ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday reiterated its full commitment to the mandate and principles adopted by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and appreciated UNESCO’s valuable contributions in promoting dialogue and cultural diversity.
This was stated by Member National Assembly (MNA) Dr Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal while delivering the country’s statement at the 204th Session of the Executive Board of UNESCO held in Paris..
The Executive Board meeting was also attended by Director General UNESCO Ms Audrey Azoulay, Ambassador of Pakistan to France Moin ul Haque and 58 Executive Board members.
Dr Shezra Mansab assured the executive board that Pakistan would fulfill its obligations to UNESCO and continue to work together with the global community in striving for an equitable, just, tolerant, open and socially inclusive world.
Pakistan’s representative stated that the Government of Pakistan has embarked on a broad based programme for social sector development, and education, especially girls education, remains an area of priority.
She pointed out Pakistan’s voluntary contribution of US$ 10 million to setup Malala Fund to supplement UNESCO’s efforts for promoting girl child education globally. She also thanked the Governments of the Republic of Korea, Italy and Qatar for their substantial contributions to this Fund.
She welcomed director general’s proposal for strategic transformation of UNESCO and emphasised that the new reform processes should conform to UNESCO’s core mandate, ensure inclusiveness and transparency and preserve intergovernmental character of UNESCO.
During her stay in Paris, Dr Shezra will also be meeting with president of general conference, president of executive board and other senior officials of the UNESCO Secretariat.
