Meet the key bureaucrats leading Delhi’s UNESCO delegation preparations

Delhi is preparing to host the UNESCO delegation on December 2, 2025, with senior officers coordinating efforts across multiple departments. The review meeting in the City SP Zone was led by Smt. Lily Pandeya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, who is guiding interdepartmental planning and cultural readiness.

Ashwani Kumar, IAS, Commissioner, MCD, is steering the city’s on-ground preparedness, focusing on heritage upkeep, cleanliness drives, and civic enhancements. He is supported by Deputy Commissioners of the City SP Zone and technical experts including Engineers-in-Chief KP Singh, PC Meena, and Dilip Ramnani, who are overseeing infrastructure upgrades.

The MCD’s Heritage Cell, led by specialists like Executive Engineer Sanjeev Kumar Singh, is contributing technical expertise on conservation measures to align with UNESCO standards.

At the national level, Vivek Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, is overseeing India’s broader cultural diplomacy strategy. India’s representation at UNESCO, chaired by H.E. Vishal V. Sharma, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate, ensures smooth international coordination.

Together, these leaders are working to present Delhi’s cultural heritage and civic excellence on a global stage.