UNESCO is 74 years old

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Political Science and International Relations Academic Staff, Assist. Prof. Dr. Özker Kocadal, speaking within the scope of the establishment of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on 16th November, stated that the organization aims to build peace through international cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture.

Reminding that this year is the 74th anniversary of UNESCO, Kocadal noted that the founding philosophy of the organization is based on the assumption that permanent peace cannot be established without the permanent and sincere support of the people, with the existing political and economic arrangements of governments.

Stating that sustainable peace should be based on dialogue and mutual understanding, Assist. Prof. Dr. Kocadal said, "Peace cannot be built without the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity." Pointing out that UNESCO's foundations are built on this understanding, Kocadal drew attention to the importance of developing educational tools that will help people live as citizens with universal values, ​​far from hatred and intolerance.

Kocadal said that the organization works to ensure that every child and citizen has access to quality education, and also strengthens international ties by promoting the protection of cultural heritage and equal respect for all cultures.

Stating that various scientific programs and policies are encouraged by the organization for development and cooperation, Kocadal said, "In addition, UNESCO sees the provision of freedom of expression as a basic condition for democracy and development."

Explaining that UNESCO also serves as an idea laboratory, Kocadal said, “It helps countries to adopt international standards and manages many cooperation programs for the free circulation of ideas and sharing of information. UNESCO's role in developing humanist education, science and culture is very important in the face of the ongoing attacks on cultural diversity" he concluded.