Launch of a Day of Solidarity with Mali  - On Monday, 18 February 2013, the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, opened the first international meeting of experts to safeguard the cultural heritage of Mali, just two weeks after her mission to Mali. Organized within the framework of the Day of Solidarity with Mali, and seeking to coordinate the efforts of the international community and all partners, the meeting was held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, in the presence of Ms. Aurélie Filippetti, Minister of Culture and Communication of France, and Mr. Bruno Maiga, Minister of Culture of Mali.

In her opening remarks, the Director-General stated that "we have gathered to transform indignation into action – Mali’s heritage is much more than an inscription on UNESCO’s list, it is the legacy of an ancient culture, a testimony of dialogue between cultures, and it is our duty to do everything possible to protect it”. (Read more)