India to host UNESCO meet on intangible cultural heritage at Red Fort for the first time

In a historic first, India is set to host the UNESCO meeting on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage from December 8 to 13 at the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. Preparations for the prestigious event are already underway, with authorities taking extensive measures to ensure a smooth and secure conduct of the session.

A senior official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) confirmed that the 17th-century Red Fort complex will remain closed to the public from December 5 to 14 in view of the meeting. Constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as the palace fort of his capital, Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a centrally protected monument, renowned for its massive walls, intricate architecture, and historical significance.

The twentieth session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will see participation from global delegates and experts. Security arrangements are expected to be particularly tight, following a high-intensity car blast near the fort on November 10 that claimed 15 lives and injured more than two dozen people.

Ambassador Vishal V Sharma, India’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, will chair the session. “This is the first time India will host this UNESCO session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and it is a matter of great pride for the country,” Sharma said.

This event comes about a year and a half after India hosted the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in July 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Sharma, who served as the chairperson of that WHC session, had previously highlighted the four years of effort required to bring the global committee to India. He had also emphasized that India’s recent focus on preserving its cultural legacy reflects the vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi,” blending development with heritage conservation.

For the December UNESCO session, the Ministry of Culture, along with its autonomous body, the Sangeet Natak Akademi, will act as the nodal agencies for organizing the event. According to the ministry, the meeting underscores India’s commitment to linking tangible and intangible heritage while strengthening cultural diplomacy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Intergovernmental Committee was established under the framework of the 2003 UNESCO Convention to promote and safeguard intangible cultural heritage worldwide. Currently, 24 member states serve on the committee, including India, France, Germany, Spain, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and several nations from Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Alongside the plenary meetings, a series of side events will be organized to celebrate living heritage, share experiences, and explore collaborations aimed at promoting cultural diversity. These activities are intended to complement the main session and foster dialogue among participating countries.

The Red Fort, completed over a decade from 1638 to 1648, has hosted several high-profile cultural events in recent years. In 2023, it was the venue for the inaugural India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale, which featured specially curated exhibitions housed in British-era barracks within the fort complex. Its historical and architectural significance, combined with its central location in the national capital, makes it an ideal venue for such a global gathering.

As India prepares to welcome delegates from across the world, the UNESCO session at the Red Fort promises to highlight the country’s rich cultural heritage and its active role in preserving intangible traditions for future generations.