Firm Support from the Islamic Republic of Iran for the Continuation of UNESCO’s Efforts to Protect the People of Gaza / Situation in Gaza Reviewed at UNESCO’s Commission on External Relations Meeting
| The Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran to UNESCO, emphasizing the moral and humanitarian imperative of supporting the people of Gaza, called for the continuation and expansion of the Organization’s programs to rebuild educational, cultural, and media institutions in the Gaza Strip. |
At the meeting of UNESCO’s Commission on External Relations held on 3 November, the agenda item entitled “The Impact and Consequences of the Current Situation in the Gaza Strip/Palestine on All Aspects of UNESCO’s Mandate” was reviewed.
At the meeting, Dr. Ahmad Pakatchi, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran to UNESCO, delivered a speech in support of the people of Gaza and emphasized the need for UNESCO to continue its efforts in this regard.
Full Statement by the Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran
The full text of Dr. Pakatchi’s statement at the meeting of UNESCO’s Commission on External Relations is as follows:
Madam Chair,
Distinguished Delegates,
The Islamic Republic of Iran firmly supports the adoption by consensus of the draft resolution under consideration. This resolution embodies an ethical imperative and a shared responsibility for our Organization: the need to act at a time when education, culture, science, and human dignity are under devastating attack.
We deeply regret the countless civilian lives lost; including those of students, teachers, scientists, journalists, and cultural practitioners, as well as the destruction of schools, universities, libraries, media centres, and cultural heritage sites throughout Gaza.
The Need to Safeguard Education, Culture, and Knowledge as Universal Values
UNESCO’s mandate obliges us to protect education as a right, culture as the common heritage of humanity, and knowledge as a global public good.
The Emergency Assistance Program for Gaza is a clear example of UNESCO’s constructive engagement and resilience in times of crisis.
Call for Continued International Commitments and Concrete Action
We therefore fully support the continuation and expansion of this program, the mobilization of additional voluntary contributions, and a sustained commitment to rebuilding Gaza’s educational, cultural, and media institutions.
In closing, let us turn our words into action by firmly supporting this resolution and ensuring that UNESCO continues to be a source of hope, reconstruction, and justice for the people of Gaza.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
