On 16 July 2025, ICCROM Director-General Aruna Francesca Gujral welcomed H.E. Esteban Moscoso, Ambassador of Ecuador to Italy, for a strategic meeting at the Organization's headquarters to deepen collaborative efforts in cultural heritage conservation.
The discussions focused on national capacity-building priorities and ICCROM’s potential role in supporting institutional and community-level development across key heritage sectors. A critical area highlighted was the need to shape public policies that strengthen strategic actions in decision making processes.
The goal is to improve collections management and risk preparedness. Ambassador Moscoso emphasized Ecuador's commitment to the creation of a new National Museum – an initiative of presidential priority – and the importance of establishing a strong institutional framework to promote best practices and ensure the conservation of diverse cultural collections. The need for specialized technical assistance was also raised for the restoration and conservation of the La Merced Convent, located in the Historic Centre of Quito, a site of national importance.
In a forward-looking shared vision, the Ambassador and the Director-General expressed their commitment in formalizing the implementation of the identified key areas of work towards long-term development and impact on the ground. The discussion also explored cooperation to advance the safeguarding and promotion of Ecuador's intangible and community-based heritage linked to traditional practices and natural resources.
This meeting marks a renewed chapter in ICCROM–Ecuador relationship, underscoring a shared vision for inclusive, resilient, and well-managed heritage systems which, at the same time, propel policy-making changes and promote socio-economic growth.