12 April 2018

Statement of the Director-General of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµESCO

¡°I welcome the spirit of dialogue and responsibility that has allowed a consensual decision to be reached in the framework of the Executive Board during its discussions concerning the Middle East.

¡°This spirit of consensus opens up a new positive dynamic within Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµESCO. I thank all the delegations that have worked towards this, notably the representatives of the Palestinian, Israeli, Jordanian, American, and European Union delegations. The Secretariat of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµESCO will continue to be involved as a dialogue facilitator for Member States.

¡°This outcome bears witness to the Parties¡¯ strong commitment to work together, including on the most sensitive issues. The will to achieve consensus is part of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµESCO¡¯s DNA and must guide our work in the future, particularly during the upcoming discussions at the World Heritage Committee and within the governing bodies of the Organization.

¡°The restoration of a constructive atmosphere is a necessary first step for Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµESCO to be able to work steadily in its fields of competence: education, the sciences and culture. Our Organization was established specifically to create spaces for dialogue and cooperation in areas of shared interest: the heritage of humanity, scientific cooperation, and the sharing of ideas and knowledge. The Secretariat will spare no effort in supporting States along this path.”

*?in Commission will be submitted for final approval by the Executive Board in the Plenary session on 17 April.

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Contact: George Papagiannis, Media relations;?g.papagiannis@unesco.org

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµESCO Decision 204 EX/25