On November 3 2015, UNESCO’s Director-General gave an opening address at the 38th member states General Conference of the organisation, which is held every two years with the purpose of specifying and approving UNESCO’s plan of action and budget for the next two years.
On November 6, the Minister of Education and Culture, Mr. Costas Kadis, as head of the Cyprus delegation, addressed the Conference plenary and, among other things, commended the role of the Organisation in dealing with current challenges in the fields of education, culture, science and communication and stressed Cyprus’s continuous commitment to the ideals that UNESCO advocates.
Later, making special reference to the protection of cultural heritage and highlighting the recent destructions in countries in a state of war, the Minister noted that “Cultural heritage does not only concern monuments, but mostly human values and identities. We are all responsible, therefore, for protecting this heritage against all possible threats”. At this point, Mr. Kadis spoke of the case of Cyprus, the cultural heritage of which continues to be destroyed as a result of the ongoing Turkish occupation.
Referring to the destruction of cultural heritage in Iraq and Syria, Mr. Kadis stated that Cyprus remains on alert to provide every possible assistance for the prevention of such incidents, considering its geographical proximity to the specific region.
Following that, the Minister referred to Cyprus’s commitment to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, the need for cooperation at regional and international level, thus contributing to fostering creativity and multiculturalism.
Mr. Kadis also stressed that Cyprus continues its commitment to the vision that was adopted within the framework of the General Conference, at the high level meeting regarding Education 2030, which focuses on guaranteeing fair and non-exclusive education and life-long learning for all. The Minister underlined that “education is a basic human right, indispensible for creating a peaceful, just and viable society.”
Finally, the Minister reaffirmed Cyprus’s commitment to the realization of UNESCO’S aims and vision for peace-building, making special reference to the ongoing negotiation process for a solution to the Cyprus problem. He noted that achieving a solution, as envisioned by the Cyprus Government, will promote peace and sustainable development, not only in Cyprus but also in the wider area, in accordance with UNESCO’s objectives and values.