Excellencies, Honourable colleague, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, Special Envoy for Syria, Honourable colleague, Mr. Nikolay Mladenov, Special Representative for Iraq, Ladies and Gentlemen,

This conference marks a new stage in our efforts to protect the precious cultural heritage and diversity of Iraq and Syria from the devastating impacts of conflict.

As the people of these countries continue to endure incalculable human suffering and loss, a rich legacy is being destroyed, sold off or suffering irreversible damage.

We are witnessing the deliberate targeting of schools, houses of worship and other cherished sites, as well as the persecution of religious minorities.  These violations only fuel the cycles of sectarian vengeance and violence.

The protection of cultural heritage is a political and security imperative. It should be a central component of peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts, and of humanitarian and development policies.

I thank all those involved in today’s conference for your commitment to this essential work.  The United Nations, including UNESCO, will continue to be your close partner.

Merci, Thank you.