The world is indeed becoming “more multi-polar”, a compelling case for “deeper multilateralism”, and collective prosperity can only come through mutual respect and understanding, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday (Dec 07, 2025).
Addressing the opening ceremony of UNESCO’s key meeting on the Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) at the Red Fort complex, he also told delegates from various countries that in the “shared pursuit of progress and prosperity” it is essential to care for heritage, build on it and pass it on to future generations.
From December 8 to 13, the 20th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage will take place in the Red Fort. This is the first time that India is hosting a UNESCO panel meeting.
Mr. Jaishankar highlighted that India, apart from being home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has itself undertaken many conservation and protection projects around the world. A key dimension of this engagement is the preservation of intangible heritage.
“The world is fundamentally a pluralistic landscape whose richness lies in its diversity and complexity. Far from being flat, it has a wide range of specificities and characteristics, it has a creativity that is central to identity, pride and history.”
“What humanity has created over the centuries will only be fully appreciated if this heritage is carefully cared for,” he said.
EAM emphasized that problems in this context arise when efforts are made to “dominate, sideline, dismiss or even disrupt”.
“In the intangible domain, it can take the form of cultural enforcement that flies in the face of mutual respect and mutual recognition. Indeed, the last few centuries have seen many societies still vividly bear the scars of that era,” he said.
But as “decolonization” took place and the world began to return to its “natural diversity,” political and economic balancing began to develop again, Jaishankar said.
“Voices across geographies that were suppressed have re-emerged. However, this process will remain incomplete until there is also a cultural rebalancing,” the Union minister said.
This means protecting and even reviving intangible heritage at home while promoting awareness and respect internationally, he argued.
As a civilized nation in its own right, India is “particularly sensitive” to such concerns.
“Our own efforts in this regard have intensified in the last decade. There is a much deeper commitment to the observance of traditions, to the celebration of holidays, to expressions of faith and belief, and to the promotion of arts and crafts,” he said.
Mr. Jaishankar cited examples of Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, promotion of One District One Product and encouragement extended to artisans by Vishwakarma.
Mr. Jaishankar emphasized that UNESCO’s role in heritage protection is “particularly important” and recognized.
India recognizes that traditions, languages, rituals, music and crafts are fundamental aspects of cultural heritage, he said. “They are in many ways the most democratic expression of culture, owned by all and guarded by many and enriched by many generations,” Mr Jaishankar said.
Watch: The World Is Plural, Challenges Come As Efforts Are Made To Dominate Side: Jaishankar | Video Credit: PTI
The meeting, according to UNESCO, will examine the nominations submitted by the Contracting Parties for inscription on the UNESCO ICH lists, review the status of existing elements and provide international assistance in the protection of intangible cultural heritage.
“We can only prosper through mutual respect and mutual understanding and when we think of the world as a family,” said the foreign minister.
EAM said that UNESCO, which is at the forefront of multilateralism, makes an invaluable contribution in this regard, and its commitment to protecting intangible heritage is an important aspect of this.
“As we move forward in our common pursuit of progress and prosperity, it is imperative that we nurture, build upon and pass on the heritage to future generations,” he said.
From themed galleries to performing arts, India showcased its rich cultural heritage at the Red Fort complex at this grand event.
Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a palatial fortress for his capital Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a centrally protected monument.
As Foreign Minister, Jaishankar said, “I am really proud that our diplomatic efforts have a significant place for the protection and preservation of tangible and intangible heritage as part of our diplomacy.”
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UNESCO Director General Khaled El-Enany, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Indian Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Vishal V Sharma were present at the launch ceremony.
Published – 8 Dec 2025 03:40 IST
