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

Lebanon itself, the southern part of the country and the Western Bekaa region are still occupied as a result of
aggression and injustice, despite United Nations resolutions. How can peace become established in a country that is
occupied, a country whose land and air are subjected to aggression daily? There is a necessary interconnection
between the culture of peace, the culture of justice and respect for rights. Here we find the core of the culture of
peace and the condition that must be met if UNESCO is to succeed in propagating that culture among the peoples
of the world.
(27.6) In the third place, regarding the field of science, at no period in history has world progress been so
closely bound up with technology as it currently is. I regard this situation as desirable, insofar as it affords practical
benefit to the world’s peoples in various fields by helping them to emerge from a state of backwardness and
ushering them into a condition of growth and advancement. At the same time, I should like to point out that it is
essential for technology to be wisely used if the natural environment is to be preserved, and that scientific and
technological progress must go hand in hand with moral progress, which is rooted in religion and in thought in
general.
(27.7) Mr President, Lebanon deeply appreciates the efforts made by UNESCO on its behalf during and after its
time of trial, as regards the preservation of not only its cultural heritage but also its mission of civilization, and
support for the country’s own endeavours in that connection. Today, Lebanon is placing great hope in the Centre
for Human Sciences, which is a UNESCO institution located in the historic city of Jubayl (Byblos), and which has
now begun operating. I hope that over the next two years the Centre’s activities will be of service not only to
Lebanon but to the entire world. This will be possible, however, only provided the Centre is adequately staffed and
funded. We, as the host country, have committed ourselves – and we reaffirm our commitment here and now – to
providing the Centre for Human Sciences in Jubayl with all the resources required for its success and advancement.
(27.8) I cannot conclude my remarks without expressing my wholehearted admiration for the tireless efforts of
the Director-General, Mr Federico Mayor, on behalf of UNESCO’s principles. The status of women, the situation
of young people, culture and the future, all these are issues, Mr Mayor, with which your name will long be
associated. The long roll of accomplishments which Federico Mayor leaves behind is the best possible legacy he
could bequeath to his successor, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, whose candidature was proposed to the General
Conference by the Executive Board, as he in his turn seeks to serve the Organization and further its efforts on
behalf of humanity in its fields of competence. In that connection, I should like to reiterate that there can be no
substitute for a policy that seeks to orient education, science and culture along lines laid down in accordance with
ethical human values which, in my view, must ever be the foundation-stone of a genuine peace based on justice,
one that will ensure not only stability but progress and prosperity. As always, Mr Matsuura, Lebanon will strive
alongside you in the pursuit of that goal. Ladies and gentlemen, I wish this Conference all success. Thank you.
28. Le PRESIDENT :
J'adresse mes vifs remerciements à S. Exc. M. Mohamad Youssef Beydoun, ministre de la culture, de
l'enseignement supérieur, de l'éducation nationale, de la jeunesse et des sports du Liban. Je donne à présent la
paroleàS.Exc.MmeWeiYu,vice-ministredel'éducationdelaChine.
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