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Grigory Ordzhonikidze, Ambassador-at-large of the Russian foreign Ministry, Executive Secretary of the Russian Federation Commission for UNESCO, drew attention to international solidarity speaking at the online event of the Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly on the occasion of the International Day of Peace on September 21.
In particular, he said:
- I would like to express my gratitude to the International Union of Non-governmental organizations “Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly” for organizing events aimed at uniting the efforts of non-governmental organizations in promoting the ideas of peace-making, interethnic dialogue and cultural and humanitarian interaction. Holding an educational event in honour of the day of strengthening the ideals of peace among all countries and peoples is of particular importance and is more relevant than ever. Today, we will once again draw public attention to the importance of international global solidarity and cooperation in the fight against the most serious crisis of our time, which has affected all spheres of human life - the COVID 19 pandemic.
Over the years of its existence, UNESCO has firmly established itself as the humanitarian Foundation of the system of international relations. It is a unique multilateral forum for the protection of the most important universal values, cultural heritage and the environment. It has always been based on the fact that the peaceful development of mankind should be based not only on military-political and economic mechanisms, but also on intellectual and moral solidarity. The organization aims to build peace through education, freedom of expression, intercultural dialogue, respect for human rights, cultural diversity and scientific cooperation, and to promote sustainable development through dialogue and respect.
This difficult year coincided with the 75th anniversary of the founding of UNESCO. The key areas of the organization's activities - education and culture -were most affected. The organization's headquarters were effectively closed, and scheduled international meetings on a wide range of humanitarian issues were cancelled. The search for an effective response to the COVID 19 pandemic and the adoption of appropriate measures has come to the forefront of UNESCO's activities. The organization follows its principles and statutory objectives in addressing a global humanitarian challenge that truly changes people's lives and affects the global economy. More than ever, unprecedented solidarity and concentration of forces and resources are required from all countries.
I would like to express the hope that all of us, including the Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly, through our projects, as well as through the high professionalism and experience of all our members, will contribute to the practical implementation of the ideals and objectives of UNESCO. After all, in the face of a common misfortune, UNESCO's noble mission - to implement the ideals of peace and moral and intellectual solidarity embedded in its Charter - becomes a universal imperative necessary for the survival of our countries and peoples.
Our Foreign Minister, Chairman of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO, Sergey V. Lavrov said that “it is time to abandon the inertia of thinking based on out-dated stereotypes and finally start acting from the standpoint of morality. After all, the prosperous future of all the peoples of the Earth - our common home - is at stake.”
Recall that the International Union of Non-governmental organization “Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly” holds events on the International Day of Peace every year. This year the event was held in an online format.