SAMARKAND, November 9, 2025 (WAFA) – The 43rd General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, unanimously adopted four significant resolutions concerning Palestine.
The resolutions address the city of Jerusalem, the impact of the current situation in the Gaza Strip on UNESCO-related activities, support for the continuation of UNRWA’s educational programs, and measures regarding educational and cultural institutions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Palestinian delegation to the conference included PLO Executive Committee member and head of the Palestinian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science Ali Abu Zuhri, Secretary-General of the commission Jihad Ramadan, Palestine’s Acting Ambassador to UNESCO Hala Tawil, and Assistant Secretary-General of the commission Khulood Hantash. The Palestinian Embassy in Uzbekistan was represented by Chargé d’Affaires Bashar Al-Araj.
One resolution focuses on the impact of the current situation in Gaza, calling for an urgent assistance program that includes an immediate action plan, the establishment of a dedicated voluntary contributions account under UNESCO’s financial regulations, and active monitoring to ensure UNESCO’s direct involvement in implementing necessary actions.
Another resolution addresses Jerusalem, including a specific action plan to safeguard the cultural heritage of the Old City. The remaining resolutions concern UNESCO-supported educational and cultural institutions in the occupied territories and the continuation of UNRWA’s educational activities in Palestinian territories.
Abu Zuhri welcomed the decisions, describing them as “a new victory for Palestinian diplomacy and a reaffirmation of the justice of our cause on the international stage.” He emphasized that the resolutions are not merely symbolic but provide legal and ethical tools to hold the occupation accountable and protect Palestinian rights to education, culture, and heritage.
Abu Zuhri urged UNESCO member states and international partners to provide immediate financial and technical support to rebuild schools, resume educational activities, and offer psychological and social support to students and teachers affected by the ongoing conflict.
He highlighted the severe crisis facing education and culture in Palestine due to continuous Israeli attacks and reaffirmed Palestine’s commitment to UNESCO’s mission of promoting peace through education.
The resolutions also call for special attention to Gaza’s school recovery plan, higher education, programs for kindergartens and students with disabilities, and prioritization of partnerships with member states to exchange expertise. Abu Zuhri expressed gratitude to all member states supporting Palestinian rights and praised UNESCO’s collaboration with UNRWA, particularly in aligning educational curricula with UNESCO recommendations while preserving Palestinian heritage.
Arab, Islamic, and friendly delegations praised the resolutions, expressing full solidarity with the Palestinian people. They stressed that this international consensus reflects a shared determination to end the occupation and enable Palestine to exercise its sovereign rights, particularly in areas central to UNESCO’s work.
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