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

our time. This has condemned scientifically and technologically underdeveloped countries to fall behind
economically and politically as well.
10.9 Breaking free of the circle of underdevelopment and moving along the path of real progress requires free
access by peoples and countries to scientific information. Unfortunately in our era the production and distribution
of scientific information is linked to commercial interests and is subjected to the rules of the production and
distribution of material goods. Although the developing countries have to do their utmost to expand their
educational and research capabilities, without access to advanced scientific and technical information the
quantitative growth of education and the creation of research institutions could lead to a deficiency in quality and
competence. Hence the necessary scientific and technological infrastructures upon which development hinges fail
to materialize.
10.10 In the field of information communication, the magnitude of the transformations that arise from modern
technology has not yet been comprehended. Our task is to utilize the immense possibilities offered by
communication tools in the best and most equitable manner. It is clear that in the “new communication strategy”
which is supported and espoused by UNESCO, freedom, independence and diversity of the means of
communication at the international, regional and national levels should be given priority over economic factors.
Furthermore, equal and equitable access to information in the service of the realization of cultural identity should
be fostered and promoted.
10.11 Madam President, in the field of education, too, our world is facing tremendous difficulties. In the
developing countries, the quantitative expansion of education, especially higher education, is not always
accompanied by qualitative growth. In today’s world the qualitative growth of education requires the creation and
expansion of scientific infrastructures, the possibility of access to the latest scientific discoveries, the
incorporation of education and research and the creation of research networks at the national, regional and
international levels. Fulfilling this goal requires a re-evaluation of the structure and objectives of education at the
world level.
10.12 We welcome UNESCO’s declaration of the year 2000 as the International Year for the Culture of Peace.
The century that is coming to a close has witnessed the bloodiest wars in the history of humankind. To
completely rid the coming century and millennium of clashes and conflicts, which have darkened the history of
our present era, we should always keep in mind the vision of justice promulgated by all great reformers and
divine prophets. We all aspire towards a great ideal, the ideal of peace. We should always remember, however,
that injustice often lies behind many of the wars and conflicts. As long as there are human beings unjustly treated,
as long as there exists discrimination and aggression, one cannot hope to uproot the causes of wars and conflicts.
10.13 Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to address this meeting on behalf of a nation and a
government which not only, on account of its faith, culture, civilization and geographical situation, has welcomed
dialogue and mutual understanding, but also, in the last two decades, relying on a spiritual revolution guided by a
wise leadership, has offered to the world a new message of hope. Dialogue is the quintessence of the call of all
prophets, reformers and great thinkers of the world. It is a great honour for me that the General Assembly of the
United Nations, welcoming the proposal of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has designated the year
2001 as the Year of Dialogue among Civilizations. We welcome the inclusion of this item in the agenda of the
30th session of the General Conference, and hope that UNESCO will take all necessary measures to support the
activities for the year 2001 as the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations, identify key partners,
design the strategy, develop a plan of action and mobilize the financial resources needed.
10.14 In line with these activities, we have embarked upon two important and extensive projects. We are
planning to host the 2000 General Assembly of the Third World Academy of Sciences and the Third World
Network of Scientific Organizations late next year in Teheran. We are also preparing a comprehensive exhibition
on Iranian culture, history, civilization and science to be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris in the year
2001.
10.15 The Islamic Republic of Iran, after 2l years of absence, has presented its candidacy for a seat on the
Executive Board of UNESCO. In view of our profound cultural and historical ties with countries of the Asia-
Pacific region, I am most confident that through its presence in UNESCO’s Executive Board, Iran will be
instrumental in initiating reforms to make UNESCO a more genuinely global organization. I sincerely hope that
this candidacy will enjoy the support of all Member States. Hoping that UNESCO will be able to move further
towards achieving its valuable objectives, I wish this Conference great success. Thank you.
(Ms Moserová resumes the Chair)
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