"UN.IT - UNESCO Italia"

Ambassador Mirachian
Dear Colleagues
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the opening of this special exhibition. First, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Permanent Mission of Italy and to UNESCO for the organization of this event and the presentation of these visually compelling photographs. Having visited Italy, I have appreciated first-hand the historic and cultural significance of the country. It is impressive that out of the 153 countries with sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the most – 47 - are found in Italy. And I am pleased that we are able to showcase them here at the Palais des Nations.

The adoption, in 1972, of the Convention concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage by UNESCO was a turning point for the conservation of heritage around the world. By regarding heritage as both cultural and natural, the Convention serves as reminder of the ways in which people interact with nature, and of the fundamental need to preserve the balance between the two.

This message, timely 40 years ago, is never as fitting as now. With sustainable development a key priority of the United Nations, and with Rio+20 just around the corner, we all have to recognize that human progress should not be achieved at the expense of our natural environment. At the same time, we must also acknowledge that sustainable development for all cannot be achieved by focusing on environmental issues alone. It must be comprehensive and integrate all environmental, social and economic dimensions to truly have a global impact. Recognizing our common heritage - as well as our interdependence with nature and with each other - is an important part of meeting these goals.

Ladies and Gentlemen:
The UNESCO World Heritage List reflects the wealth and diversity of the Earth’s cultural and natural heritage. This afternoon, we have the opportunity to experience the beauty, culture and history found in Italy. While belonging to Italy, at the same time this heritage is of immense value to the world – it belongs to us all. With the continued joint efforts of UNESCO and Italy, I am confident that this heritage will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Thank you very much.