On 16 December, ICCROM was invited to participate in the latest edition of Farnesina Porte Aperte, an initiative in which the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) opens its doors to the general public. This recent event was dedicated to celebrating the 60th anniversary of Italy’s accession to the United Nations. Organized by the Unit of Analysis, Planning and Historical Diplomatic Documentation of the Ministry, the programme was divided into thematic sessions. ICCROM was called upon to contribute to a session dedicated to cultural cooperation.
Italy’s entry into the United Nations coincides with the period in which countries came together to create what is now ICCROM, and established its headquarters in Rome.
The need to create an international centre for restoration was strongly supported by the international community following the devastation of World War II, when the destruction of monuments led to the recognition of the value of cultural and social identity associated with places. The evolution of this awareness culminated with Resolution 4.53 of the 9th General Conference of UNESCO, held in New Delhi in December 1956, and the creation of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, which would later be referred to as ICCROM. The same resolution authorized the Director-General of UNESCO to conclude the agreement to establish the headquarters in Italy.
At the same time, Italy was admitted to the United Nations in 1955 after a “winding journey” that lasted for a decade. “Italy has never spared efforts to achieve the goals of the UN, in the conviction that multilateralism is the only path to a stable and peaceful international community,” said Mr Mario Giro, Undersecretary of MAECI.
“Without the United Nations we would not have a world that is as safe and stable as it is, nor would we have peace”, continued Giro. “For this reason, Italy is very committed to the United Nations, starting with its active participation in peacekeeping missions and with hosting a number of UN organizations and intergovernmental institutions, a commitment of the Italian Government even in times of financial constraints.”
This commitment has always considered culture to be a priority, particularly in more recent times as culture increasingly becomes a target of destruction, and as multiethnic and multi-religious characteristics of societies come under severe threat. In line with its history and experience, Italy is a staunch believer in preserving inclusiveness and diversity. This approach culminated recently with a proposal on ‘Protecting Cultural Heritage – An Imperative for Humanity’ presented to the UN by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Italy and Jordan, with the participation of representatives from UNESCO, Interpol and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as well as ministers from various Member States. As an international leader in heritage preservation, ICCROM fully supports the initiative.
(article by Maria Teresa Jaquinta)