Great Barrier Reef has escaped the prospect of being listed as endangered world heritage site by UNESCO. However, concerns remains for damage to ecosystem's corals due to climate change and other factors.

At a World Heritage Committee meeting chaired by China, delegates voted to delay the decision, after a concerted lobbying effort by Canberra.

The Great Barrier Reef has suffered three mass coral bleaching events in past five years. By some measures, the Reef has lost half of its corals since 1995 as ocean temperatures have increased.

Moreover, cyclones have battered the reef. Outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish has also damaged the reef. Crown-of-thorns starfish eat the corals.

"It's a warning to the international community and all of humanity that the coral ecosystem is in danger," Fanny Douvere, the head of UNESCO's World Heritage marine programme, said in June.

Australian government scientists say the corals have made a comeback over the past year, but acknowledge that will not improve the ecosystem's "very poor" long-term outlook.

What is World Heritage List?

World Heritage List is a UNESCO list that mentions sites all over the world. These sites have historical, scientific, cultural or other forms of importance. When a site gets listed, it is demarcated by UNESCO as a protected site.&nbsp;

Inclusion in the list increases chances of the site being better cared for and protected as it comes on international radar. The heritage list has helped conservation of sites all over the world.

Great Barrier Reef has escaped the prospect of being listed as endangered world heritage site by UNESCO. However, concerns remains for damage to ecosystem's corals due to climate change and other factors.

Great Barrier Reef has escaped the prospect of being listed as endangered world heritage site by UNESCO. However, concerns remains for damage to ecosystem's corals due to climate change and other factors. At a World Heritage Committee meeting chaired by China, delegates voted to delay the decision, after a concerted lobbying effort by Canberra. The Great Barrier Reef has suffered three mass coral bleaching events in past five years. By some measures, the Reef has lost half of its corals since 1995 as ocean temperatures have increased. Moreover, cyclones have battered the reef. Outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish has also damaged the reef. Crown-of-thorns starfish eat the corals. "It's a warning to the international community and all of humanity that the coral ecosystem is in danger," Fanny Douvere, the head of UNESCO's World Heritage marine programme, said in June. Australian government scientists say the corals have made a comeback over the past year, but acknowledge that will not improve the ecosystem's "very poor" long-term outlook. What is World Heritage List? World Heritage List is a UNESCO list that mentions sites all over the world. These sites have historical, scientific, cultural or other forms of importance. When a site gets listed, it is demarcated by UNESCO as a protected site. Inclusion in the list increases chances of the site being better cared for and protected as it comes on international radar. The heritage list has helped conservation of sites all over the world.

Great Barrier Reef won't be listed as endangered heritage site for now

The Great Barrier Reef near Australia may be downgraded as 'endangered' in the World Heritage listing this week. This has again focused everyone's attention on the list people often know a bit less about. The common man may well have heard of the list. But for him, it's often somewhat a static thing. Talk about intricacies and there are great chances of puzzled looks.

What is World Heritage List?

World Heritage List is a UNESCO list that mentions sites all over the world. These sites have historical, scientific, cultural or other forms of importance. When a site gets listed, it is demarcated by UNESCO as a protected site.&nbsp;

Inclusion in the list increases chances of the site being better cared for and protected as it comes on international radar. The heritage list has helped conservation of sites all over the world.

The downgrade

The status of a partuicular site can be downgraded. The World Heritage List is not permanently fixed and sites can be downgraded or even deleted entirely on the UN body's recommendation. While placement on the "in-danger" list is not considered a sanction -- some nations have their sites added to gain international attention to help save them -- others see it as a dishonour.

The Great Barrier Reef is facing the same fate.

The Great Barrier Reef -- the world's largest living structure, visible from space -- was added to the list in 1981 for its "superlative natural beauty" and extensive biodiversity.

Why could the reef lose its status?

The reef has suffered three mass coral bleaching events in the past five years, by some measures losing half its corals since 1995 as ocean temperatures have climbed.

It has also been battered by several cyclones, as climate change drives more extreme weather, and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish which eat the coral.

"It's a warning to the international community and all of humanity that the coral ecosystem is in danger," Fanny Douvere, the head of UNESCO's World Heritage marine programme, said in June.

Australian government scientists say the corals have made a comeback over the past year, but acknowledge that will not improve the ecosystem's "very poor" long-term outlook.

What is the likely outcome?

This is not the first time the UN has threatened to downgrade the reef's World Heritage listing -- furious lobbying by Australia prevented it in 2015.

The country created a "Reef 2050" plan and has poured billions of dollars into reef protection, including water quality improvements, in part to address the concerns.

While UNESCO has acknowledged these efforts, it has also taken aim at Australia for its lacklustre climate efforts as the government continues to resist calls to commit to net zero emissions by 2050.

The decision now rests in the hands of the World Heritage Committee, but 12 other countries have proposed delaying the decision until 2023, after reported lobbying from Australian officials.

With 14 votes required to pass that submission, Australia would need to find just one other member to back that position, assuming it also votes in favour.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Great Barrier Reef near Australia may be downgraded as 'endangered' in the World Heritage listing this week. This has again focused everyone's attention on the list people often know a bit less about.

The Great Barrier Reef near Australia may be downgraded as 'endangered' in the World Heritage listing this week. This has again focused everyone's attention on the list people often know a bit less about. The common man may well have heard of the list. But for him, it's often somewhat a static thing. Talk about intricacies and there are great chances of puzzled looks. What is World Heritage List? World Heritage List is a UNESCO list that mentions sites all over the world. These sites have historical, scientific, cultural or other forms of importance. When a site gets listed, it is demarcated by UNESCO as a protected site. Inclusion in the list increases chances of the site being better cared for and protected as it comes on international radar. The heritage list has helped conservation of sites all over the world. The downgrade The status of a partuicular site can be downgraded. The World Heritage List is not permanently fixed and sites can be downgraded or even deleted entirely on the UN body's recommendation. While placement on the "in-danger" list is not considered a sanction -- some nations have their sites added to gain international attention to help save them -- others see it as a dishonour. The Great Barrier Reef is facing the same fate. The Great Barrier Reef -- the world's largest living structure, visible from space -- was added to the list in 1981 for its "superlative natural beauty" and extensive biodiversity. Why could the reef lose its status? The reef has suffered three mass coral bleaching events in the past five years, by some measures losing half its corals since 1995 as ocean temperatures have climbed. It has also been battered by several cyclones, as climate change drives more extreme weather, and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish which eat the coral. "It's a warning to the international community and all of humanity that the coral ecosystem is in danger," Fanny Douvere, the head of UNESCO's World Heritage marine programme, said in June. Australian government scientists say the corals have made a comeback over the past year, but acknowledge that will not improve the ecosystem's "very poor" long-term outlook. What is the likely outcome? This is not the first time the UN has threatened to downgrade the reef's World Heritage listing -- furious lobbying by Australia prevented it in 2015. The country created a "Reef 2050" plan and has poured billions of dollars into reef protection, including water quality improvements, in part to address the concerns. While UNESCO has acknowledged these efforts, it has also taken aim at Australia for its lacklustre climate efforts as the government continues to resist calls to commit to net zero emissions by 2050. The decision now rests in the hands of the World Heritage Committee, but 12 other countries have proposed delaying the decision until 2023, after reported lobbying from Australian officials. With 14 votes required to pass that submission, Australia would need to find just one other member to back that position, assuming it also votes in favour. (With inputs from agencies)

What is World Heritage List and why is Great Barrier Reef facing a downgrade?

Liverpool has been removed from the UNESCO’s world heritage list as experts think there has been overdevelopment in the British city in the last few years.

"It means that the site of Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City is deleted from the World Heritage List," Tian Xuejun, chairman of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, said.

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The decision was taken after 13 delegates of the committee, chaired by China, voted in favour of the plan and only five delegates gave a negative reply. This&nbsp;was one more than the two-thirds majority that is required to delete a site from the world heritage site.

Liverpool had been on this heritage list due to its charm and the rich past related to the historic port in northwest England city. However, the delegates believe the city has been indulging in overdevelopment. The committee spent two days discussing the plans for redevelopment and introduction of more ‘high-rise’ buildings as well as a new football stadium.

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After the days-long discussions, the committee decided these developments would "irreversibly damage" the heritage the city offers in terms of the historic port.

The committee also feels that the new Everton football stadium, which was approved without considering public opinion, "is the most recent example of a major project that is completely contrary" to the UNESCO values.

However, the decision has rocked the emotions of Liverpool authorities who feel it will be a “huge loss” and a big disappointment.

"It's quite difficult for me to comprehend how UNESCO would rather have us having an empty dock site rather than the Everton stadium at Bramley Moore Dock," the city’s newly elected mayor Joanne Anderson said.

Australia, Brazil, Hungary, and Nigeria stood in support of Liverpool and argued that the decision should be deferred by at least a year and the authorities should be given some time to show a changed behaviour.&nbsp;Norway, however, argued that the important balance between development and heritage conversation was missing in Liverpool.

Liverpool has been removed from the UNESCO’s world heritage list as experts think there has been overdevelopment in the British city in the last few years. "It means that the site of Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City is deleted from the World Heritage List," Tian Xuejun, chairman of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, said.

Liverpool has been removed from the UNESCO’s world heritage list as experts think there has been overdevelopment in the British city in the last few years. "It means that the site of Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City is deleted from the World Heritage List," Tian Xuejun, chairman of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, said. Also read | Australia to challenge UNESCO downgrade of Great Barrier Reef The decision was taken after 13 delegates of the committee, chaired by China, voted in favour of the plan and only five delegates gave a negative reply. This was one more than the two-thirds majority that is required to delete a site from the world heritage site. Liverpool had been on this heritage list due to its charm and the rich past related to the historic port in northwest England city. However, the delegates believe the city has been indulging in overdevelopment. The committee spent two days discussing the plans for redevelopment and introduction of more ‘high-rise’ buildings as well as a new football stadium. Also read | Dance battle: Peru and Bolivia fight over origin of 'La Morenada' After the days-long discussions, the committee decided these developments would "irreversibly damage" the heritage the city offers in terms of the historic port. The committee also feels that the new Everton football stadium, which was approved without considering public opinion, "is the most recent example of a major project that is completely contrary" to the UNESCO values. However, the decision has rocked the emotions of Liverpool authorities who feel it will be a “huge loss” and a big disappointment. "It's quite difficult for me to comprehend how UNESCO would rather have us having an empty dock site rather than the Everton stadium at Bramley Moore Dock," the city’s newly elected mayor Joanne Anderson said. Australia, Brazil, Hungary, and Nigeria stood in support of Liverpool and argued that the decision should be deferred by at least a year and the authorities should be given some time to show a changed behaviour. Norway, however, argued that the important balance between development and heritage conversation was missing in Liverpool.

Liverpool removed from UNESCO's heritage list due to 'overdevelopment'

Australia&nbsp;will take a group of ambassadors snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef Thursday in a last-minute lobbying effort to keep the World Heritage site off UNESCO's endangered list.

The United Nations cultural agency last month recommended that the world's largest reef system,&nbsp;and a jewel in&nbsp;Australia's tourism crown, be downgraded because of damage to the corals, chiefly from climate change.

That threat angered&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and sparked an intense lobbying campaign ahead of UNESCO's virtual meeting hosted by China starting Friday, where a vote will be held on downgrading the reef to "World Heritage In Danger" status.

Ambassadors from the European Union and more than a dozen countries,&nbsp;including members of the World Heritage Committee who could help sway the outcome,&nbsp;will be ferried to Agincourt Reef, a popular site off&nbsp;Australia's northeast coast, the government's special reef envoy told AFP.

"They'll be able to see for themselves the beauty and the diversity of it and the importance of making sure that we look after it. And we look after it well," Warren Entsch said.

The conservative MP said&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;had made "significant" moves to lower carbon emissions but could not save the reef on its own, urging big-polluting "northern hemisphere" nations to also do more.

Placement on the endangered list is not considered a sanction but it is seen as a dishonour by some countries and there are&nbsp;fears the reef's appeal to tourists could be impacted.

Aside from its inestimable natural, scientific and environmental value, the 2,300-kilometre-long (1,400-mile) reef was worth an estimated US$4.8 billion a year in tourism revenue for the Australian economy before the coronavirus pandemic.

The trip comes as Environment Minister Sussan Ley holds a series of meetings with World Heritage Committee member countries and UNESCO representatives in Europe, which a spokesperson described as "productive discussions".

"Australia's position remains that the draft listing process did not include the proper consultation... was not made on the basis of the latest information and did not follow the proper process," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

Environmental campaigners have said the threat to the Great Barrier Reef's heritage status highlights&nbsp;Australia's lack of action to curb the carbon emissions which contribute to global warming.

Canberra has resisted calls to commit to net zero emissions by 2050, but now says it hopes to meet the target "as soon as possible" without harming its commodity-dependent economy.

Placed on the World Heritage list in 1981, the Great Barrier Reef is one of seven sites threatened with a downgrade due to ecological damage, overdevelopment, overtourism or security concerns.

Australia will take a group of ambassadors snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef Thursday in a last-minute lobbying effort to keep the World Heritage site off UNESCO's endangered list.

Australia will take a group of ambassadors snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef Thursday in a last-minute lobbying effort to keep the World Heritage site off UNESCO's endangered list. The United Nations cultural agency last month recommended that the world's largest reef system, and a jewel in Australia's tourism crown, be downgraded because of damage to the corals, chiefly from climate change. That threat angered Australia and sparked an intense lobbying campaign ahead of UNESCO's virtual meeting hosted by China starting Friday, where a vote will be held on downgrading the reef to "World Heritage In Danger" status. Ambassadors from the European Union and more than a dozen countries, including members of the World Heritage Committee who could help sway the outcome, will be ferried to Agincourt Reef, a popular site off Australia's northeast coast, the government's special reef envoy told AFP. "They'll be able to see for themselves the beauty and the diversity of it and the importance of making sure that we look after it. And we look after it well," Warren Entsch said. The conservative MP said Australia had made "significant" moves to lower carbon emissions but could not save the reef on its own, urging big-polluting "northern hemisphere" nations to also do more. Placement on the endangered list is not considered a sanction but it is seen as a dishonour by some countries and there are fears the reef's appeal to tourists could be impacted. Aside from its inestimable natural, scientific and environmental value, the 2,300-kilometre-long (1,400-mile) reef was worth an estimated US$4.8 billion a year in tourism revenue for the Australian economy before the coronavirus pandemic. The trip comes as Environment Minister Sussan Ley holds a series of meetings with World Heritage Committee member countries and UNESCO representatives in Europe, which a spokesperson described as "productive discussions". "Australia's position remains that the draft listing process did not include the proper consultation... was not made on the basis of the latest information and did not follow the proper process," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. Environmental campaigners have said the threat to the Great Barrier Reef's heritage status highlights Australia's lack of action to curb the carbon emissions which contribute to global warming. Canberra has resisted calls to commit to net zero emissions by 2050, but now says it hopes to meet the target "as soon as possible" without harming its commodity-dependent economy. Placed on the World Heritage list in 1981, the Great Barrier Reef is one of seven sites threatened with a downgrade due to ecological damage, overdevelopment, overtourism or security concerns.

Australia to take ambassadors snorkelling to save Great Barrier Reef status

The Berber granaries, considered as one of the oldest banking systems, were used by Amazigh communities inhabiting the mountainous south of Morocco to store all kinds of valuable belongings from documents, jewelry and harvest. Morocco is now planning to include them in UNESCO's world heritage sites list.

Discover Morocco's ancient granaries, "the first indication of the emergence of banks"

A UNESCO panel has recommended that the Great Barrier Reef be stripped of its World Heritage Site tag. Australia is blaming the China-led panel for settling a political score at UNESCO. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Great Barrier Reef downgraded, Australia blames China

Australia will strongly oppose a UNESCO plan to list the Great Barrier Reef as "in danger" over its deterioration caused by climate change, the government said on Tuesday.

The UN body released a draft report on Monday recommending the reef's World Heritage status be downgraded because of its dramatic coral decline.

Environmental campaigners said the decision highlighted Australia's lack of action to curb emissions and brought "shame" on the government.

Environment Minister Sussan Ley said Australia would mount a challenge after the "back-flip on previous assurances from UN officials", ahead of the World Heritage Committee's 44th session hosted by China next month.

Ley said the decision did not consider the billions of dollars spent attempting to protect the world's largest coral reef.

"This sends a poor signal to those nations who are not making the investments in reef protection that we are making," she said in a statement.

Australia has resisted calls to commit to a target of net-zero emissions by 2050, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying the country hoped to reach carbon neutral "as soon as possible" without harming its commodity-dependent economy.

The plan to add the reef to the World Heritage "in danger" list prompted environmental groups to highlight Canberra's reluctance to take stronger climate action.

The Climate Council said it "brings shame on the federal government, which is standing by as the reef declines rather than fighting to protect it".

Aside from its inestimable natural, scientific and environmental value, the 2,300-kilometre-long (1,400-mile-long) reef was worth an estimated $4.8 billion a year in tourism revenue for the Australian economy before the coronavirus pandemic.

"The recommendation from UNESCO is clear and unequivocal that the Australian government is not doing enough to protect our greatest natural asset, especially on climate change," said WWF head of oceans Richard Leck.

In December, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said climate change had become the biggest threat to UN-listed natural world heritage sites and pushed the reef into "critical" condition.

Australia's own government had already downgraded the reef's long-term outlook to "very poor" after back-to-back mass bleaching events in 2016 and 2017.

Bleaching occurs when changes in ocean temperatures stress healthy corals, causing them to expel algae living in their tissues -- draining them of their vibrant colours.

"I agree that global climate change is the single biggest threat to the world's reefs but it is wrong, in our view, to single out the best-managed reef in the world for an 'in danger' listing," Ley said.

The Great Barrier Reef has now suffered three mass coral bleaching events in the past five years, losing half its corals since 1995 as ocean temperatures have climbed.

The reef has also been battered by several cyclones as climate change drives more extreme weather and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish -- which eat the coral -- in recent decades.

Australia will strongly oppose a UNESCO plan to list the Great Barrier Reef as "in danger" over its deterioration caused by climate change, the government said on Tuesday.

Australia will strongly oppose a UNESCO plan to list the Great Barrier Reef as "in danger" over its deterioration caused by climate change, the government said on Tuesday. The UN body released a draft report on Monday recommending the reef's World Heritage status be downgraded because of its dramatic coral decline. Environmental campaigners said the decision highlighted Australia's lack of action to curb emissions and brought "shame" on the government. Environment Minister Sussan Ley said Australia would mount a challenge after the "back-flip on previous assurances from UN officials", ahead of the World Heritage Committee's 44th session hosted by China next month. Ley said the decision did not consider the billions of dollars spent attempting to protect the world's largest coral reef. "This sends a poor signal to those nations who are not making the investments in reef protection that we are making," she said in a statement. Australia has resisted calls to commit to a target of net-zero emissions by 2050, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying the country hoped to reach carbon neutral "as soon as possible" without harming its commodity-dependent economy. The plan to add the reef to the World Heritage "in danger" list prompted environmental groups to highlight Canberra's reluctance to take stronger climate action. The Climate Council said it "brings shame on the federal government, which is standing by as the reef declines rather than fighting to protect it". Aside from its inestimable natural, scientific and environmental value, the 2,300-kilometre-long (1,400-mile-long) reef was worth an estimated $4.8 billion a year in tourism revenue for the Australian economy before the coronavirus pandemic. "The recommendation from UNESCO is clear and unequivocal that the Australian government is not doing enough to protect our greatest natural asset, especially on climate change," said WWF head of oceans Richard Leck. In December, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said climate change had become the biggest threat to UN-listed natural world heritage sites and pushed the reef into "critical" condition. Australia's own government had already downgraded the reef's long-term outlook to "very poor" after back-to-back mass bleaching events in 2016 and 2017. Bleaching occurs when changes in ocean temperatures stress healthy corals, causing them to expel algae living in their tissues -- draining them of their vibrant colours. "I agree that global climate change is the single biggest threat to the world's reefs but it is wrong, in our view, to single out the best-managed reef in the world for an 'in danger' listing," Ley said. The Great Barrier Reef has now suffered three mass coral bleaching events in the past five years, losing half its corals since 1995 as ocean temperatures have climbed. The reef has also been battered by several cyclones as climate change drives more extreme weather and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish -- which eat the coral -- in recent decades.

Australia to challenge UNESCO downgrade of Great Barrier Reef over bleaching damage caused by climate change

Australia said it will strongly oppose a China-chaired UNESCO plan to list the Great Barrier Reef as a heritage site “in danger” over deterioration caused by climate change.

Australia hits back at China-chaired UNESCO over Barrier Reef's heritage status

A new report launched by UNESCO highlights the need for policy measures to reach gender parity in the cultural and creative industries, despite recent progress in promoting gender equality. 
 
The report titled 'Gender &amp; Creativity: Progress on the Precipice' explores existing, and at times widening, gender gaps in the field, notably in the context of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, and calls for a new commitment and transformative actions to promote gender equality.

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The digital divide remains a pressing concern, with women disproportionately facing obstacles to access digital tools for artistic creation and distribution, including digital music platforms, online tutorials, and sound-mixing software. For example, it is estimated that worldwide, 250 million fewer women than men use the Internet, and women still represent only 21 per cent of performers in electronic music festivals in Europe and North America, said UNESCO in a statement. 
 
"From the technological perspective, the digital gender divide is leaving women and girls behind in all areas of political, economic, cultural and social life, resulting in isolation and limited access to tools and reliable information. Achieving gender equality will mean overcoming these vulnerabilities, and this is especially so for women working in the cultural and creative sectors," says UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

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The report also highlights innovative gender policies, measures and programmes from around the world that can serve as a model for policymakers. 
 
According to UNESCO, gender equality is fundamental to ensuring a genuine diversity of cultural expressions and equal opportunities in artistic work and cultural employment.

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Qualitative and quantitative data, however, reveals that women and gender diverse artists and creators continue to face numerous barriers, including unequal access to decent work, fair remuneration, and leadership positions. 
 
In Uruguay, for example, it is estimated that women occupy 25 per cent of managerial positions in public and private cultural organisations, 24 per cent in Montenegro and only 3 per cent in Mali.

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In Indonesia, a recent study shows that while female professionals are advancing in the film industry as a whole, they are still largely underrepresented in creative decision-making roles, representing only 20 per cent of scriptwriters, 19 per cent of producers and 7 per cent of directors. In France, where women direct 34 per cent of visual and performing arts organisations subsidized by the Ministry of Culture and 43 per cent of museums, only 9 per cent of directors of the 100 largest cultural enterprises are women.

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The report also examines the safety and well-being of people of all genders in the workplace. Women and gender-diverse artists and creative professionals continue to be the targets of harassment, bullying and abuse. In recent years, the digital environment has become the new frontier in the fight for gender equality and artistic freedom. 
 
According to Lisabona Rahman, founder of the Sinematik Gak Harus Toxic (Cinema does not Need to be Toxic) campaign in Indonesia, "The prevailing demeaning attitude towards women is the source of harassment and abuse and as long as men continue to dominate powerful positions in the industry and perpetuate heteronormativity, it will not end."

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The overwhelmingly negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality is well-documented, from the rise in gender-based violence, the disproportionate absence of girl children from online classes, to female professionals` limited eligibility for social and economic assistance. Although women have played a key role in responding to the crisis, gender inequalities have widened across the board, says UNESCO. 
 
According to the report, without the systematic application of a gender perspective to policy responses, COVID-19 could have a long-lasting regressive effect on gender equality in the cultural and creative industries, as women are disproportionately represented in culture and other sectors most affected by the pandemic.

A new report launched by UNESCO highlights the need for policy measures to reach gender parity in the cultural and creative industries, despite recent progress in promoting gender equality.

A new report launched by UNESCO highlights the need for policy measures to reach gender parity in the cultural and creative industries, despite recent progress in promoting gender equality. The report titled 'Gender & Creativity: Progress on the Precipice' explores existing, and at times widening, gender gaps in the field, notably in the context of COVID-19, and calls for a new commitment and transformative actions to promote gender equality. Also Read | Poland, Hungary push against 'gender equality' at EU social summit The digital divide remains a pressing concern, with women disproportionately facing obstacles to access digital tools for artistic creation and distribution, including digital music platforms, online tutorials, and sound-mixing software. For example, it is estimated that worldwide, 250 million fewer women than men use the Internet, and women still represent only 21 per cent of performers in electronic music festivals in Europe and North America, said UNESCO in a statement. "From the technological perspective, the digital gender divide is leaving women and girls behind in all areas of political, economic, cultural and social life, resulting in isolation and limited access to tools and reliable information. Achieving gender equality will mean overcoming these vulnerabilities, and this is especially so for women working in the cultural and creative sectors," says UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. Also Read | New Tokyo 2020 chief needs deep understanding of gender equality: Organisers The report also highlights innovative gender policies, measures and programmes from around the world that can serve as a model for policymakers. According to UNESCO, gender equality is fundamental to ensuring a genuine diversity of cultural expressions and equal opportunities in artistic work and cultural employment. Also Read | Towards a gender-equal world: A mission for all Qualitative and quantitative data, however, reveals that women and gender diverse artists and creators continue to face numerous barriers, including unequal access to decent work, fair remuneration, and leadership positions. In Uruguay, for example, it is estimated that women occupy 25 per cent of managerial positions in public and private cultural organisations, 24 per cent in Montenegro and only 3 per cent in Mali. Also Read | Gender equality: Swiss Army to start issuing female underwear for women recruits In Indonesia, a recent study shows that while female professionals are advancing in the film industry as a whole, they are still largely underrepresented in creative decision-making roles, representing only 20 per cent of scriptwriters, 19 per cent of producers and 7 per cent of directors. In France, where women direct 34 per cent of visual and performing arts organisations subsidized by the Ministry of Culture and 43 per cent of museums, only 9 per cent of directors of the 100 largest cultural enterprises are women. Also Read | Women have to wait 135.6 years to be on equal footing with men: World Economic Forum The report also examines the safety and well-being of people of all genders in the workplace. Women and gender-diverse artists and creative professionals continue to be the targets of harassment, bullying and abuse. In recent years, the digital environment has become the new frontier in the fight for gender equality and artistic freedom. According to Lisabona Rahman, founder of the Sinematik Gak Harus Toxic (Cinema does not Need to be Toxic) campaign in Indonesia, "The prevailing demeaning attitude towards women is the source of harassment and abuse and as long as men continue to dominate powerful positions in the industry and perpetuate heteronormativity, it will not end." Also Read | Pakistan ranks 153rd out of 156 countries on gender inequality The overwhelmingly negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality is well-documented, from the rise in gender-based violence, the disproportionate absence of girl children from online classes, to female professionals` limited eligibility for social and economic assistance. Although women have played a key role in responding to the crisis, gender inequalities have widened across the board, says UNESCO. According to the report, without the systematic application of a gender perspective to policy responses, COVID-19 could have a long-lasting regressive effect on gender equality in the cultural and creative industries, as women are disproportionately represented in culture and other sectors most affected by the pandemic.

UNESCO reports persistent gender bias in cultural, creative industries

Nearly three-quarters of female journalists say they have been victims of harassment online and for 20 per cent this has transferred into offline attacks, according to a UNESCO study published Friday.&nbsp;

The violence ranged from abusive language (49 per cent) to threats of physical violence (25 per cent) and sexual assault (18 per cent).&nbsp;

Also included were threats to damage their professional reputations, digital security attacks and the use of manipulated images.

"These methods of attack are growing more sophisticated and evolving with technology such as Artificial Intelligence," said the report, based on a survey of 901 journalists across 125 countries.&nbsp;

"Many women journalists&nbsp;who&nbsp;participated in this survey said that they had been targeted as part of an organised digital disinformation campaign," it said.

While 64 per cent of white female journalists reported online abuse, this rose to 81 per cent for black, 81 per cent for indigenous and 88 per cent for Jewish women.&nbsp;

Stories about gender were most likely to trigger abuse, and lesbian or bisexual women were more likely to experience harassment than heterosexual women, the study found.&nbsp;

Many women resorted to self-censorship because they felt poorly protected by their companies, the report added.

"Many media employers still appear reluctant to take online violence seriously, in alignment with the evident failure of the internet communications companies, whose platforms and apps facilitate much of the harassment, intimidation, and abuse targeting women journalists,&nbsp;to take effective action," the study said.

It called for stronger legislation against online abuse, an end to attacks against female journalists by politicians and stronger support from employers and internet firms for their female staff.

Nearly three-quarters of female journalists say they have been victims of harassment online and for 20 per cent this has transferred into offline attacks, according to a UNESCO study published Friday.

Nearly three-quarters of female journalists say they have been victims of harassment online and for 20 per cent this has transferred into offline attacks, according to a UNESCO study published Friday. The violence ranged from abusive language (49 per cent) to threats of physical violence (25 per cent) and sexual assault (18 per cent). Also included were threats to damage their professional reputations, digital security attacks and the use of manipulated images. "These methods of attack are growing more sophisticated and evolving with technology such as Artificial Intelligence," said the report, based on a survey of 901 journalists across 125 countries. "Many women journalists who participated in this survey said that they had been targeted as part of an organised digital disinformation campaign," it said. While 64 per cent of white female journalists reported online abuse, this rose to 81 per cent for black, 81 per cent for indigenous and 88 per cent for Jewish women. Stories about gender were most likely to trigger abuse, and lesbian or bisexual women were more likely to experience harassment than heterosexual women, the study found. Many women resorted to self-censorship because they felt poorly protected by their companies, the report added. "Many media employers still appear reluctant to take online violence seriously, in alignment with the evident failure of the internet communications companies, whose platforms and apps facilitate much of the harassment, intimidation, and abuse targeting women journalists, to take effective action," the study said. It called for stronger legislation against online abuse, an end to attacks against female journalists by politicians and stronger support from employers and internet firms for their female staff.

Three-quarters of female journalists face online abuse: UNESCO

Pakistan's famous truck art will move from its highways to the skies, as a flying academy is painting a two-seater Cessna aircraft with the colourful technique.

With elaborate and flamboyant motifs,&nbsp;Pakistani truck art has inspired gallery exhibitions abroad and prompted stores in Western cities to sell miniatures.

“We want to show the world that&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;is not all about Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and terrorism issues; it a very diverse country and a land of opportunities,” Imran Aslam Khan, chief operating officer of Sky Wings, a flight training organisation, told Reuters.

He also plans to paint other aircraft, with the aim of promoting tourism in&nbsp;Pakistan.

Such art has become one of&nbsp;Pakistan's best-known cultural exports in recent years. UNESCO, for example, has been using truck art, blended with indigenous themes, to promote girls' education in a northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

"The world is familiar with our truck art representation; now, with this aircraft, our colours will fly in the air. We are really excited," Haider Ali, the artist painting the aircraft, told Reuters at the academy's hangar.

Trained by his father, Ali, 40, has been decorating trucks since his childhood and is now one of the most prominent such painters in&nbsp;Pakistan.

Ali hopes to paint an Airbus or Boeing aircraft in the future, saying an opportunity to work on such gargantuan planes would truly be a learning experience.

Pakistan's famous truck art will move from its highways to the skies, as a flying academy is painting a two-seater Cessna aircraft with the colourful technique. With elaborate and flamboyant motifs, Pakistani truck art has inspired gallery exhibitions abroad and prompted stores in Western cities to sell miniatures.

Pakistan's famous truck art will move from its highways to the skies, as a flying academy is painting a two-seater Cessna aircraft with the colourful technique. With elaborate and flamboyant motifs, Pakistani truck art has inspired gallery exhibitions abroad and prompted stores in Western cities to sell miniatures. “We want to show the world that Pakistan is not all about Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and terrorism issues; it a very diverse country and a land of opportunities,” Imran Aslam Khan, chief operating officer of Sky Wings, a flight training organisation, told Reuters. He also plans to paint other aircraft, with the aim of promoting tourism in Pakistan. Such art has become one of Pakistan's best-known cultural exports in recent years. UNESCO, for example, has been using truck art, blended with indigenous themes, to promote girls' education in a northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. "The world is familiar with our truck art representation; now, with this aircraft, our colours will fly in the air. We are really excited," Haider Ali, the artist painting the aircraft, told Reuters at the academy's hangar. Trained by his father, Ali, 40, has been decorating trucks since his childhood and is now one of the most prominent such painters in Pakistan. Ali hopes to paint an Airbus or Boeing aircraft in the future, saying an opportunity to work on such gargantuan planes would truly be a learning experience.

From the highways to the skies: Pakistan's famous truck art goes airborne

Singapore's tradition of communal dining at hawker centres, open air food courts popularised by celebrity chefs and hit films such as 'Crazy Rich Asians', has been recognised by UNESCO for its cultural significance.

Singapore's foodie 'hawker' culture given UNESCO recognition

Fire fighters continue their struggle to put out a massive bushfire that has been raging on over 6 weeks now in Australia. The fires have already destroyed the 40% of the UNESCO world heritage listed Fraser island.

Your Story: Temperature soars, worsens conditions to fight Australian bushfires

Brussels decorated its 18-meter (59 feet) high Christmas tree on Sunday in the middle of the Grand Place, the UNESCO World Heritage main city square.

18-metre-high Christmas tree goes up in Brussels

Nov 16 in history: From commencement of UNESCO to retirement of Sachin Tendulkar

The United Nations and World Bank called for school reopenings despite coronavirus risks in a new report on Wednesday, stressing children in poor countries are severely affected by pandemic due to an absence of the access to digital means to pursue learning.&nbsp;

The report said in impoverished nations, children have not able to go to schools for about four months since the beginning of the pandemic early this year.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/20-years-witnessed-rise-in-natural-disasters-especially-in-asia-united-nations-334738">20 years witnessed rise in natural disasters, especially in Asia: United Nations</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

"Prioritising reopening schools and providing much-needed catch-up classes are critical," said Robert Jenkins, education head at the UN children's fund UNICEF, in a statement, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/united-nations-faces-crisis-of-confidence-pm-modi-in-unga-address-329308">United Nations faces 'crisis of confidence': PM Modi in UNGA address</a>

"We don't need to look far to see the devastation the pandemic has caused to children's learning across the world."&nbsp;

The crisis is worse in low and middle-income nations due to a frail system of distance learning, higher probability of a delay in reopening of schools and a lack of resources to tackle health risks.&nbsp;

UN cultural agency UNESCO and the World Bank also advised countries to spend money on education to reduce the broadening gap between the education provided in rich and poor nations due to Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The report from UNICEF, UNESCO and the World Bank was based on data accumulated from about 150 countries between June and October.

The United Nations and World Bank called for school reopenings despite coronavirus risks in a new report on Wednesday, stressing children in poor countries are severely affected by pandemic due to an absence of the access to digital means to pursue learning.

The United Nations and World Bank called for school reopenings despite coronavirus risks in a new report on Wednesday, stressing children in poor countries are severely affected by pandemic due to an absence of the access to digital means to pursue learning. The report said in impoverished nations, children have not able to go to schools for about four months since the beginning of the pandemic early this year. Also read | 20 years witnessed rise in natural disasters, especially in Asia: United Nations "Prioritising reopening schools and providing much-needed catch-up classes are critical," said Robert Jenkins, education head at the UN children's fund UNICEF, in a statement, as quoted by news agency AFP. Also read | United Nations faces 'crisis of confidence': PM Modi in UNGA address "We don't need to look far to see the devastation the pandemic has caused to children's learning across the world." The crisis is worse in low and middle-income nations due to a frail system of distance learning, higher probability of a delay in reopening of schools and a lack of resources to tackle health risks. UN cultural agency UNESCO and the World Bank also advised countries to spend money on education to reduce the broadening gap between the education provided in rich and poor nations due to Covid-19 pandemic. The report from UNICEF, UNESCO and the World Bank was based on data accumulated from about 150 countries between June and October.

UN, World Bank call for reopening schools amid Covid-19 pandemic

A huge car&nbsp;geoglyph has been discovered&nbsp;etched at a world UNESCO world heritage site at&nbsp;Nazca valley in&nbsp;Peru.

According to archeologists, the&nbsp;geoglyph, which dates back from 200-100BC, depicts an enormous cat lounging across a desert hillside.

The lines etched at the world&nbsp;heritage site at&nbsp;Nazca valley are made up of hundreds of geomorphic and zoomorphic images created by removing rocks and earth.

The cat is 37 meters long and had well-defined lines that varied in width between 30cm and 40cm.

It lies 400 kilometres south of Lima and cover about 450 sq km's of Peru's arid coastal plain.

Peru’s culture ministry said in a statement,&nbsp;“The figure was scarcely visible and was about to disappear because it’s situated on quite a steep slope that’s prone to the effects of natural erosion.”

“Over the past week, the geoglyph was cleaned and conserved, and shows a feline figure in profile, with its head facing the front.”&nbsp;

Johny Isla, Peru’s chief archaeologist for the lines said,&nbsp;“It’s quite striking that we’re still finding new figures, but we also know that there are more to be found.”&nbsp;

A huge car geoglyph has been discovered etched at a world UNESCO world heritage site at Nazca valley in Peru. According to archeologists, the geoglyph, which dates back from 200-100BC, depicts an enormous cat lounging across a desert hillside.

A huge car geoglyph has been discovered etched at a world UNESCO world heritage site at Nazca valley in Peru. According to archeologists, the geoglyph, which dates back from 200-100BC, depicts an enormous cat lounging across a desert hillside. The lines etched at the world heritage site at Nazca valley are made up of hundreds of geomorphic and zoomorphic images created by removing rocks and earth. The cat is 37 meters long and had well-defined lines that varied in width between 30cm and 40cm. It lies 400 kilometres south of Lima and cover about 450 sq km's of Peru's arid coastal plain. Peru’s culture ministry said in a statement, “The figure was scarcely visible and was about to disappear because it’s situated on quite a steep slope that’s prone to the effects of natural erosion.” “Over the past week, the geoglyph was cleaned and conserved, and shows a feline figure in profile, with its head facing the front.” Johny Isla, Peru’s chief archaeologist for the lines said, “It’s quite striking that we’re still finding new figures, but we also know that there are more to be found.”

Massive cat geoglyph found at UNESCO world heritage site in Nazca, Peru

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has started preparing a dossier on the six Mughal Gardens in the Kashmir Valley in a bid to empanel them in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) mandated world heritage sites.

Locals are expecting that this consideration will boost tourism in the Kashmir Valley.

The administration is keenly interested in the development of Mughal gardens. Recently, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (UT) Manoj Sinha issued orders on the upgradation of restoration work of the six Mughal Gardens including Nishat, Shalimar, Cheshmashahi, Pari Mahal, Achabal and Veerinag.

Farooq Ahmad Rather, Director, Department of Floriculture, Jammu and Kashmir told ANI, "The Department of Floriculture in consultation with known professional reworked eight gardens of Jammu and Kashmir between 2005-2011."

Rather said, "With the help of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) survey experts of UNESCO visited the valley to see the heritage value of Mughal gardens. Later in 2011, six of these gardens were in the tentative list of Heritage sites presented by the UNESCO."

"Currently, the Jammu and Kashmir administration with a consultation team is preparing a dossier which will be presented to the UNESCO," said Rather.

On being asked about its benefits, Rather said, "These gardens are part of our heritage and we have to preserve the same at any cost."

"After the historical Mughal garden makes it to the UNESCO's heritage site list, it will attract a lot of tourists. Eventually, this will boost the tourism industry here," Rather added.

Niyaz Ahmad Bhat, a local appreciated the steps taken by the administration. Bhat said, "It is a great step by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

"Getting consideration from UNESCO will help in boosting the economy in Srinagar," he added.

Gopinath Tiwari, a tourist on his third visit to Srinagar said that he comes to the Valley to visit various tourist spots. "It is always good to visit Heritage Mughal Garden every year," Tiwari said.

"It will be good for the people here if Heritage Mughal garden gets UNESCO's consideration," Tiwari added.

Speaking on the issue, Mohamad Ayoub, another local said, "These gardens should be given UNESCO's consideration. We are proud of our culture."

"It is a matter of joy for us when tourists visit the Union Territory," Ayoub said.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has started preparing a dossier on the six Mughal Gardens in the Kashmir Valley in a bid to empanel them in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) mandated world heritage sites.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has started preparing a dossier on the six Mughal Gardens in the Kashmir Valley in a bid to empanel them in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) mandated world heritage sites. Locals are expecting that this consideration will boost tourism in the Kashmir Valley. The administration is keenly interested in the development of Mughal gardens. Recently, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (UT) Manoj Sinha issued orders on the upgradation of restoration work of the six Mughal Gardens including Nishat, Shalimar, Cheshmashahi, Pari Mahal, Achabal and Veerinag. Farooq Ahmad Rather, Director, Department of Floriculture, Jammu and Kashmir told ANI, "The Department of Floriculture in consultation with known professional reworked eight gardens of Jammu and Kashmir between 2005-2011." Rather said, "With the help of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) survey experts of UNESCO visited the valley to see the heritage value of Mughal gardens. Later in 2011, six of these gardens were in the tentative list of Heritage sites presented by the UNESCO." "Currently, the Jammu and Kashmir administration with a consultation team is preparing a dossier which will be presented to the UNESCO," said Rather. On being asked about its benefits, Rather said, "These gardens are part of our heritage and we have to preserve the same at any cost." "After the historical Mughal garden makes it to the UNESCO's heritage site list, it will attract a lot of tourists. Eventually, this will boost the tourism industry here," Rather added. Niyaz Ahmad Bhat, a local appreciated the steps taken by the administration. Bhat said, "It is a great step by the Jammu and Kashmir administration. "Getting consideration from UNESCO will help in boosting the economy in Srinagar," he added. Gopinath Tiwari, a tourist on his third visit to Srinagar said that he comes to the Valley to visit various tourist spots. "It is always good to visit Heritage Mughal Garden every year," Tiwari said. "It will be good for the people here if Heritage Mughal garden gets UNESCO's consideration," Tiwari added. Speaking on the issue, Mohamad Ayoub, another local said, "These gardens should be given UNESCO's consideration. We are proud of our culture." "It is a matter of joy for us when tourists visit the Union Territory," Ayoub said.

Jammu and Kashmir's historical Mughal garden to be included into UNESCO world heritage list

60 heritage sites risk collapse after Beirut blast

Houses in Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa are collapsing under heavy rains, as months of floods and storms assail a country already reeling from war, food shortages and disease.

This year's exceptionally heavy rains, which began mid-April and last into early September, have added to what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The distinctive brown and white mud brick houses of Sanaa's historic neighbourhoods, which date from before the 11th century, have long been under threat from conflict and neglect. A house partially collapsed on Friday as heavy rain battered Sanaa, leaving the six women and six children of his family homeless.

Around 5,000 of the towering buildings in the old city have leaky roofs and 107 have partially collapsed roofs. The Historic Cities Preservation Authority has been working with UNESCO and other funds to preserve some.

Five years of war have killed more than 100,000 people, and left 80% of the population reliant on aid and millions on the brink of famine. On top of the new coronavirus, which is believed to be spreading largely undetected, heavy rains spread diseases like cholera, dengue fever and malaria.

To this end, the Iran-aligned Houthi authorities who have controlled Sanaa since ousting the internationally recognised Saudi-backed Yemeni government in late 2014, appealed this week to UNESCO to save the city's heritage. They said around 111 houses had partly or completely collapsed in recent weeks.

Houses in Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa are collapsing under heavy rains, as months of floods and storms assail a country already reeling from war, food shortages and disease.

Houses in Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa are collapsing under heavy rains, as months of floods and storms assail a country already reeling from war, food shortages and disease. This year's exceptionally heavy rains, which began mid-April and last into early September, have added to what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The distinctive brown and white mud brick houses of Sanaa's historic neighbourhoods, which date from before the 11th century, have long been under threat from conflict and neglect. A house partially collapsed on Friday as heavy rain battered Sanaa, leaving the six women and six children of his family homeless. Around 5,000 of the towering buildings in the old city have leaky roofs and 107 have partially collapsed roofs. The Historic Cities Preservation Authority has been working with UNESCO and other funds to preserve some. Five years of war have killed more than 100,000 people, and left 80% of the population reliant on aid and millions on the brink of famine. On top of the new coronavirus, which is believed to be spreading largely undetected, heavy rains spread diseases like cholera, dengue fever and malaria. To this end, the Iran-aligned Houthi authorities who have controlled Sanaa since ousting the internationally recognised Saudi-backed Yemeni government in late 2014, appealed this week to UNESCO to save the city's heritage. They said around 111 houses had partly or completely collapsed in recent weeks.

Houses in Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa collapse under heavy rains

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan visited Istanbul's Hagia Sophia on Thursday (July 23) to inspect the final preparations for Muslim Friday prayers in the historic building on July 24.

He will take part in Friday's prayers at Hagia Sophia which are the first since the Istanbul landmark was reconverted to a mosque despite international condemnation.

Hagia Sophia served as a Christian Byzantine cathedral for 900 years before it was seized by Ottoman conquerors and converted to a mosque. Muslims prayed there until 1934 when it became a museum.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-you-want-to-know-about-istanbuls-iconic-hagia-sophias-history-309863">All you want to know about Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia's history</a>

A top Turkish court revoked the sixth-century monument's status as a museum on July 10 and Erdogan then ordered the building to reopen for Muslim worship, deeply angering the Christian community and further straining relations with NATO ally Greece.

The decision unleashed a torrent of criticism from church leaders, who said the conversion to exclusively Muslim worship risked deepening religious divisions. Turkey says the site will remain open for visitors and its Christian artworks protected.

Christian frescoes and the glittering mosaics adorning the cavernous dome and central hall will be concealed by curtains during Muslim prayer times, but remain on display for the rest of the time.

The head of Turkey's religious affairs directorate, Ali Erbas, said on Wednesday that up to 1,000 people could take part in the Friday prayer, which will be preceded by a Koran recital.

Leaders and officials from several Muslim-majority countries were invited, including Qatar and Azerbaijan, Turkish media reported.

Nearly 20,000 security forces will be in the area to ensure the first prayer takes place without incident.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan visited Istanbul's Hagia Sophia on Thursday (July 23) to inspect the final preparations for Muslim Friday prayers in the historic building on July 24.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan visited Istanbul's Hagia Sophia on Thursday (July 23) to inspect the final preparations for Muslim Friday prayers in the historic building on July 24. He will take part in Friday's prayers at Hagia Sophia which are the first since the Istanbul landmark was reconverted to a mosque despite international condemnation. Hagia Sophia served as a Christian Byzantine cathedral for 900 years before it was seized by Ottoman conquerors and converted to a mosque. Muslims prayed there until 1934 when it became a museum. Also see: All you want to know about Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia's history A top Turkish court revoked the sixth-century monument's status as a museum on July 10 and Erdogan then ordered the building to reopen for Muslim worship, deeply angering the Christian community and further straining relations with NATO ally Greece. The decision unleashed a torrent of criticism from church leaders, who said the conversion to exclusively Muslim worship risked deepening religious divisions. Turkey says the site will remain open for visitors and its Christian artworks protected. Christian frescoes and the glittering mosaics adorning the cavernous dome and central hall will be concealed by curtains during Muslim prayer times, but remain on display for the rest of the time. The head of Turkey's religious affairs directorate, Ali Erbas, said on Wednesday that up to 1,000 people could take part in the Friday prayer, which will be preceded by a Koran recital. Leaders and officials from several Muslim-majority countries were invited, including Qatar and Azerbaijan, Turkish media reported. Nearly 20,000 security forces will be in the area to ensure the first prayer takes place without incident.

Erdogan visits Hagia Sophia on eve of first Friday prayers after conversion from museum

The UN's cultural agency UNESCO warned Turkey on Friday against converting the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia museum in Istanbul into a mosque, urging dialogue before any decision is taken.

The Hagia Sophia, which was first a cathedral then a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul, is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of an area designated as "Historic Areas of Istanbul."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/istanbuls-iconic-hagia-sophias-fate-hangs-in-balance-309863">Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia's fate hangs in balance</a>

Turkey's top administrative court is likely to announce on Friday that the 1934 conversion of the&nbsp;Hagia&nbsp;Sophia&nbsp;to a museum was unlawful, two Turkish officials said, paving the way for its restoration as a mosque.

UNESCO said that the&nbsp;Hagia&nbsp;Sophia&nbsp;was on its list of World Heritage Sites as a museum, and as such had certain commitments and legal obligations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogans-bid-to-turn-hagia-sophia-museum-into-a-mosque-sparks-political-row-311431">Erdogan's bid to turn Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque sparks political row</a>

"Thus, a state must make sure that no modification undermines the outstanding universal value of a site listed on its territory," UNESCO said.

"Any modification must be notified beforehand by the state to UNESCO and be reviewed if need be by the World Heritage Committee," it added.

UNESCO said it had expressed its concerns to Turkish authorities in several letters and conveyed the message to Turkey's ambassador to the institution on Thursday.

"We urge Turkish authorities to start a dialog before any decision is taken that could undermine the universal value of the site," UNESCO said.

Hagia Sophia was first constructed as a cathedral in the Christian Byzantine Empire but was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

Turning it into a museum was a key reform of the post-Ottoman authorities under the modern republic's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

But calls for it to serve again as a mosque have sparked anger among Christians and tensions between the historic foes and uneasy NATO allies Turkey and Greece.

The World Heritage site was at the centre of both the Christian Byzantine and Muslim Ottoman empires and is today one of Turkey's most visited monuments.

The prospect of a change in the museum's status back to a mosque has raised alarm among US, French, Russian and Greek officials, as well as Christian church leaders.

The UN's cultural agency UNESCO warned Turkey on Friday against converting the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia museum in Istanbul into a mosque, urging dialogue before any decision is taken.

The UN's cultural agency UNESCO warned Turkey on Friday against converting the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia museum in Istanbul into a mosque, urging dialogue before any decision is taken. The Hagia Sophia, which was first a cathedral then a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul, is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of an area designated as "Historic Areas of Istanbul." Also see: Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia's fate hangs in balance Turkey's top administrative court is likely to announce on Friday that the 1934 conversion of the Hagia Sophia to a museum was unlawful, two Turkish officials said, paving the way for its restoration as a mosque. UNESCO said that the Hagia Sophia was on its list of World Heritage Sites as a museum, and as such had certain commitments and legal obligations. Also read: Erdogan's bid to turn Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque sparks political row "Thus, a state must make sure that no modification undermines the outstanding universal value of a site listed on its territory," UNESCO said. "Any modification must be notified beforehand by the state to UNESCO and be reviewed if need be by the World Heritage Committee," it added. UNESCO said it had expressed its concerns to Turkish authorities in several letters and conveyed the message to Turkey's ambassador to the institution on Thursday. "We urge Turkish authorities to start a dialog before any decision is taken that could undermine the universal value of the site," UNESCO said. Hagia Sophia was first constructed as a cathedral in the Christian Byzantine Empire but was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Turning it into a museum was a key reform of the post-Ottoman authorities under the modern republic's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. But calls for it to serve again as a mosque have sparked anger among Christians and tensions between the historic foes and uneasy NATO allies Turkey and Greece. The World Heritage site was at the centre of both the Christian Byzantine and Muslim Ottoman empires and is today one of Turkey's most visited monuments. The prospect of a change in the museum's status back to a mosque has raised alarm among US, French, Russian and Greek officials, as well as Christian church leaders.

UNESCO warns Turkey against Hagia Sophia mosque conversion

A Turkish court is likely to announce on Friday that the 1934 conversion of Istanbul's Hagia Sophia into a museum was unlawful, two Turkish officials said, paving the way for its restoration as a mosque despite international concerns.

Turkish court likely to announce verdict on Hagia Sophia

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to turn the iconic Hagia Sophia into a mosque again. Russia says this move would be unacceptable. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why this move has triggered a major controversy.

Gravitas: Politics over Istanbul's Hagia Sophia

Russian officials and the Orthodox church on July 06 urged caution over calls in Turkey to alter the status of Hagia Sophia. Watch report.

Your Story: Russia, US warm Turkey over the conversion of Hagia Sophia

The Turkish government is all set to change the religion-neutral status of a century-old structure and a UNESCO world heritage site Hagia Sophia. Watch report.

UNESCO world heritage site Hagia Sophia to be turned into a Mosque

Ugandan wildlife authorities have detained four men in connection with the killing of a 25-year-old male gorilla, the leader of a gorilla group and hugely popular with tourists.

The Silverback gorilla, named Rafiki, was killed in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after going missing on June 1. His body was found the next day.

The park, a UNESCO world heritage site near Uganda's border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a 320-sq-km patch of dense tropical forest that is home to primates, elephants, antelopes and other wildlife.

Tourists are however mostly drawn to the park by its estimated 400 mountain gorillas - roughly half the world’s population.

In a statement, the state-run Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said the four men were detained for their role in the death of Rafiki.

The arrests followed UWA's investigation of Rafiki's death "after a postmortem report revealed that the Silverback sustained an injury by a sharp device/object that penetrated its left upper part of the abdomen up to the internal organs".

One of the detained men had been found in possession of wild hog meat, rope and wire snares and spears, the statement said.

The man "confessed to killing the gorilla in self-defence," the statement said, adding he said it charged at him while he and a colleague were hunting.

Rafiki was head of a 17-member gorilla group called Nkuringo.

Poaching is rampant in Uganda's game parks and police frequently announce seizures of illicitly acquired wildlife products such as ivory, rhino horns, pangolin scales and others. 
&nbsp;

Ugandan wildlife authorities have detained four men in connection with the killing of a 25-year-old male gorilla, the leader of a gorilla group and hugely popular with tourists.

Ugandan wildlife authorities have detained four men in connection with the killing of a 25-year-old male gorilla, the leader of a gorilla group and hugely popular with tourists. The Silverback gorilla, named Rafiki, was killed in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after going missing on June 1. His body was found the next day. The park, a UNESCO world heritage site near Uganda's border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a 320-sq-km patch of dense tropical forest that is home to primates, elephants, antelopes and other wildlife. Tourists are however mostly drawn to the park by its estimated 400 mountain gorillas - roughly half the world’s population. In a statement, the state-run Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said the four men were detained for their role in the death of Rafiki. The arrests followed UWA's investigation of Rafiki's death "after a postmortem report revealed that the Silverback sustained an injury by a sharp device/object that penetrated its left upper part of the abdomen up to the internal organs". One of the detained men had been found in possession of wild hog meat, rope and wire snares and spears, the statement said. The man "confessed to killing the gorilla in self-defence," the statement said, adding he said it charged at him while he and a colleague were hunting. Rafiki was head of a 17-member gorilla group called Nkuringo. Poaching is rampant in Uganda's game parks and police frequently announce seizures of illicitly acquired wildlife products such as ivory, rhino horns, pangolin scales and others.

Popular 25-year-old Ugandan gorilla killed at UNESCO park

April 23 in history: Causes of AIDS discovered, first video uploaded on YouTube

To step into the historic Sunder Nursery in Delhi at this time of the year is to be greeted by the summer breeze, sounds of birds -- especially peacocks, and a lot of greenery. It took the Delhites a decade to have a detailed know of this legendary park situated at the heart of city; but it was worth the wait.

A 16th-century heritage park complex adjacent to the Humayun's Tomb, the Sunder Nursery was opened for the general public after a decade of restoration work by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture almost two years ago. The UNESCO, however, had declared the Nursery a world heritage site in 2016 -- even before it could be fully renovated.

Since February 2018, a lot of factors in and around this area have shown remarkable improvement.

The newly restored portions are pristine. The water table has shown a significant rise owing to rainwater harvesting and water conservation efforts. All the rainwater that gets collected is either taken to the lake or to the ampitheatre -- which alone can collect up to 6-7 lakh litres of water after a rainfall.

The water collected at the amphitheatre trickles down to the well. The well-maintained levels of underground water have also given rise to a lot of flora in the nursery.

Currently, the main zone of the nursery features 15 historical monuments -- in Central Asian style -- including the seven wells. It is also housed by about 300 tree species -- as Delhi’s first arboretum -- and is visited by about 80 bird species.
<img alt="Sunder Nursery in Delhi (Source: The Aga Khan Trust)" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3df56fa2-7848-4486-8552-ca194a46db05" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/sunder%20nursery.JPG" />
(Source: The Aga Khan Trust for Culture)

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture had signed a memorandum to redevelop Sunder Nursery in collaboration with Delhi's Central Public Works Department, the Archaeological Survey of India and the South Delhi Municipal Corporation in 2007. After a decade of work and patience, the 90-acre Sunder Nursery is now dotted with historical monuments, two amphitheatres, 280 tree species, 36 butterfly species, and a bonsai enclosure among other features.

Flanked on one side by the magnificent Humayun’s Tomb, and the Purana Qila on the other, the nursery could not have existed at all. There was a proposal to build a road right through Sunder Nursery to connect NH 24 to Lodhi Road to facilitate better access to the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium -- in view of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. It was later dropped due to protests by environmentalists.

Sunder Nursery has also been picked out by the TIME Magazine as one of World's Best Places.

But -- fortunately or unfortunately -- most visitors and tourists do not even know a place like this even exists. Fortunately, because it is still left untouched by land pollution. And unfortunately, because a UNESCO World Heritage Site needs to be visited more, and marketed even more.

Nevertheless, the touristy space serves as a great weekend getaway. And the best part is it doesn't even burn a hole in your pocket.

To step into the historic Sunder Nursery in Delhi at this time of the year is to be greeted by the summer breeze, sounds of birds -- especially peacocks, and a lot of greenery.

To step into the historic Sunder Nursery in Delhi at this time of the year is to be greeted by the summer breeze, sounds of birds -- especially peacocks, and a lot of greenery. It took the Delhites a decade to have a detailed know of this legendary park situated at the heart of city; but it was worth the wait. A 16th-century heritage park complex adjacent to the Humayun's Tomb, the Sunder Nursery was opened for the general public after a decade of restoration work by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture almost two years ago. The UNESCO, however, had declared the Nursery a world heritage site in 2016 -- even before it could be fully renovated. Since February 2018, a lot of factors in and around this area have shown remarkable improvement. The newly restored portions are pristine. The water table has shown a significant rise owing to rainwater harvesting and water conservation efforts. All the rainwater that gets collected is either taken to the lake or to the ampitheatre -- which alone can collect up to 6-7 lakh litres of water after a rainfall. The water collected at the amphitheatre trickles down to the well. The well-maintained levels of underground water have also given rise to a lot of flora in the nursery. Currently, the main zone of the nursery features 15 historical monuments -- in Central Asian style -- including the seven wells. It is also housed by about 300 tree species -- as Delhi’s first arboretum -- and is visited by about 80 bird species. (Source: The Aga Khan Trust for Culture) The Aga Khan Trust for Culture had signed a memorandum to redevelop Sunder Nursery in collaboration with Delhi's Central Public Works Department, the Archaeological Survey of India and the South Delhi Municipal Corporation in 2007. After a decade of work and patience, the 90-acre Sunder Nursery is now dotted with historical monuments, two amphitheatres, 280 tree species, 36 butterfly species, and a bonsai enclosure among other features. Flanked on one side by the magnificent Humayun’s Tomb, and the Purana Qila on the other, the nursery could not have existed at all. There was a proposal to build a road right through Sunder Nursery to connect NH 24 to Lodhi Road to facilitate better access to the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium -- in view of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. It was later dropped due to protests by environmentalists. Sunder Nursery has also been picked out by the TIME Magazine as one of World's Best Places. But -- fortunately or unfortunately -- most visitors and tourists do not even know a place like this even exists. Fortunately, because it is still left untouched by land pollution. And unfortunately, because a UNESCO World Heritage Site needs to be visited more, and marketed even more. Nevertheless, the touristy space serves as a great weekend getaway. And the best part is it doesn't even burn a hole in your pocket.

A walk through one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites: Delhi's Sunder Nursery

Almost 300 million students worldwide faced weeks at home on Thursday with Italy the latest country to shut schools over the deadly new coronavirus, as the IMF urged an all-out, global offensive against the epidemic.

More than 95,000 people have been infected and over 3,200 have died worldwide from the virus, which has now reached some 80 countries and territories.

The vast majority of global deaths and infections are in China, where the virus first emerged late last year, prompting the country to quarantine entire cities, temporarily shut factories and close schools indefinitely.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/james-bond-film-no-time-to-die-postponed-until-november-due-to-coronavirus-284350">James Bond film 'No Time To Die' postponed until November due to coronavirus</a>

As the virus spread, other countries have also implemented extraordinary measures, with UNESCO saying Wednesday that 13 countries have closed schools, affecting 290.5 million children, while nine others have implemented localised closures.

While temporary school closures during crises are not new, UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said, "the global scale and speed of the current educational disruption is unparalleled and, if prolonged, could threaten the right to education."

Italy on Wednesday ordered schools and universities shuttered until March 15, ramping up its response as the national death toll rose to 107, the deadliest outbreak outside China.

South Korea -- the country with the largest number of cases outside China with nearly 6,000 -- has postponed the start of the current term until March 23.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-confirms-mortality-rate-due-to-coronavirus-at-34-higher-than-previous-estimate-284263">WHO confirms mortality rate due to coronavirus at 3.4%, higher than previous estimate</a>

In Japan, nearly all schools are closed after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for classes to be cancelled through March and spring break, slated for late March through early April.

Some 120 schools closed in France this week in areas with the largest numbers of infections.

Economic threat

The German health minister said the outbreak was now a "global pandemic" -- a term the World Health Organization has stopped short of using, meaning the virus is spreading in several regions through local transmission.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-growth-to-fall-below-last-years-level-due-to-coronavirus-imf-284325">Also read: Global growth to fall below last year's level due to coronavirus, says IMF</a>

Infections are now rising faster abroad than they are in China, where 31 more deaths and 139 new cases were reported Thursday. China's death toll now stands at 3,012, with over 80,000 infections.

From western Europe to eastern Asia, supermarket shelves have been stripped of supplies in recent weeks, including toilet paper and hand sanitiser.&nbsp;

American businesses are increasingly concerned over access to goods and the overall economic outlook is more uncertain, the US Federal Reserve said in its beige book survey released on Wednesday.

With the US toll rising to 11 on Wednesday, lawmakers in Congress reached a deal to provide more than $8 billion to fight the outbreak.

The virus impact has spread beyond supply chains -- stock markets have rumbled as warnings from financial bodies mount that countries could be pushed into recession.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-in-india-live-updates-one-intel-employee-potentially-exposed-to-coronavirus-under-quarantine-284099">Coronavirus live updates: One Intel employee potentially exposed to coronavirus, under quarantine</a>

The IMF said the epidemic posed a "serious threat" and would slow global growth to below last year's 2.9 per cent.

"At a time of uncertainty... it is better to do more than to do not enough," IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said.&nbsp;

The epidemic "is a global problem calling for global response," she said.

Eurozone ministers agreed after a meeting that they were ready to "use all appropriate policy tools to achieve strong, sustainable growth".

No kissing

As the virus continues its march across the world, governments are scrambling to tighten prevention efforts.

Italy has seen its outbreak swell despite tough measures, including quarantine of 11 towns with 50,000 people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/15-italian-tourists-test-positive-for-coronavirus-total-number-rises-to-28-in-india-284131">15 Italian tourists test positive for coronavirus; total number rises to 28 in India</a>

New measures include a month-long nationwide ban on fan attendance at sports events, as well as advising people to avoid greetings like kissing on the cheek or shaking hands.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conti said the country could tackle the outbreak as long as it remained contained.&nbsp;

"But in case of exponential growth, not just Italy but any other country in the world would not be able to manage the situation," he said.&nbsp;

In Iran, where 92 people have died from the disease, schools have been shut and major cultural and sporting events suspended.

Saudi Arabia has suspended the year-round "umrah" pilgrimage, an unprecedented move that raises fresh uncertainty over the annual hajj.

Countries also continue to crack down on international travel.

Israel extended its mandatory quarantine measures -- already in place for travellers from Italy and some Asian countries -- to cover people from France, Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland.

Even cinemagoers were not immune from the effects of the virus -- the producers of the latest James Bond film pushed back the release of the forthcoming "No Time To Die" from April to November.

Almost 300 million students worldwide faced weeks at home on Thursday with Italy the latest country to shut schools over the deadly new coronavirus, as the IMF urged an all-out, global offensive against the epidemic.

Almost 300 million students worldwide faced weeks at home on Thursday with Italy the latest country to shut schools over the deadly new coronavirus, as the IMF urged an all-out, global offensive against the epidemic. More than 95,000 people have been infected and over 3,200 have died worldwide from the virus, which has now reached some 80 countries and territories. The vast majority of global deaths and infections are in China, where the virus first emerged late last year, prompting the country to quarantine entire cities, temporarily shut factories and close schools indefinitely. Also read: James Bond film 'No Time To Die' postponed until November due to coronavirus As the virus spread, other countries have also implemented extraordinary measures, with UNESCO saying Wednesday that 13 countries have closed schools, affecting 290.5 million children, while nine others have implemented localised closures. While temporary school closures during crises are not new, UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said, "the global scale and speed of the current educational disruption is unparalleled and, if prolonged, could threaten the right to education." Italy on Wednesday ordered schools and universities shuttered until March 15, ramping up its response as the national death toll rose to 107, the deadliest outbreak outside China. South Korea -- the country with the largest number of cases outside China with nearly 6,000 -- has postponed the start of the current term until March 23. Also read: WHO confirms mortality rate due to coronavirus at 3.4%, higher than previous estimate In Japan, nearly all schools are closed after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for classes to be cancelled through March and spring break, slated for late March through early April. Some 120 schools closed in France this week in areas with the largest numbers of infections. Economic threat The German health minister said the outbreak was now a "global pandemic" -- a term the World Health Organization has stopped short of using, meaning the virus is spreading in several regions through local transmission. Also read: Global growth to fall below last year's level due to coronavirus, says IMF Infections are now rising faster abroad than they are in China, where 31 more deaths and 139 new cases were reported Thursday. China's death toll now stands at 3,012, with over 80,000 infections. From western Europe to eastern Asia, supermarket shelves have been stripped of supplies in recent weeks, including toilet paper and hand sanitiser. American businesses are increasingly concerned over access to goods and the overall economic outlook is more uncertain, the US Federal Reserve said in its beige book survey released on Wednesday. With the US toll rising to 11 on Wednesday, lawmakers in Congress reached a deal to provide more than $8 billion to fight the outbreak. The virus impact has spread beyond supply chains -- stock markets have rumbled as warnings from financial bodies mount that countries could be pushed into recession. Also read: Coronavirus live updates: One Intel employee potentially exposed to coronavirus, under quarantine The IMF said the epidemic posed a "serious threat" and would slow global growth to below last year's 2.9 per cent. "At a time of uncertainty... it is better to do more than to do not enough," IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said. The epidemic "is a global problem calling for global response," she said. Eurozone ministers agreed after a meeting that they were ready to "use all appropriate policy tools to achieve strong, sustainable growth". No kissing As the virus continues its march across the world, governments are scrambling to tighten prevention efforts. Italy has seen its outbreak swell despite tough measures, including quarantine of 11 towns with 50,000 people. Also read: 15 Italian tourists test positive for coronavirus; total number rises to 28 in India New measures include a month-long nationwide ban on fan attendance at sports events, as well as advising people to avoid greetings like kissing on the cheek or shaking hands. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conti said the country could tackle the outbreak as long as it remained contained. "But in case of exponential growth, not just Italy but any other country in the world would not be able to manage the situation," he said. In Iran, where 92 people have died from the disease, schools have been shut and major cultural and sporting events suspended. Saudi Arabia has suspended the year-round "umrah" pilgrimage, an unprecedented move that raises fresh uncertainty over the annual hajj. Countries also continue to crack down on international travel. Israel extended its mandatory quarantine measures -- already in place for travellers from Italy and some Asian countries -- to cover people from France, Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland. Even cinemagoers were not immune from the effects of the virus -- the producers of the latest James Bond film pushed back the release of the forthcoming "No Time To Die" from April to November.

290 million students out of school as global virus battle intensifies

Jaipur was formally accorded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbais-victorian-gothic-art-deco-buildings-get-unesco-world-heritage-tag-148123">World Heritage</a> City status on Wednesday by UNESCO.

UNESCO Director-General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/audrey-azoulay-confirmed-to-head-unesco-23935">Audrey Azoulay</a> presented the World <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unesco-declares-ahmedabad-mandu-best-heritage-city-168086">Heritage Certificate</a> for the walled city of Jaipur, to state's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) minister Shanti Dhariwal.

Speaking at the event, Azoulay said, "It is truly an honour and privilege to be here in Jaipur. I came here from our headquarters in Paris with a message to bring to the people of Jaipur the recognition of the international community for their outstanding efforts to preserve and to capitalize on cultural heritage."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unesco-names-jaipur-city-world-heritage-site-233594\">UNESCO names Jaipur city world heritage site</a>

"UNESCO is very proud to have since last summer the walled city of Jaipur inscribed on our world heritage list. Of course, Jaipur is an iconic city because of its architecture, forts and palaces. It is in everybody's imagination," she added.

Jaipur was formally accorded World Heritage City status on Wednesday by UNESCO. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay presented the World Heritage Certificate for the walled city of Jaipur, to state's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) minister Shanti Dhariwal.

Jaipur was formally accorded World Heritage City status on Wednesday by UNESCO. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay presented the World Heritage Certificate for the walled city of Jaipur, to state's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) minister Shanti Dhariwal. Speaking at the event, Azoulay said, "It is truly an honour and privilege to be here in Jaipur. I came here from our headquarters in Paris with a message to bring to the people of Jaipur the recognition of the international community for their outstanding efforts to preserve and to capitalize on cultural heritage." Also Read: UNESCO names Jaipur city world heritage site "UNESCO is very proud to have since last summer the walled city of Jaipur inscribed on our world heritage list. Of course, Jaipur is an iconic city because of its architecture, forts and palaces. It is in everybody's imagination," she added.

Walled city of Jaipur formally accorded World Heritage City status by UNESCO

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