By Mohamed Iqbal
DOHA/PARIS: H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari (pictured), Advisor at the Emiri Diwan and Qatar’s Candidate to the Post of Unesco Director-General has underlined the depth of ties between Unesco and Qatar which, he said, are based on friendship and cooperation in various fields. The remarks came in his first public speech outside Qatar announcing his candidacy at the prestigious hall of the Cercle Interallié in Paris last night.
Qatar’s Ambassador to France Sheikh Mishaal bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Delegate to Unesco Ali Zainal, several Arab and foreign diplomats were present.
Representatives of states to Unesco and French intellectuals including Jack Mathieu Emile Lang, the former French minister of culture and Director of the Arab World Institute in Paris were also present.
“This candidacy is not a secret anymore – a statement was made at Unesco – but this is the first time I am making the announcement publicly myself outside of Qatar, and my first opportunity to sketch out the initial broad lines of my undertaking. It was important to me to do so in Paris. In Paris because France is Unesco’s host, because this country has long been dear to my heart, and because I feel very grateful for having been decorated here by three of its Presidents,” said Al Kawari. He said, in 2003, cooperation between Qatar and Unesco took a new dimension with the appointment of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser as Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education.
“As you know then, the relations between Unesco and Qatar are intense, and founded on friendship. Each and every time Unesco has needed an action of cooperation in the realms of education or culture, Qatar has answered that call.
“ I will not list the numerous partnerships between my countries and Unesco here, but I will just remind us of how elated Doha was to host the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2014. Qatar strongly believes in all of Unesco initiatives, and was the first country in the world to make a donation to Unesco’s heritage emergency fund,” said Al Kawari.
“The importance which Qatar bestows upon this Organization reaches a new level and takes a new turn with the decision of putting a candidate forth for the position of Director-General of Unesco,” he added.
Education for all, the development of science, the safekeeping of world heritage are at the heart of Unesco’s action. It is imperative that all countries assist it with developing its action in favour of women’s education in the entire world, taking great care not to overlook the regions mired in ignorance, which breeds all fanaticism and impedes all economic growth.
“We are passing through difficult times. The aforementioned fanaticism is spreading misery and dread. I want to see our Unesco rising ever taller against that barbarism, evermore engaged, evermore effective and certain,” said Al Kawari.
“We will dream up a few flagship projects for the years to come, based on the cornerstone themes of the Organization: science, culture, education.
“We will spare no effort to stay in close contact with the United States and advocate for this country to return under Unesco’s roof. All countries need Unesco, but let us not forget that Unesco needs all countries as well. I will have the opportunity, I hope, to discuss all of these points with you in the coming months, and to develop many more,” he added.
