Dr Ray Bondin was elected one of the three vice-presidents of the International Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage (Iccrom) that was held in Rome by the representatives of around eight countries that were represented at the General Assembly, held at FAO, of Iccrom, an organisation set up by Unesco to organise training courses in heritage.

He has been a member of the Iccrom Council for the past eight years, the limited time possible for a consecutive membership of the Council. During his time in the Council Dr Bondin had a very active role. Iccrom has just concluded its 50th year anniversary activity. Its 26-member Council, made of experts from the 130 countries that are members of the organisation, sets the policy and budget of the organisation.

The president and three vice-presidents of the General Assembly represent the four corners of the world: Dr Bondin represented the European area.

In the GA he also presented a progress report on the new headquarters of the organisation. Italy is duty bound to offer headquarters for the organisation in Rome in agreement with Unesco. At the moment Italy is preparing a new headquarters in an ex Franciscan convent which is being restored. Dr Bondin was requested by the Iccrom Council, during the past four years, to coordinate the works with the Italian authorities and he therefore presented the report to the GA. Dr Bondin also presented the vote of thanks to the Italian government for supporting the project with further financing.

During his eight-year activity at the organisation Dr Bondin was also entrusted with other responsibilities and international missions. In its last meeting the Council made a special vote of thanks to Dr Bondin for his work in relation to the new headquarters and was also repeatedly thanked by the Director General of the organisation.

Dr Bondin, who is manager of the EU and International Programme Office at Heritage Malta, represented the Government of Malta.