PARIS, NOVEMBER 21ST- Italy has been re-elected by the General Conference of UNESCO as one of the 58 members of the Executive Council of the Organization, marking a sixth consecutive four-year term (2019-2023). With 162 votes, Italy was the second most favored elected member, after Switzerland.
“This excellent result confirms the widespread recognition for Italy’s commitment to the issues of the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, inclusive education and international scientific cooperation,” commented the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luigi di Maio. “Italy, which holds the largest number of World Heritage Sites, is a player of reference for the International Community in promoting the value of inter-cultural dialogue and mutual tolerance. The very important number of votes received constitutes a stimulus to act consistently and resolutely within UNESCO, aware of the responsibility we have with respect to all those who have confided in us,” he continued.
According to a note on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, over the course of its mandate, Italy will seek to strengthen UNESCO’s capacity to respond to the challenges of sustainable development, starting from the impact of climate change on cultural patrimony and local communities. Other fields of action will include scientific diplomacy, especially through the Trieste-based UNESCO Research Centres, water resource management, promoting equal access to education, supporting the freedom of expression and the security of journalists. (@SB@OnuItalia)
