The second preparatory meeting for the 10th World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities was held from May 2 to 6, 2008, in Quito, Ecuador. During the four-day visit, the Interim Secretary General of the OWHC, Mrs. Lee Minaidis, the Permanent Secretary General currently assuming a temporary mandate as Director General of the Sommet de la Francophonie 2008, Mr. Denis Ricard, and representatives of the Getty Conservation Institute, Ms. Francoise DesCamps and Mr. Jeff Cody, met with the Organizing Committee of the 10th World Congress of the OWHC, headed by Arq. Carlos Pallares, director of FONSAL.

The objectives of the visit were:

• To review the program of the congress and related activities: thematic presentations, the mayors’ workshop, the journalists’ workshop, the students’ program and the poster session.
• To discuss the specific topics to be addressed under the general theme of "Revitalization of Historical centers: How to involve all social actors?"
• To discuss and review the corporate image of the Congress: webpage, pamphlet, first announcement, promotional materials, etc.
• To discuss the pre- and post-Conference tours as well as the accompanying person’s program.

The meetings were very productive, the Organizing Committee having demonstrated its competence to organize a successful Congress, which promises to be a memorable event. Congratulations and thanks to Quito!