PARIS: Ambassador of Pakistan to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad underscoring the alignment of the UN agency’s strategic direction with its objectives said the frameworks needed to be in place to ensure compliance in meeting obligations in observance of financial regulations.
During the 219th UNESCO Executive Board session held on Monday, the ambassador presented Pakistan’s perspective. He highlighted the significance of robust budget monitoring, controls, and resource mobilisation to address substantial gaps in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Education stands as a paramount priority for Pakistan, he remarked, commending UNESCO’s partnership with Pakistan in empowering women by enhancing their access to digital skills and resources. This collaboration, he noted, reflects a shared vision for gender equality and digital inclusion.
The ambassador advocated for UNESCO’s role in fostering conditions for individuals to access their cultural expressions and those of others. He emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation and ensuring the accessibility of cultural goods and services across borders.
Furthermore, Ambassador Iftikhar reiterated support for prioritizing Africa, gender equality, and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Operational Strategy.
He stressed the necessity of improved internal coordination and a refined strategic approach to effectively represent UNESCO’s priorities in global forums.
Expressing strong solidarity with the Palestinian people, the ambassador highlighted seven decades of injustice, oppression, state terrorism, and illegal occupation as the root causes of the issue. He voiced concerns over UNESCO’s response to the situation in Gaza, emphasizing that its perceived indifference, bias, and double standards could undermine its credibility and legitimacy in other contexts.
The ambassador called upon all members to embrace a nonpartisan approach to fulfil UNESCO’s mission of fostering peace. He emphasised the need to strengthen intellectual and moral solidarity, enhance cooperation, and promote understanding to bridge the knowledge-action gap that impedes progress. ——APP
