The Asia Pacific Group of UNESCO held its annual Cultural Evening at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on 21.10.2010.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson of the Asia Pacific Group (ASPAC) and Permanent Delegate of Sri Lanka to UNESCO, Ambassador Lionel Fernando highlighted the richness of diversity that ASPAC as a grouping possessed and noted the contribution that the grouping was continuing to make to the world body.
He observed that the region had much to offer the rest of the world, be it in the field of education whereby Member States possessed a strong commitment to enhancing education and were engaging wholeheartedly in the provision of every opportunity for the future generations.
In relation to the scientific progress, Ambassador Fernando stressed contributions made through the leading scientists and scientific thinkers over the centuries, in the plethora of sciences.
He stressed that Asia and the Pacific possessing a rich cultural heritage that varies in its forms and manifestations, was also endowed with a natural heritage known for its uniqueness in its biodiversity, rare flora and fauna and treasures of by-gone eras.
The Chair of the grouping opined that it was this wealth, this heritage and these opportunities that ASPAC brought to the global family at UNESCO as all Member States unite with a common goal, a common stand and a common identity.
The Director General of UNESCO Madam Irina Bokova who graced the occasion addressed the gathering and noted that the Asia Pacific region possessed a cultural diversity that was second to none and added that the contribution made by the region as a whole to the enrichment enhancement of the programmes and functions of UNESCO was tremendous. She appreciated the efforts made to highlight the region and commended the activities under taken by all ASPAC Member States.
The President of the General Conference of UNESCO, Ambassador Dr. Davidson Hepburn, the Chairperson of the Executive Board, Ambassador Eleonora Mitrafanova and a large number of Ambassadors, Permanent Delegates and diplomats at UNESCO were present on this occasion.
Delectable dishes from across the region were served on this occasion with a variety of delicacies provided by Member States. Cultural dances were also presented by several Permanent Delegations in ASPAC.
Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to UNESCO
Paris
22 October 2010
