Minister Pandey Heads to Paris to Push for Tilaurakot’s Inclusion in UNESCO World Heritage List
Kathmandu – Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, is set to travel to Paris to advocate for the inclusion of the ancient archaeological site of Tilaurakot in Kapilvastu on UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List.
Minister Pandey made the announcement while addressing a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee on Friday. He emphasized that the inscription of Tilaurakot has long been part of the government’s cultural heritage agenda and that he will represent Nepal at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, which begins on July 6 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
“The inclusion of Tilaurakot in the World Heritage List is a key priority for the government,” Pandey stated. “We have been working toward this goal for many years, and now I am heading to Paris to participate in the Committee’s session and advance Nepal’s case.”
Tilaurakot is believed to be the ancient capital of the Shakya kingdom, where Prince Siddhartha, who later became the Buddha, spent the first 29 years of his life. Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered well-planned urban structures, parks, and evidence of early industrial activity, indicating that Tilaurakot was a thriving and sophisticated city over two millennia ago.
The World Heritage Committee consists of 21 member countries, and a majority vote is required to approve any new inscription. Minister Pandey acknowledged the complexity of the process, noting that diplomatic engagement and international support are crucial to success. “The Committee includes influential nations from Asia such as India, Qatar, Japan, and South Korea, among others,” he said.
According to Pandey, Nepal has already invested significant resources in research, documentation, and international lobbying to meet the rigorous criteria for World Heritage status. He also noted that the process involves overcoming various challenge, including securing the backing of key countries.
Minister Pandey is scheduled to depart for Paris on July 7. If Tilaurakot’s nomination is successful, it would join a select group of Nepalese sites already recognized by UNESCO, including Lumbini, the Buddha’s birthplace, and the cultural and natural heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley, Sagarmatha National Park, and Chitwan National Park.
The 47th session of the World Heritage Committee is set to commence on Sunday, 6 July 2025, at the UNESCO Headquarters located in Paris, France. This important gathering will bring together representatives from around the world to evaluate cultural and natural heritage sites of outstanding universal value. Spanning ten days, the session will focus on several key objectives, including the assessment and selection of new sites to be added to the prestigious World Heritage List. These sites are recognized for their exceptional cultural, historical, scientific, or environmental significance.
In addition to examining new nominations, the Committee will also address the conservation status of previously inscribed sites, particularly those facing threats due to natural disasters, conflict, climate change, urbanization, or inadequate management. Deliberations will include recommendations and decisions on urgent protection measures, sustainable management strategies, and international support needed to safeguard these irreplaceable treasures for future generations. The session plays a vital role in shaping global heritage policy and promoting international cooperation in heritage preservation.
