Paris – The Sultanate of Oman’s participating delegation was represented by Her Excellency Ambassador Amna bint Salem Al Balushi, Permanent Delegate of the Sultanate of Oman to UNESCO.

In her speech during the meeting, Her Excellency the Ambassador affirmed the Sultanate of Oman’s appreciation for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its success in implementing its various programmes and projects despite global challenges. She called on the organisation to continue its support and assistance to countries experiencing crises and emergencies, particularly Arab countries facing critical humanitarian conditions, particularly in the Gaza Strip in Palestine, in addition to Lebanon and Yemen.

Her Excellency expressed the Sultanate of Oman’s condemnation of the ongoing aggression launched by the Israeli occupation forces against the Gaza Strip, and the accompanying deliberate targeting of innocent civilians and vital facilities, including educational and relief facilities. She also expressed the Sultanate of Oman’s sympathy with the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Kingdom of Thailand over the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar.

Her Excellency also addressed the need to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 on education, and to work towards adopting a specific goal on culture in the post-2030 agenda, while intensifying efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote environmental and green education.

Her Excellency said that the Sultanate of Oman has taken practical steps in cooperation with the organisation’s Natural Sciences Sector, including the registration of a geological park and two nature reserves with the aim of preserving biodiversity and protecting natural heritage.

Her Excellency affirmed the Sultanate of Oman’s appreciation for the organisation’s efforts in supporting member states in preserving their cultural heritage and encouraging peace-building and intercultural dialogue. In this context, she referred to the ‘Ship of Oman Youth’ initiative for sustainable peace and cultural dialogue. She explained that this ship, registered on UNESCO’s List of Best Practices in the Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage, will set sail next May on a journey that includes more than 23 cities in Asia, Europe, and Africa, with the aim of spreading the values of coexistence and peace among peoples.