ROME, JANUARY 20 – In recent months, throughout the Covid 19 pandemic, “UNESCO’s action has distinguished itself for its timeliness and effectiveness, especially in the field of Education”, the Italian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marina Sereni, stated today during a meeting of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO.
Sereni reminded the Commission that “Italy is the leading financial contributor to UNESCO, and -together with China- is the country with the most sites included in the World Heritage List, for a total of 55”. She furthermore explained that “the Italian candidacy as a member of the World Heritage Committee represents a challenge for the entire Country System, which we have accepted as a means of recognizing our own valuable contributions to the various activities of protection, preservation and enhancement of the world’s entire heritage patrimony. In addition, the transversal competencies of this organization are, today more than ever, important for the achievement of the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and are at the center of the various initiatives around which the Italian G20 Presidency will be articulated”.
“Continuing to play a leading role in UNESCO and the reaffirmation of its values – added the Vice Minister – is for Italy not only a matter of prestige, but also of constitutional patriotism. I am referring to art. 9 of our Constitution, which promotes the development of culture and scientific and technical research, and protects the landscape and the historical and artistic heritage of the nation. This article is as relevant as ever. Training, research, culture and the environment: this is from where we must start again, and this is where the Next Generation EU funds must be targeted. I am convinced that these are fundamental issues, – concluded Sereni – thanks to our renewed commitment to action within UNESCO, we will be able to better combine the dimension of a past linked to our extraordinary historical heritage, with that of a future of growth, innovation and creativity”. (@OnuItalia)
