Proposed Nomination Dossier for Tilaurakot in the World Heritage List

Lumbini, September 26, 2023 - The ancient capital city of the Sakya dynasty, Tilaurakot, is on the verge of submitting its proposed nomination dossier to secure a coveted spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The submission is set to take place by September 30th, with the documents being presented to the UNESCO World Heritage Center for evaluation.

The process to potentially include Tilaurakot, located in Kapilavastu, on the World Heritage List has been initiated, with a strong focus on national priorities and collaboration with both government and non-government organizations. A significant meeting was convened on Tuesday in Lumbini, presided over by Dr. Lharkyal Lama (Khenpo Chime), Vice-Chairperson of the Lumbini Development Trust. During this gathering, it was unanimously decided to present the meticulously crafted nomination dossier, prepared by renowned international heritage specialist Dr. Duncan Marshall, for international recognition.

The extensive research and documentation efforts for Tilaurakot's potential listing in the World Heritage List have been ongoing since 2014 under the UNESCO Japanese Funds-in-Trust project. This initiative has been led by a team headed by Professor Robin Coningham from Durham University, UK, aiming to provide substantial evidence and support for Tilaurakot's inclusion.

At the Director's Committee meeting, held in the presence of Dr. Lama, a commitment was made by the Trust to provide unwavering support for the necessary procedural work required for Tilaurakot's potential listing. This decision came after a thorough discussion of the strategic nomination dossiers presented by international heritage expert Dr. Duncan Marshall.

Furthermore, the World Heritage Center's main office, in collaboration with member countries of the World Heritage Convention, including France, is gearing up for promotional and awareness campaigns to advocate for Tilaurakot, Kapilavastu's inclusion in the World Heritage List. It is anticipated that Tilaurakot could emerge as one of the most significant heritage sites, second only to Lumbini.

The 45th World Heritage Committee meeting has already outlined development programs specifically tailored for Tilaurakot. Previously, during the 45th World Heritage Committee meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 10 to 25, a comprehensive promotion, publicity, and development initiative for Tilaurakot, Kapilavastu, was conducted.

A pivotal side meeting during the 45th World Heritage Committee meeting effectively conveyed the message regarding Tilaurakot's potential listing. Senior director Gyanin Rai, who also serves as the coordinator for Tilaurakot's promotion, publicity, and development from Nepal, elaborated on the extensive efforts undertaken by Nepal.

The side meeting, chaired by Bharatmani Subedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Nepal, saw participation from representatives of various countries, including the Deputy Director of UNESCO, Jyoti Hosagrahar, and Himalchuli Gurung, Head of UNESCO Asia-Pacific. Diplomats and high-ranking officials from the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, Australia, Jordan, Malaysia, and other nations were also in attendance. The meeting was instrumental in discussing the potential inclusion of Tilaurakot in the World Heritage List.

In the meeting of the Steering Committee, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Damodar Gautam, Director General of the Department of Archaeology, Saubhagya Pradhanang, Treasurer of the Trust, Siddhicharan Bhattarai, Member Secretary, Sanuraja Shakya, Chief Administrative Officer of Kapilavastu Municipality, Ganesh Prasad Aryal, and Board Member Gopi Krishna Sharma, among others, were present.