During the opening day of the 38th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Irina Bokova said that before such evils it was essential to promote the dialogue of cultures, freedom of expression and create synergies between states. UNESCO is committed to peace and sustainable development, objectives that require the commitment of all, she said.
Bokova said that each edition was an opportunity to look into the origins and the future; “this 38th edition takes place in the context of the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Organization, and a few weeks away from the beginning in this capital of the world summit on climate change,” said Bokova. For his part, Mohamed Sameh Amr, President of the Executive Board of UNESCO, said that the fact that a Forum of Leaders would take place in the context of the Conference with the participation of heads of state and government, “is a recognition of the perennial need for an organization such as UNESCO, and a proof of political will.”
UNESCO is facing new challenges; therefore, it is necessary to adopt strategies and dynamics that are in tune with such challenges, as well as multiplying the energy, she added. The executive also called for finding sustainable solutions to preserve the planet and safeguard the universal values for the future, in addition to encouraging scientific cooperation, innovation and creativity. “We must celebrate our diversity and understand that we live better together,” she noted.
The General Conference of UNESCO and the governing body of the institution meet until November 18th to determine the programs and activities the Organization will conduct over the next two years. This event, which has among its objectives adoption of decisions on funding and governance, is considered as a special occasion to reflect on their achievements and challenges.
sus/l2p/rc/mfb
PL-17/MNA