4 March. From 23 - 25 February, the Director-General participated in a UNESCO technical mission to evaluate a proposed new access route at the Mughrabi Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem.

The mission was led by Mr Francesco Bandarin, Director of the World Heritage Centre and also included:

• Mrs Veronique Dauge, Chief of Unit Arab States, World Heritage Center
• Mr Anthony Kramse, Focal Point at the Office of the Director-General of UNESCO for countries in post conflict situations
• Professor Michael Petzet, President, ICOMOS
• Professor Giorgio Croci, Heritage Expert.

Previous mission: 2007

Media coverage: Al Quds, Welfare Association

19 February. On 14 February, invited by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the Director-General attended the inauguration of the photographic exhibition on 'UNESCO Italy - 41 Italian World Heritage Sites as seen by 14 photographers' at the National Central Library, Rome.

14 February. On 13 February, the Director-General, gave a public lecture on  'Tourism, Cultural Diversity and Sustainable Development' at the Luiss University, Rome, as part of the Political and Economic Geography programme.

19 February. On 1 February, the Director-General attended the inauguration of the exhibition on 'Yesterday, today, tomorrow. Traditions in Italy' at the Vittoriano, Rome. The exhibition was organized by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with ENIT (Italian National Tourism Board).