UNESCO and Jerusalem: Constraints, Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The article comprises three sections. The first examines the historic context and dynamic role of UNESCO, as guardians of cultural heritage, in Jerusalem’s divided and contested city. The second examines UNESCO’s scope and specific involvement in Jerusalem’s Old City through the lens of its recently proposed ‘Action Plan’ (2008) and its mediation work concerning the reconstruction of the Mughrabi Gate Ascent. Finally, the third section considers future challenges and possibilities for UNESCO projects within Jerusalem, as well as the wider implications for the World Heritage program. (16) The controversy surrounding the Mughrabi Gate Ascent, similarly highlights UNESCO’s potential as an independent mediator and global guardian of threatened ‘world heritage’, while at the same time exemplifying its continuing impotence when it comes to on the ground enforcement and compliance. (25)