UNESCO joins PM’s mission

TDT | Manama

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa’s initiative “Promoting the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience” has garnered a new international recognition. UNESCO’s Executive Council’s Preparatory Committee on Friday recognised celebrating the “International Day of Conscience” as a way to “systematically mobilise the efforts of the international community to promote peace, inclusion, solidarity and understanding” to build a sustainable world.

The agency said that they will observe the Day of Conscience at UNESCO Headquarters and regional offices annually on April 5 with the participation of all member states and partners. The decision will get UNESCO’s final approval during the ninth session of its Executive Board meeting to be held in Paris from June 29 – July 10, 2020.

UNESCO recognition of Prime Minister’s initiative follows the United Nations unanimously designating 5th April as “International Day of Conscience” during its 31st July 2019 meeting, calling upon every human being to participate in celebrating “diversity and inclusiveness”.

In Friday’s meeting, UNESCO officials said the initiative reminds “the world of the need to establish conditions of stability, prosperity, peaceful and friendly relations based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.”

Representing Bahrain at the preparatory meeting was a representative of the Court of His Royal Highness, the Prime Minister, and Sheikha Wafa bint Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Bahrain at UNESCO. Sheikha Wafa said the initiative “appreciated and respected” by all the participating countries enhances Bahrain’s position as a supportive state of peace, security and stability in the world.

Seminars, expo planned The meeting also passed its recommendation to the Secretary-General of the United Nations to notify all its member states, organisations of the United Nations system, commercial and academic institutions, and international community organisations, to properly celebrate the day.

Besides, the meeting reached a consensus to organise activities including seminars, exhibitions, and awareness campaigns to discuss issues of youth on the day. The Assistant Director-General of UNESCO, Stefania Giannini praised the efforts of Bahrain in this regard during a UN video conferencing seminar organised on April 7th 2020.

International acclaim The initiative also received wide international acclaim, citing its importance, especially in light of the difficult circumstances the world is going through due to the outbreak of the Corona Pandemic. They praised the Prime Minister for his role in promoting humanitarian, peace and sustainable development issues, and enriching international action with pioneering initiatives and steps that the world needs to build a better future.

Shura Council president Ali bin Saleh Al-Saleh, Human Rights Committee member MP Khaled Buang and Bahrain Society for Tolerance and Interfaith Coexistence chairman, Youssef Buzabun also extended their congratulations to the Prime Minister on the UNESCO honour. “This global achievement is the fruit of HRH the Premier’s endeavour to promote tolerance, cultivate the culture of peace, love and coexistence between peoples,” said Buzabun.