14 April. On 28 March, the Director-General, was invited to the International Encounters of Monaco and the Mediterranean.

The event, which focused on fair and sustainable management of fresh water in the Mediterranean history and traditions, solutions and prospects, took place under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. H.E. Ambassador Mrs Aziza Bennani, UNESCO Permanent Delegate of Morocco
and Mrs Elisabeth Breaud, President of the Principality of Monaco 'Connaissance des Arts' Society were also present. The Director-General gave the inaugural speech.

30 March. On 22 March, the Director-General, was invited by Bahrain’s Minister of Culture H.E. Shaika Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa, to give a speech on 'Cultural Heritage and Management: Challenges and Realities' and  to present the ATHAR programme.

24 March. From 19 - 21 March, the Director-General, was invited by the H.E. Mrs Eleonar Huseynova, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to UNESCO, to participate to two events: the International Symposium on Intangible Cultural Heritage and the launch of the Nawruz Festival. 

He was received as a special guest of the President of the Republic, H.E. Mr Ilham Heydar ogly Aliyev and also met Mr Abulfas Garayev, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan; and Prof Van Zaten, Netherlands.

The Director General also visited the Walled City of Baku, Shirvanshah’s Palace and the Maiden Tower a World Heritage site; Atashgyakh (Fire worshippers Temple). The event was reported on the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan website.

30 March. From 15 - 18 March, the Director General carried out a mission to Aleppo and Damascus, Syria.

At the invitation of the Mayor of Aleppo, Dr Maan Chibli, the Director-General, participated in a one-day technical meeting to discuss conservation issues of the Western Wall of the City of Aleppo and the rehabilitation of the the World Heritage Site of the Citadel of Aleppo.

Present also were: Dr Riyad Nassan Agha, Minister of Culture of Syria; Dr Ali Al-Kayem, Deputy Minister of Culture of Syria; the Syrian Director-General of Antiquities; the Director-General of the Aga Khan Foundation; Mr Amar Ghazal, architect in charge of the Citadel Project; the Head of the Department of Architecture, Damascus University; the Director of the Institut français pour le proche Orient; Dr Thomas J. Pritzkat, GTZ (German Technical Cooperation) and representatives of the Old City of Aleppo Office.

In Damascus, the Director-General met Dr Riyad Nassan Agha, Minister of Culture of Syria; Dr Ali Al-Kayem, Deputy Minister of Culture of Syria; Mr Giancarlo Barbato, representative of the Cooperazione allo Sviluppo of the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also met the Director Genral of Antiquities; Ms Aicha Ben Abed, Mr Kesly Ghias, Director of Conservation and Architect Yasser Al Jabi.

30 March. On 14 March, the Director-General, participated in the inauguration of the training centre at Villa Zafferana, Etnea, Sicily. Also present were: Mr Ray Bondin, Member of ICCROM Council; and Mr Francesco La Rocca, Coordinator of the Masters Programme and President of
Etnos. The Director-General also gave a speech at the presentation of the book 'Del Patrimonio Culturale'.

24 March. On 12 March, the Director-General, gave a lecture at the conference on 'Cultural Diversity and Intangible Heritage' organized by the Fondazione Europea Dragan.