DUSHANBE, 12.11.2021 (NIAT Khovar) – Yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO Sirojiddin Muhriddin spoke during the General Policy Debate of the 41st session of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris.

Muhriddin thanked UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay for the hospitality and excellent organization of the regular session of the General Conference.

He stressed that this conference serves as a useful platform for studying, sharing experience, and coordinating joint efforts of UNESCO and its member states to promote goals and objectives related to the protection of national values – culture and language, historical, cultural and natural monuments, traditions and customs, as well as for he development of science and education.

Muhriddin also spoke about Tajikistan’s achievements in its domestic and foreign policy since gaining independence, about the country’s extensive activities within UNESCO through the implementation of projects and programs at the national, regional and international levels in the fields of culture, science and education, and on the contribution of Tajikistan to the protection and promotion of the world cultural and natural heritage.

Muhriddin emphasized the importance of targeted cooperation to strengthen peace, stability and sustainable development of all countries through effective partnerships within the mandate of UNESCO.

He noted that UNESCO is the only organization that actively calls for unity and solidarity.

Muhriddin highlighted the importance of including the natural site National Park of Tajikistan, the ancient town of Sarazm, the national music Shashmaqom, the International Day of Navruz, the national dish oshi palov and the art of embroidery Chakan in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

He expressed satisfaction with the high level of cooperation of the country with this organization in the context of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the state independence of Tajikistan, especially in connection with holding the Day of Culture of Tajikistan at UNESCO on October 14, 2021 with the participation of President Emomali Rahmon and Director-General Azoulay, as well as a unique exhibition of historical items titled «Tajikistan – the Land of Golden Rivers» at the National Museum of Asian Arts Guimet in Paris, which will run through January 10, 2022.

He also spoke about the country’s proactive role in promoting water and climate issues within the UN system, including the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Program.

Muhriddin called on other countries to support Tajikistan’s initiatives to declare 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Protection, establish World Glacier Day, and stressed the importance of the creation of the International Glacier Fund.

Referring to the current alarming situation in Afghanistan, Muhriddin noted Tajikistan’s support of UNESCO’s position on preserving the historical heritage in this country and once again emphasized the appeal of Tajikistan to the international community, first of all, to urgently render humanitarian assistance to the long-suffering people of Afghanistan through international organizations.