13 November. The President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, has expressed his best wishes to ICCROM on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Accord between Italy and UNESCO regarding the establishment of ICCROM in Rome.

'I am delighted to extend my greetings to the organizers of today’s ceremony and to the delegates of the Member States of ICCROM, who are gathered in assembly concurrently with celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Accord between Italy and UNESCO which enabled ICCROM to establish its headquarters in Italy.

I would like to express my appreciation for ICCROM’s programmes and activities in the field of the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage through its great commitment to training experts.

Italy, which occupies first place in the world for the number of sites inscribed in the World Heritage List, is honoured to host an organization that plays an essential role in the safeguard and recovery of cultural and artistic traditions in various regions throughout the world.'

Giorgio Napolitano

updated on: 14 November, 2007