Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, who also serves as Chair of the Jordanian National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, took part in the 43rd session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), currently being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
اضافة اعلان
According to a statement issued by the Ministry on Sunday, Dr. Mahafzah headed the Jordanian delegation, which included Jordan’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Lina Al-Hadid, Secretary-General of the Jordanian National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science Sultan Al-Khleif, First Secretary at the Jordanian Embassy in Paris Uday Al-Qaraleh, and Dr. Shahd Al-Tal from the embassy’s staff.
On Saturday, Dr. Mahafzah delivered Jordan’s national address during the morning session devoted to the discussion of general policy. In his remarks, he highlighted Jordan’s key achievements in the fields of education, culture, science, and communication, as well as its leading role in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (inclusive and equitable quality education for all). He reaffirmed Jordan’s strong commitment to continued cooperation with UNESCO and its international partners to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development.
Dr. Mahafzah noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of Jordan’s accession to UNESCO, describing it as an opportunity to reflect on the fruitful outcomes of the long-standing partnership between the Kingdom and the Organization, and to renew their shared commitment to promoting peace and sustainable development.
He also referenced Jordan’s national initiatives in education for sustainable development and green education, as well as efforts to protect cultural heritage and strengthen Jordanian cultural identity within the framework of international conventions.
The minister condemned the grave violations committed by Israel in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, which have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent civilians — most of them children, women, and the elderly — and deprived thousands more of their right to education through the destruction of schools and universities, in blatant disregard of international calls to end this humanitarian tragedy.
Dr. Mahafzah also drew attention to systematic attempts to erase the Arab, Islamic, and Christian identity of Jerusalem and the Ibrahimi Mosque. He reaffirmed that, in line with the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, Jordan continues its dedicated efforts to preserve the city’s historical and legal status quo. He called on the international community to support UNRWA and ensure the continuation of its educational and humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees.
He further emphasized the importance of strengthening joint action on youth and women’s issues, the ethics of science and technology, and promoting freedom of expression and media and information literacy to counter misinformation and hate speech. Dr. Mahafzah also commended UNESCO’s support for national programs and projects across all its areas of competence.
The General Conference is UNESCO’s highest decision-making body, convening every two years with the participation of the Organization’s member states to discuss general policies, work plans, budgets, and to adopt the strategic directions for the coming years.
This year’s session is being held in the historic city of Samarkand—one of the most significant cultural centers along the Silk Road—with broad participation from ministers, representatives of member states, and international and regional organizations. The conference will continue until November 13.
— (Petra)
