Rouhani Urges UNESCO to Pave Way for Moderation, Violence-Free World
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) should prepare the ground for a world without violence.
“UNESCO should pave the way for a world free of violence by promoting the culture of dialogue and moderation,” the president said Tuesday in a meeting with Irina Bokova, the UN body’s director-general.
He referred to the United Nations’ unanimous adoption of Iran’s proposal for a World Against Violence and Extremism (WAVE), and said it indicated the world countries’ need to such an approach (acting against violence).
The UN General Assembly on December 19, 2013, voted by consensus to approve the WAVE Act, which calls on all nations across the globe to denounce violence and extremism.
Under the resolution, the General Assembly would urge all member states to unite against violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as sectarian violence.
President Rouhani further voiced Iran’s willingness to have more extensive and profound cooperation with UNESCO, saying that Tehran is ready to have cooperation with the UN body in expanding education and fighting the spread of cultural poverty.
He added that the UNESCO chief’s visit to Tehran heralds the development of the organization’s relations with Iran in scientific and cultural fields.
Irina Bokova, for her part, lauded Iran for its stances and initiatives including the WAVE Act proposal, and described the proposal as very valuable and entirely consistent with UNESCO’s mission and objectives.
She also praised Iran’s achievements in the field of education, especially girls’ education, and said UNESCO welcomes interactions with Iran’s scientific centers.
UNESCO director-general further referred to her trips to the Iranian historical cities of Isfahan, Shiraz and Bam, and said she was glad to get acquainted with the rich Iranian-Islamic culture in these visits.
