PARIS, November 30, 2011 (WAFA) – Irina Bokova, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), marked the organization’s “support to the Palestinian people in their quest for a more peaceful future,” said a statement published by UNESCO on Wednesday.
UNESCO marked on Tuesday the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at its Paris headquarters.
In her address on this occasion, Bokova stressed that UNESCO has been long engaged with the Palestinian people to strengthen the process of state-building and to till the ground for a more tolerant, prosperous and sustainable future for all.
“The decision taken by UNESCO Member States during the 36th Session of the General Conference to admit Palestine to the Organization strengthens UNESCO’s resolve to deepen international cooperation in all of our areas of competence,” said Bokova.
She stressed that quality education, support to culture, promotion of freedom of expression are essential conditions for a better future for all peoples in the region.
“UNESCO has a clear position. Lasting peace can only be built on equal respect for the human rights and the dignity of every woman and man. This is the foundation for solidarity within societies and between them. This is also the basis for promoting dialogue and fostering mutual understanding,” Bokova said.
Bokova pointed at UNESCO’s work to build a high-quality educational system, to help sustain the Palestinian identity and develop the culture sector as a social and economic outlet, to promote independent and pluralistic media, to strengthen freedom of expression, and to ensure access to information.
“Peace must be built in classrooms, through respect for cultural diversity, and on the basis of inclusive and professional media. It must be taken forward by tolerant schoolchildren, better equipped teachers and independent journalists. These are the foundations for solidarity and sustainable peace,” she concluded.
UNESCO commemorated the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People by holding a musical evening performed by Anouar Brahem and two “Arts, not Arms” exhibitions, which present part of the collection of works donated by internationally acclaimed artists to the future Palestinian national museum.
R.Q./M.S.
