Opinions & Interviews

UNESCO praises Belarus’ efforts to build multicultural, multinational society

MINSK, 23 May (BelTA) – UNESCO highly appreciates Belarus’ efforts to build a multicultural and multinational society based on tolerance. The statement was made by Assel Utegenova, Deputy Coordinator of National Commissions of the UNESCO External Relations Sector, during an anniversary session of the Belarus National Commission for UNESCO. The session was dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Belarus’ participation in UNESCO, BelTA has learned.

On behalf of the UNESCO Secretariat Assel Utegenova thanked the Belarus National Commission for UNESCO for productive interaction, for the commission’s resolute efforts to support the UNESCO mission through constructive participation in the work of structural branches and through the organization of multiple national, regional, and international events.

Assel Utegenova stated: “Belarus takes an active part in UNESCO’s work, which is vividly demonstrated by the rich diversity of UNESCO networks and organizations in the country. For instance, Belarus now has seven UNESCO departments, 22 associated schools, four World Legacy objects, two biosphere reserves, two objects on the Memory of the World registry, and two objects on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.”

In the near future Belarus will host the 2nd European Games Minsk 2019. “Sport has never been so global and has never wielded such influence it has today. We believe that sport is capable of uniting people around common values and the principle of fair competition. We believe that sport plays a key role in the fight against intolerance, racism, and violence. We should take every effort to use this powerful tool. It is what UNESCO’s approach is all about. It will be presented during the opening ceremony of the 2nd European Games Minsk 2019 by a deputy director general,” Assel Utegenova said.

The UNESCO representative pointed out that the organization will not stay away from modern trends and constantly improves its work. “We live in a time of unprecedented political, economic, and ecological changes. UNESCO’s mandate has never been so relevant. It is time to make sure UNESCO is capable of fully satisfying needs of the 21st century. National commissions acting as the main parties in promoting UNESCO priorities and values and acting as key platforms for bolstering partnership relations, for sharing knowledge and experience should play an important role,” Assel Utegenova said.

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