural, natural and mixed heritage.

On the first day of the Forum, Aarya was given the opportunity by UNESCO HQ, Paris to present her work on cultural heritage and interact with young delegates across the globe. During her 15 minute talk, she emphasized on how the youth plays an integral role in preservation of our local cultural heritage, our heritage is more than just stone buildings. She further adds that, ‘A common thread of culture binds us with our past , present and future, encouraging us to carry our confluence of cultural legacies forward., to ensure that we are connecting our future to our past’.

As the youngest speaker, Aarya was felicitated by Director of The Archeological Survey of India, during the World Heritage young Professionals Forum.