Minister Avcı submitted National Declaration of Turkey in UNESCO’s General Conference  
Minister Avcı submitted National Declaration of Turkey in UNESCO’s General Conference

Minister Avcı submitted National Declaration of Turkey in UNESCO’s General Conference

Minister Avcı submitted National Declaration of Turkey in UNESCO’s General Conference

Minister Avcı submitted National Declaration of Turkey in UNESCO’s General Conference

Minister of National Education Nabi Avcı said that radicalization has been threating global harmony adding that, “Education should have a fundamental place in the prevention of terrorism and extremism leading to violence.”

Minister of Nabi Avcı delivered a speech at the 38th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held in Paris between November 3 and 18 where he represented Turkey. Minister Avcı said during his address that the fault line separating nations, religions and cultures are becoming more obscure. 

Noting that there has been a gradual increase in the negative treatment against immigrants, Minister Avcı said, “We are concerned that parties that view immigrants as the main reason of unrest, unemployment, rising crime rate, impoverishment and other social issues are increasing their vote capacity.” 

 

Turkey’s “open door” policy concerning the immigration crisis

Minister Avcı stated that Turkey has been carrying out its “open door” policy concerning the immigration crisis and went on to say:

“Turkey has allowed more than 2 million Syrians to find shelter on its soil. We have been providing accommodation, security, food, education and health services by spending funds from our national budget without receiving any international funds. Turkey is honored to fulfill its humanitarian responsibility and duty.”

 

Education in the prevention of terror and extremism leading to violence 

Minister Avcı called for a joint action for the prevention of terror activities and said, “Education should be at the base of efforts in the prevention of terror and extremism leading to violence. Within this framework, we believe that ‘Education for everyone’ and “Global Citizenship Education” programs would be profitable and support all objectives and programs concerning the education of girls and gender equality.”

 

“It is important to protect universal civilization heritage” 

Minister Avcı said that UNESCO is at an important crossroads concerning the cultural issues adding that cultural heritage is facing the greatest threat in history. “It is important to protect universal civilization heritage which is exposed to the threat of evil forces of violence-prone extremism. As the president of World Heritage Committee, we are planning to promote result-oriented programs during the 40th session of the committee that will take place in İstanbul between July 10 and 20. 

Minister Avcı stated that Turkey and Spain jointly initiated alliance of civilizations initiative and UNESCO should concentrate on how to make a contribution to the reinforcement of dialogue between civilizations within the framework of International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures.

Noting that he had mentioned the importance of reform for a more influential UNESCO in the speech he made two years ago, Minister Avcı said, “I have stressed that Turkey will continue to give full support to General Director Bokova for the continuation of reform efforts. I had repeated my words to the General Director while she was in Ankara as a part of the first official visit of a UNESCO director in 70 years. I would like to thank the General Director for placing UNESCO in a more dynamic frame despite limited means of the organization.”

Minister Avcı mentioned Gülten Akın who lost her life recently and added, “She was a big poet in my country, she is the poet of elegance. Ms. Gülten Akın has passed on into eternal life”.

Reciting a poem from Akın, Minister Avcı stated that the poet voiced the soul of UNESCO in her poems. 

Following his speech Minister Avcı listened to Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s address at the conference.

Deputy Undersecretary of Ministry of National Education Salih Çelik, Turkey´s UNESCO Permanent Representative Ambassador Hüseyin Avni Botsalı and other officials accompanied Minister Avcı during his contacts. 

MONE © - All Rights Reserved. Services are provided within the framework of the rules set forth in the Privacy, Use and Copyright notice.