Latest news with #UnescoWorldHeritageList
Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Today in Pictures, July 18, 2025
A security guard standing on a rooftop at the Pic du Midi, a mountain in the French Pyrenees, before the arrival of France's President Emmanuel Macron for a presentation by local stakeholders of the application for the inclusion of the Pic du Midi on the Unesco World Heritage List, in Bagneres-de-Bigorre, France, on July 17, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- General
- Gulf Today
UN official praises UAE's feat on Faya honour to Sharjah
Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), commended the pioneering role played by the United Arab Emirates in protecting and preserving cultural and natural heritage both nationally and globally. She affirmed that the UAE is a key partner of the Paris-based organisation and a model to be emulated in this field. This praise came during an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in Paris, where Miculescu expressed her appreciation for the UAE's recent success in inscribing the Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah on the Unesco World Heritage List. She described this achievement as a powerful message reflecting the UAE's deep commitment to preserving shared human memory and recognising the value of heritage sites as bridges for dialogue and understanding between peoples. Miculescu emphasised that the UAE's role extends beyond its national borders, stating: 'The UAE not only protects its own national heritage but also takes the initiative to help safeguard global heritage. This reflects its civilisational vision and ethical responsibility toward all humanity.' She noted that the UAE is among Unesco's principal partners, having provided clear support for major international initiatives, including the rehabilitation of heritage sites damaged by conflict, particularly in the Arab region. Regarding the exceptional value of the Faya archaeological site, Miculescu explained: 'Faya is not merely an archaeological site. It stands as evidence of early stages in human development and illustrates human interaction with the natural environment in an area of exceptional geological and cultural significance.' She highlighted that what makes the site distinctive is its direct connection to the first human migrations from Africa to Asia — a critical phase in human history that continues to be the subject of intense academic study. The documented discoveries at the site, she added, offer rich material for researchers and anthropologists. The Unesco official praised the efforts that led to this international recognition, saying: 'Its inscription on the World Heritage List is a highly significant step, made possible by meticulous scientific work and long-term efforts by the UAE in collaboration with international experts, all in accordance with Unesco's rigorous standards. The UAE's nomination file was comprehensive and compelling, and we highly value this level of professionalism.' She also applauded the UAE's approach to integrating heritage preservation with sustainable development plans, emphasising that the country sets an example of how heritage sites can serve as a foundation for both cultural and economic development. This is achieved through investment in sustainable tourism and by involving local communities in the management and protection of these sites. She described the UAE's experience as a model for other countries in the region and around the world. On bilateral relations, the President of the Unesco General Conference expressed the organisation's pride in its partnership with the UAE, stating: 'We appreciate its tangible contributions, whether through funding initiatives or actively participating in the shaping of global cultural policies. The UAE consistently affirms that culture is not a luxury, but a necessity for achieving global peace and prosperity.' In conclusion, Miculescu conveyed her appreciation to the UAE leadership, saying: 'We view the UAE as a progressive model that combines modernity with respect for cultural roots. Its commitment to heritage protection sends a message of hope—that progress can go hand in hand with preserving identity.' She expressed her anticipation for strengthening future cooperation and seeing more UAE historical sites added to the World Heritage List, given their profound human and scientific value to the people of the world. WAM
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Maharashtra parties welcome Unesco tag for 12 Shivaji forts
Mumbai: Political parties across the spectrum expressed their happyness, following the inclusion of 12 forts constructed by Maratha King in the Unesco World Heritage List. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CM Eknath Shinde extended their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating the achievement. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The BJP planned to commemorate the occasion with Shiv Aarti events throughout Mumbai during the weekend, including at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park. Meanwhile, MNS chief Raj Thackeray called on the govt to immediately demolish all unauthorized constructions on 11 of the forts, irrespective of the encroachers' religion or caste. The Congress thanked Unesco while critiquing the Prime Minister. Chief minister Fadnavis stated that he, along with his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, met Prime Minister Modi to request his support in securing the Unesco designation for the forts, thereby elevating them on the world tourism map as a proud manifestation of Marathi heritage. Shinde commented, "It is a big achievement for us and a pride for Maharashtra. I thank PM Modi and the chief minister who took the initiative to make it successful. " Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar remarked, "This is not merely a historical honour, but a mark of glory that underscores the global significance of the forts that stand as witnesses to our Swarajya. Now, Chhatrapati's history will not remain confined to our textbooks but will become a subject of global study…. Heartfelt thanks to the Government of India, the Archaeological Department, and history scholars for this historic achievement!" Congress's Maharashtra president Harshwardhan Sapkal stated, "Unesco's recognition of the glorious history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a matter of pride and honour for the entire nation. But unfortunately, it is a tragedy for this country that Modi feels ashamed even to mention the name of our Maharaj, whose glory is celebrated worldwide! UNESCO took timely action, which is good; otherwise, the Modi govt would have handed over these historical forts to Adani as well. " Raj Thackeray urged the govt to demolish unauthorised constructions on the eleven forts, as he tweeted in Marathi and English: "…Out of these twelve forts, eleven are in Maharashtra and one fort, the fort of Jinji, is in Tamil Nadu. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On this occasion, those who talk about Maharashtra's achievements will know how far the idea of Swarajya instilled by Maharaj had reached and will also know how old and strong the bridge between two languages and cultures is. " Responding to Raj Thackeray, BJP minister Ashish Shelar stated on Twitter, "We have issued a govt resolution to form a committee under the chairmanship of District Collectors to remove encroachments. A survey of encroachments on all forts has been completed by January 31, 2025, and some have been removed, while action is ongoing for others."
Bangkok Post
7 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Cambodian genocide sites added to World Heritage list
Three torture and execution sites used by the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia to perpetrate genocide 50 years ago have been added to the Unesco World Heritage List. The locations reflect the human rights abuses of the hardline Maoist group and widespread violence that took place in Cambodia from 1971 to 1979, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization said in a statement. The three sites include the former M-13 prison in Kampong Chhnang province, where the Khmer Rouge devised the repression and execution techniques that they would later use on a mass scale. Today the site is just a patch of derelict land. The other two sites are located in Phnom Penh: the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (former S-21 prison) and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (the former 'killing field' where S-21 prisoners were executed). All have been preserved and memorialised since the regime's fall. The Tuol Sleng Museum maintains extensive archives and collections related to the period. Led by Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge reset the calendar to 'Year Zero' on April 17, 1975 and emptied cities in a bid to create a pure agrarian society free of class, politics or capital. Around two million people died of starvation, forced labour or torture or were slaughtered in mass killings between 1975 and 1979. (Story continues below) 'May this inscription serve as a lasting reminder that peace must always be defended,' Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a video message aired by the state-run broadcaster TVK. 'From the darkest chapters of history, we can draw strength to build a better future for humanity.' A number of other sites worldwide were inscribed on the Unesco list on Friday, among them the Xixia Imperial Tombs in the foothills of the southern Helan Mountains in Ningxia, China; the Forest Research Institute at Malaysia Forest Park Selangor near Kuala Lumpur; and the Murujuga Cultural Landscape of ancient rocks located in northwestern Australia.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
Historic recognition: 12 forts of 'Maratha Military Landscapes' on world heritage list; 7 sites fall under Mumbai Circle
MUMBAI: In a landmark moment for Maharashtra, 12 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj were inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris Friday. "The 'Maratha Military Landscapes' represent extraordinary fortification and military systems envisioned by the Maratha rulers," says the citation. While 11 on them are in Maharashtra, 12th is in TN. "It's the first of its kind of nomination from India - 12 forts as a serial nomination of a single site representing the great fortifications legacy of the Marathas," said Shikha Jain of DRONAH, a research and documentation organisation commissioned by the govt to prepare the dossier and presentations required for the Unesco process. "Two points that are truly significant in this inscription are the Maratha defence network expanding in three axes of forts, and Swarajya or self-rule of the Marathas that subsequently impacted India's freedom struggle," Jain told TOI from Paris. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Mumbai Circle home to 7 of 12 forts on Unesco list Nanda Raut, deputy secretary of the state's culture and tourism dept, who worked on the project from Feb 2024, said, 'Eleven of these forts are within Maharashtra, while the twelfth is in Tamil Nadu. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The all new SP160 that comes with advance technology & features Honda Learn More Undo I am so pleased I played a small part in this effort. This honour will draw more tourists to the forts. But it brings with it a big responsibility as well. We as citizens have to preserve and protect these forts and ensure their cleanliness. ' Out of the 12 new sites from India declared as world heritage site by Unesco, 11 are in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu. Of this 7forts are in Mumbai Circle and 4 forts are from across Maharashtra under Directorate of Archaeology and Museums,' said Abhijit Ambekar, superintending archaeologist, (Mumbai Circle) Archaeological Survey of India. This is indeed a landmark moment for Maharashtra, whose Shivaji and Maratha era forts have been firmly placed on the international heritage map. Shikha Jain of DRONAH was commissioned the dossier by department of archaeology and museums. This agency drafted all the technical presentations required by ICOMOS. ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) is an NGO associated with Unesco, dedicated to the conservation, protection, use and enhancement of cultural heritage places. It evaluates properties proposed for World Heritage List. Jain told TOI , 'We are celebrating in Paris! It is a great achievement.' Both Raut and Jain gave credit to various officials of the culture ministry, ASI officials and state govt including CM Devendra Fadnavis. CM Fadnavis tweeted on Friday, 'Historic! Proud! Glorious moment! The 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are now on Unesco's World Heritage List! It gives me immense joy to share that the 12 forts, embodying the grandeur of our nation's beloved deity, the king of the people, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, have been included in Unesco's World Heritage List. They have now been recognised for their 'outstanding universal value'. ' A well-known heritage conservationist from the city who has restored numerous public and private structures, said, 'It is a happy and proud moment, especially as these forts were so well planned and designed and served an important role historically. I hope they are looked after well as per WHS (World Heritage Site) norms.'
