News
UNESCO Director-General and President Vladimir Putin discuss protection of cultural heritage in conf
Source：http://www.unesco.org
Date：2015-12-16
On 14 December 2015, Ms. Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General, and H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, jointly opened the IV Saint Petersburg International Cultural Forum, devoted to the 70th anniversary of UNESCO. The Forum was the largest cultural event to mark the seven decades of the Organization’s role and contribution worldwide in support of culture and heritage.
“We are here to celebrate the power of culture”, stated the Director-General in her keynote address.
“When culture is under attack and when extremists seek to destroy the common heritage of humanity, we need to respond to ignorance, hatred, and violence with more culture, with more knowledge”, she said.
The strengthening of international efforts for the protection of humanity’s cultural heritage was discussed during the Director-General’s meeting with President Vladimir Putin following the plenary session.Ms Bokova underlined the importance of the protection of cultural heritage and the prevention of illicit trafficking of cultural objects, especially during armed conflicts.
The Director-General thanked the Russian Federation for its support that resulted in the adoption by the UN Security Council of Resolution 2199 on the Financing of Extremism. By highlighting the implementation measures taken by UNESCO in Iraq and Syria.
As Irina Bokova stated in the Forum, “culture is the driving force behind all development, the cornerstone for peace and mutual respect, and the force for human dignity. To unleash this potential, we need stronger policies, adequate laws and regulations”.
During her stay in Saint Petersburg, the Director-General addressed the 4th National Congress of the UNESCO Chairs in the Russian Federation.
She also inaugurated the memorial devoted the 25th anniversary of the inscription of the “Historical Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Monuments” on the World Heritage List.
