At its 199^th session, the UNESCO Executive Board reviewed a Russia-drafted resolution “On the role of UNESCO in restoring and preserving Palmyra and other Syrian cultural heritage sites” and unanimously adopted a decision. Over 40 UNESCO member-states, including the UN Security Council permanent members, the BRICS countries, Syria and other Arab countries co-authored the resolution.

The Executive Board welcomed the liberation of Syria’s Palmyra from the ISIS militants and praised the efforts of the culture experts who are working under conditions of increased risk. It also urged the Director-General to lead coordinated action with stakeholders and render help to the Syrian Arab Republic by sending a mission of UNESCO international experts to Palmyra to assess the damage and draft a plan of further action to restore the terrorist-destroyed Syrian monuments as soon as the conditions are safe.

UNESCO called on its member-countries to render financial aid for the assessment and restoration.

A group of Russian experts representing the Likhachev Research Institute for Global Cultural and Natural Heritage at the Russian Ministry of Culture is already working in Palmyra. The group conducted a preliminary study of destroyed monuments, using UNESCO methods, and will submit its report to the Secretariat.

The UNESCO decision demonstrates the world community’s political will and resolve to counter the barbarous terrorist actions in Syria and restore its cultural heritage.