World becoming more multi-polar makes compelling case for deeper multilateralism: Jaishankar
The world has indeed become “more multipolar”, making a compelling case for “deeper multilateralism”, and prosperity collectively can only be achieved through mutual respect and understanding, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Addressing the opening ceremony of a major UNESCO meeting on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) at the Red Fort complex, he told delegates from various countries that it was essential to nurture heritage, develop it and pass it on to future generations “in the common quest for progress and prosperity”.
The 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will be held from 8 to 13 December at the Red Fort. This is the first time India has hosted a session of the UNESCO panel.
Mr. Jaishankar underlined that India, in addition to being home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has undertaken many protection and conservation projects around the world. An important dimension of this participation is the protection of intangible heritage.
“The world is a fundamentally pluralistic landscape whose richness lies in its diversity and complexity. Far from being flat, it has a wide range of features and characteristics, with creativity central to identity, pride and history.”
“What humanity has produced over the centuries will only be fully appreciated when this heritage is carefully nurtured,” he said.
EAM emphasized that difficulties in this context arise when efforts are made to “dominate, sideline, ignore or even erode”.
“In the intangible realm, this can take the form of cultural assertion flying in the face of mutual respect and mutual appreciation. The last few centuries have actually witnessed this vividly, and many societies still bear traces of that period,” he said.
But as “decolonization” takes place and the world begins to return to its “natural diversity”, political and economic rebalancing is starting to emerge, Jaishankar said.
“Suppressed voices across geographies have found expression again. However, this process will remain incomplete until cultural rebalancing is achieved,” the Union minister said.
This, he suggested, means protecting and even revitalizing intangible heritage domestically, while also promoting awareness and respect internationally.
India, itself a civilizational state, is “particularly sensitive” to such concerns.
“Our efforts in this regard have intensified over the last decade. There is a much deeper commitment to observing traditions, celebrating festivals, expressing faith and belief, and promoting arts and craftsmanship,” he said.
Mr. Jaishankar gave examples of Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, One District One Product promotion and incentives given to Vishwakarma artisans.
Mr. Jaishankar emphasized that UNESCO’s role in preserving heritage is “particularly important” and recognized.
He said India recognizes that traditions, languages, rituals, music and craftsmanship are essential elements of cultural heritage. “They are in many ways the most democratic expression of culture, owned by all, preserved by many and enriched by many generations,” Mr. Jaishankar said.
According to UNESCO, during the session, the nominations submitted by the party states to be recorded in the UNESCO ICH lists will be examined, the status of existing elements will be reviewed and international assistance will be provided for the protection of intangible cultural heritage.
“We can only succeed with mutual respect and understanding and when we think of the world as a family,” the foreign minister said.
UNESCO, at the forefront of multilateralism, has made an invaluable contribution in this context, and its commitment to protecting intangible heritage is an important aspect of this, EAM said.
“As we move forward in the common pursuit of progress and prosperity, it is essential that we nurture the legacy, build on it and pass it on to future generations,” he said.
From thematic galleries to performing arts, India showcased its rich cultural heritage at the Red Fort complex for this mega event.
Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as the palace fortress of his capital Shah Jahanabad, the Red Fort complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a centrally protected monument.
As a Foreign Minister, Jaishankar said, “I am truly proud that our diplomatic efforts have a significant place in 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 India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO Vishal V Sharma were present at the opening ceremony.
It was published – 08 December 2025 03:40 IST
