UNESCO World Heritage Committee to Convene 47th Session in New Delhi Amid Record Nominations

Paris, 10 March 2026 — UNESCO has confirmed that the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee will be held in New Delhi, India, from 15 to 25 July 2026. India, which currently holds the chairmanship of the Committee, will host the session at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Record Number of Nominations

This year's session is notable for the record 56 nominations submitted for consideration under the World Heritage Convention, representing an unprecedented breadth of cultural and natural heritage from across five continents. The nominations include urban landscapes, archaeological sites, industrial heritage, marine ecosystems, and mountain landscapes.

The Committee will assess each nomination against the Outstanding Universal Value criteria established under the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention.

Climate Change and World Heritage

Climate change remains the defining threat to inscribed sites. UNESCO's State of Conservation reports document accelerating impacts including glacial retreat, sea-level rise, increased wildfire frequency, and extreme weather events. Sites particularly at risk include the Everglades National Park (United States), the Great Barrier Reef (Australia), and the Ancient City of Shibam (Yemen).

UNESCO has developed the Climate Action for World Heritage initiative, which provides technical guidance and financial support to States Parties in developing climate adaptation plans for inscribed properties. As of March 2026, 74 States Parties have submitted such plans.

Endangered Heritage List

The Committee will also review the List of World Heritage in Danger, currently comprising 56 properties. Among the sites under consideration for potential inscription on the Danger List are several in conflict-affected regions, where UNESCO continues to advocate for the protection of cultural heritage under international humanitarian law.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay underscored the urgency of the session's agenda: "Heritage is not a luxury. It is the foundation of identity, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Protecting it is a shared obligation."