Mehriban Aliyeva participates in the 36th session of UNESCO General Conference in Paris

The 36th session of UNESCO General Conference started at the Organization’s Head Office in Paris, 26 October.

Mehriban Aliyeva, the head of the Azerbaijan delegation, First Lady of Azerbaijan, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO, participated in the session.

Mrs. Aliyeva was welcomed by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova.

Delegations from 193 member states, heads of state and government, as well as observers for non-member states, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations are attending the session. President of the 36th session Katalin Bogyay of Hungary opened the event and spoke of issues on the agenda. She noted the General Conference will decide on UNESCO`s proposed program and budget for the 2012-2013 biennium. The agenda also features discussions on sustainable development, culture of peace and non-violence, with a special emphasis on gender equality, Africa, youth, Education for All (EFA).

Speaking in the session, Chairperson of the UNESCO Executive Board Eleonora Mitrofanova drew the participants` attention to poverty reduction, illiteracy problems. She updated the attendees on UNESCO`s activities towards gender equality provisions, adding the way to solution of these problems passes through international cooperation. ‘In this regard, dialogue and proposals realized in our session may contribute to our goals,’ she said.

Noting the importance of the session, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, in her opening address, stressed UNESCO, which attaches great attention to the development of education, science, culture and other spheres, has always been sensitive to global challenges and the goals this organization has set to achieve solidarity of people are based on the exemplary values. Mrs. Bokova underlined the huge importance of the international conference to be held in Rio de Janeiro next year for the study of the processes ongoing in the world and assurance of economic development that can help solve many problems.

Leaders` Forum on the theme “How does UNESCO contribute to building a culture of peace and to sustainable development?” is held as part of the session. President of Hungary Pal Schmitt, President of the Republic of Gabon Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara, Prime Minister of Grenada Tillman Thomas and Prime Minister of Benin Pascal Irene Koupaki underlined the importance of the Forum.

Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the Leaders` Forum.

The General Conference will begin work on the Organization’s next Medium-Term Strategy for 2014-2019. It will see discussions on Palestine’s admission to UNESCO, as well. Another highlight of the session will be a special plenary meeting on 2 November devoted to the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the adoption of UNESCO’s Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity.