Azerbaijan highlights multiculturalism, climate leadership at UNESCO Executive Council

During the 221st session of the UNESCO Executive Council, Azerbaijan's Permanent Representative to UNESCO Elman Abdullayev has presented the country’s National Declaration, reaffirming Azerbaijan’s commitment to UNESCO’s global priorities.  

“Azerbaijan reaffirms its commitment to UNESCO’s global priorities: Africa and gender equality, alongside its flagship programs. We work openly and inclusively with Member States to promote sustainable development, especially for SIDS [Small Islands Developing States], which face unique vulnerabilities—from economic challenges to the harsh impacts of climate change,” Caliber.Az reports, citing the message of the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Azerbaijan to UNESCO on X.

"As a proud donor country and signatory of the 2013 Framework Agreement on Cooperation with UNESCO, Azerbaijan actively supports Priority Africa and the protection of its cultural and natural heritage. Rooted in a strong tradition of multiculturalism, Azerbaijan champions global dialogue and peace through initiatives like the Baku Process and Peace4Culture. Education is a national priority. We're advancing inclusive, equitable and quality learning in line with SDG4 [Sustainable Development Goal 4]. As host of COP29, Azerbaijan stands ready to lead the global climate agenda," the message says. 

"Our selection to preside the Conference reflects strong international trust in our climate leadership. Cultural heritage is an invaluable part of human history and must be preserved for future generations. The protection of cultural property from the destructive effects of armed conflict is of utmost importance. Restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and liberation of its territories from the 30 year long Armenian military occupation have created a new environment in the South Caucasus. Despite the extensive destruction inflicted during the Armenian military occupation, and the forced displacement of approximately 750,000 Azerbaijani civilians from Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as over 300,000 Azerbaijanis from their historical and ancestral lands such as Western Zangazur, Iravan, Goycha, and Vedi and other historical territories of Azerbaijan remains committed to reconciliation and regional development," the message says.

Earlier, Director of the Culture and Emergencies Section of UNESCO’s Culture Sector and Secretary of the 1954 and 1970 Conventions, Krista Pikkat,  commended Azerbaijan’s Culture for Climate (C4C) initiative, launched during the country’s presidency of COP29.

Speaking at the international conference "Protection of Ancient Human Settlements: Threats and Current Approaches" in Baku, Pikkat highlighted UNESCO’s support for the initiative and its participation in the dialogue of culture ministers at COP29 last November.

She emphasised that integrating culture into climate action is a vital step in mitigating the effects of climate change.

By Naila Huseynova