UNESCO. General Conference; 30th; Records ... - unesdoc - Unesco

area to natural parks. We have implemented several measures for conservation, including banning the
exploitation of sea turtles which had traditionally been a favourite source of food and the basis of a handicrafts
industry. And we try to integrate the legitimate development needs of our population within a general practice of
respect and care for the environment. We are, therefore, fully in tune with UNESCO’s programmes on the
environment and development and the contribution of the sciences in that area.
13.8 In the programme on cultural development, my country appreciates the emphasis placed on the
preservation and revitalization of the intangible heritage, the promotion and protection of creativity and the
promotion of craftwork and design. We particularly welcome the attention paid to the involvement of youth in
these main lines of action. The promotion of genuine cultural tourism of benefit to local communities and the
promotion of books and cultural industries are other areas that we support.
13.9 Mr President, at the very moment that we are participating in this General Conference, my country is
hosting the 14th annual Kreol Festival. This week-long celebration of Kreol culture and language brings together,
in Seychelles, people from the Creole countries of the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean and the Creole Diaspora. I am
glad to say that the support UNESCO gave to the Kreol Festival in the past has helped it to grow and has
facilitated exchanges between artists, linguists, writers, thinkers and young people of the Creole world. I have no
doubt that such exchanges are today bearing fruit in the revitalization and strengthening of the culture of
societies, which, although separated by physical distance, are discovering affinities with each other, affinities that
are leading to a sense of solidarity and mutual encouragement to use the power of culture for development.
13.10 We support the various lines of action under the programme “Bridging the communication and
information gap” and look forward to our involvement in certain of its activities. I would also like to mention our
appreciation of IPDC’s assistance in the past.
13.11 Mr President, whilst my country fully supports UNESCO’s continued commitment to the African
continent and to increased collaboration with the Organization of African Unity, I should also like to record our
appreciation for the initiative taken earlier this year in organizing the Forum 2000 for the Indian Ocean island
States. The Forum has enabled UNESCO to gain a much better understanding of the overall evolving relationship
between the Organization and the Indian Ocean Commission and more particularly of the needs, interests and
priorities of the Indian Ocean island States. It has a promising beginning. I trust that some, if not all, of the
recommendations of the Forum will be realized in a not too distant future and that cooperation between
UNESCO, the island States and the Indian Ocean Commission will increase.
13.12 Before I end, Mr President, let me say that I find it most fitting that, at the point when we are about to
start a new century and millennium, UNESCO is seizing the symbolic appeal of the times to invite people all over
the world to reflect on the necessity for a culture of peace and to take personal action to promote it. I do believe
that people the world over are not insensitive to this appeal which, as we know, is backed up by concrete projects
concerning education for a culture of peace.
13.13 I wish to record my country’s thanks and sincere appreciation to the outgoing Director-General for his
tireless work in the cause of what UNESCO stands for. May I convey to him our best wishes in his new
undertakings. I present our congratulations to the incoming Director-General and wish him success in the
important tasks that lie ahead. And finally, allow me once more, to congratulate Ms Moserová on her election as
President and to wish her “bon courage” and success in her work. Thank you very much.
:
(14) The PRESIDENT (Translation from the Arabic):
I thank the head of the delegation of Seychelles for his valuable remarks. I now give the floor to the
Minister for Education, Science and Culture of Iceland, Mr Björn Bjarnason.
15.1 Mr BJARNASON (Iceland):
Mr President, Director-General, ladies and gentlemen, first of all let me extend my congratulations to
our newly elected President. The office of the President of the General Conference carries great weight and
influence, not only during the General Conference but also in the two subsequent years. We therefore wish our
President well in her endeavours.
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