World Heritage Day: 18 April

Tags: Important Days

18 April is observed as World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, to raise awareness of the importance of protecting cultural heritage around the world.

It aims to celebrate the diversity of World Heritage and promote recognition of the value of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

An Overview of the News

• The theme of World Heritage Day 2023 is "Heritage of Change", which addresses issues related to traditional knowledge and knowledge systems in the context of climate action.

• The day is celebrated to promote appreciation and understanding of cultural heritage through various activities, such as exhibitions, cultural programs and guided tours of heritage sites.

• The day emphasises the role of cultural heritage in supporting appropriate protections for vulnerable communities in climate action and responding to the United Nations Decade of Action.

History of World Heritage Day

• The idea of celebrating World Heritage Day was proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982.

• The resolution was later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1983.

• The date of 18 April was chosen for World Heritage Day by UNESCO in 1982 to commemorate the adoption of the Convention relating to the protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

• The convention was created to preserve and protect important cultural and natural sites around the world, recognizing their universal value and importance to humanity.

About ICOMOS

Established - 1965

President - Teresa Patricio

Headquarters - Paris