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From 6 to 8 December, UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, will undertake a visit to Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the State Hermitage Museum where the Director-General will highlight the longstanding support of UNESCO to the State Hermitage and the importance of museums as spaces for dialogue and mutual understanding.

UNESCO is associated with the commemoration of the Hermitage’s anniversary by the resolution of the 37^th session of the General Conference. The event also coincides with the 60^th anniversary Russia’s membership to UNESCO. The celebration is expected to take place in the presence of high level government representatives.

The Hermitage/UNESCO project was launched in 1993 as a flagship and multifaceted joint project. Within the project’s framework, several activities were undertaken in the areas of management, restoration and renovation, conservation and visitor services at the Museum. UNESCO acted as an advisory resource center which provided support for training and also coordinated international co-operation.

The Director-General will take part in the opening of the Saint Petersburg 3^rd International Cultural Forum dedicated to the 250^th anniversary of the State Hermitage Museum, where she will underline the importance of integrating cultural heritage and diversity in the post-2015 development agenda.

While in Saint Petersburg, the Director-General is expected to meet with government officials.