The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is actively participating in the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The session, taking place from July 21 to 31, 2024, in New Delhi, India, brings together representatives from 195 member states that have ratified the World Heritage Convention of 1972. Saudi Arabia is represented by a delegation from the Saudi National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, the Kingdom’s permanent delegation to UNESCO, and the Heritage Commission.
Context and Background
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s involvement underscores its commitment to global cultural preservation and cooperation. The Saudi delegation, led by Engineer Mohammed bin Youssef Al-Aidaroos, Advisor to the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, is participating in various activities supported by the Kingdom, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s dedication to protecting and promoting world heritage.
Key Details
The Saudi delegation has engaged in multiple activities during the session, including discussions on a joint digital heritage platform developed by Saudi Arabia and UNESCO. This platform uses advanced digital technologies to explore cultural and natural world heritage sites and intangible cultural heritage. Additionally, the delegation delivered speeches emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s support for UNESCO’s preservation efforts. They also participated in capacity-building initiatives for African countries and an event on Islamic world heritage organized by ICESCO. Bilateral meetings were held to strengthen international cooperation in heritage conservation.
International and Regional Impact
During the 46th session, the committee will review proposals to add 27 new sites from around the world to the World Heritage List and assess the preservation status of 124 existing sites, including 56 classified as endangered. Saudi Arabia’s active role in these discussions demonstrates its leadership in global heritage governance. The digital heritage platform, a collaborative effort, sets a precedent for using technology to safeguard cultural assets, benefiting member states and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the UNESCO World Heritage Committee aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing cultural preservation and international engagement. By supporting initiatives like the digital heritage platform and capacity building in developing nations, the Kingdom reinforces its commitment to becoming a global hub for heritage and tourism. This proactive role not only preserves history but also fosters sustainable development and cultural exchange, key pillars of Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategic vision for a diversified and globally connected future.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee?
A1. It is a global meeting from July 21 to 31, 2024, in New Delhi, India, where representatives from 195 member states discuss and review matters related to world heritage preservation.
Q2. Who is leading the Saudi delegation at the session?
A2. The Saudi delegation is led by Engineer Mohammed bin Youssef Al-Aidaroos, Advisor to the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
Q3. Which Saudi entities are represented?
A3. The delegation represents the Saudi National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, the Kingdom’s permanent delegation to UNESCO, and the Heritage Commission.
Q4. When is the UNESCO World Heritage Committee session taking place?
A4. The session is scheduled from July 21 to 31, 2024.
Q5. Where is the session being held?
A5. The session is being held in New Delhi, India.
Q6. How many member states are participating in the session?
A6. Representatives from 195 member states that ratified the World Heritage Convention of 1972 are participating.
Q7. What is the digital heritage platform?
A7. It is a joint project between Saudi Arabia and UNESCO using digital technologies to explore cultural and natural world heritage sites and intangible heritage.
Q8. What topics have the Saudi delegation discussed?
A8. They discussed the digital heritage platform, capacity building in Africa, and an ICESCO event on Islamic world heritage.
Q9. What is the purpose of Saudi Arabia’s participation?
A9. To highlight its support for UNESCO’s heritage preservation efforts and strengthen international cooperation in heritage conservation.
Q10. How many new sites are proposed for addition to the World Heritage List?
A10. The committee will review a proposal to add 27 new sites from various regions worldwide.
Q11. How many sites will have their preservation status assessed?
A11. The committee will assess the preservation status of 124 sites currently on the World Heritage List.
Q12. How many of these sites are categorized as endangered?
A12. Among the 124 sites assessed, 56 are categorized as being in danger.
Q13. What is the World Heritage Committee’s composition?
A13. It consists of representatives from 21 countries elected by the 195 parties to the World Heritage Convention.
Q14. What is the World Heritage Convention?
A14. It is a 1972 international treaty for the protection of cultural and natural heritage, ratified by 195 member states.
Q15. How does Saudi Arabia contribute to capacity building in Africa?
A15. Through discussions and activities at the session, the Saudi delegation shared expertise and supported initiatives for heritage preservation in African countries.
Q16. What is the role of ICESCO in the session?
A16. ICESCO organized an event on Islamic World Heritage, which Saudi Arabia participated in and supported.
Q17. What bilateral meetings did the Saudi delegation have?
A17. They met with representatives from other official delegations to strengthen cooperation in heritage conservation.
Q18. How does this event align with Vision 2030?
A18. It supports Vision 2030’s goals of cultural preservation, international engagement, and developing the heritage sector as part of economic diversification.
Q19. Why is Saudi Arabia’s role in UNESCO significant?
A19. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to global cultural governance and its proactive leadership in preserving world heritage for future generations.
Q20. What is the expected outcome of the session?
A20. The session will result in decisions on new World Heritage List additions and conservation status updates, guided by collaborative input from member states like Saudi Arabia.
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