UNESCO Director Receives Havana´s Historian Eusebio Leal

According to a statement released today, during the friendly meeting, culture and heritage were the center of several issues discussed, a context in which Leal explained the big effort to restore the historic center of Havana, declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1982.

Eusebio Leal thanked UNESCO for its ‘moral and civic support’ to Cuba’s efforts to protect and preserve its national heritage.

In this regard, he mentioned some projects such as the restoration of the Palacio de Segundo Cabo as well as the construction of the Adolescent Center, described as ‘an art, film, radio and television factory’, which feeds the spirit and culture of young people.

Among new projects, he highlighted the restoration of Santa Clara monastery, a paramount site for the training of young restorers, he said.

Havana´s 500th anniversary was the leading topic of the meeting, a celebration UNESCO has included as part of the anniversary programs in the two-year period.

On the other hand, Audrey Azoulay reiterated her gratitude and reaffirmed she will visit Havana before the end of the year, she stated.

She also ‘appreciates and recognizes’ Leal and Cuba for their commitment and work, as well as for their ‘cooperation and reciprocal trust’ with UNESCO. (Taken from Prensa Latina)