ICCROM is shocked and saddened by the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral, and extends its heartfelt sympathy and solidarity with Parisians, the French people and the Catholic Church at this tragic time. It is a terrible loss for the world.
As part of the World Heritage Site of the Banks of the Seine, this landmark of civilization has outstanding and universal significance. The tragedy in Paris has met with an outpouring of emotion from all around the world, as heads of state and leading organizations declare solidarity with the French people and with emergency and heritage professionals fighting the blaze and preparing for the recovery stage.
Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO in Paris, tweeted: “An immense emotion before the dramatic fire at the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, inscribed as World Heritage since 1991. UNESCO is following the situation closely and stands beside France to safeguard and rehabilitate this priceless heritage.”
Immense émotion devant le dramatique incendie à la cathédrale #NotreDamedeParis, inscrite au #Patrimoine mondial depuis 1991. L’#UNESCO suit de près la situation et se tient aux côtés de la France pour sauvegarder et réhabiliter ce patrimoine inestimable.
— Audrey Azoulay (@AAzoulay) April 15, 2019
António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, also sent a tweet: « Horrified by the pictures coming from Paris with the fire engulfing Notre Dame Cathedral - a unique example of world heritage that has stood tall since the 14th century. My thoughts are with the people and government of France. »
Horrifié par les images de l'incendie qui dévaste la cathédrale Notre-Dame - un joyau unique du patrimoine mondial qui règne sur Paris depuis le 14ème siècle. Mes pensées vont au peuple et au gouvernement français.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 15, 2019
Emmanuel Macron, President of France, has already vowed to rebuild the structure. “We shall rebuild Notre Dame, all together. It’s part of our French destiny. I commit: from tomorrow we shall launch a call for funds, both nationally and well beyond our borders.”
Cette cathédrale Notre-Dame, nous la rebâtirons. Tous ensemble. C’est une part de notre destin français. Je m’y engage : dès demain une souscription nationale sera lancée, et bien au-delà de nos frontières.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 15, 2019
Fire has again seriously damaged an iconic heritage asset. Aware of this major threat to cultural heritage, ICCROM is deeply engaged in sector preparedness for disastrous fire events, and in inculcating a culture of resilience and fire prevention amongst heritage organizations.
ICCROM’s Director-General Dr Webber Ndoro has declared:
“ICCROM is with Paris and the world at this tragic moment. ICCROM stands ready to provide assistance and support through the UNESCO team, and to cooperate with the French government in whatever form needed to assess the damage.”