DUSHANBE, 10.11.2021 (NIAT Khovar) – Tajikistan’s delegation headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO Sirojiddin Muhriddin is taking part in the 41st session of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris.

The delegation includes the Minister of Culture Zulfiya Davlatzoda, President of the National Academy of Sciences Farhod Rahimi, Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Jamoliddin Ubaydullo, and Secretary General for UNESCO Zulfiya Burhon.

Despite the worldwide pandemic, more than 25 heads of state and government, as well as other high-ranking officials are participating in the session and side events organized on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of UNESCO.

On November 9, the conference was inaugurated by its temporary President of the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference Ahmet Altay Cengizer. The Chairperson of the Executive Board Agapito Mba Mokuy and the Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay addressed the session.

Subsequently, the Permanent Delegate of Brazil to UNESCO Santiago Irazabal Mourão was elected to the post of President of the 41st General Conference, and the new Vice-Presidents of the UNESCO General Conference, chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and rapporteurs of Commissions and Committees were also elected.

UNESCO Director-General’s report on the activities of the organization in 2018-2020 was also heard.

Following the elections, Audrey Azoulay was re-appointed as UNESCO Director-General for a second term, after which, following the opening speeches of the Chairperson of the Executive Board and UNESCO Director-General, General Policy Debate began with the participation of heads of delegations of member countries of the organization.

The 41st session of the General Conference of UNESCO in Paris will last until November 24.