PARIS: Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Audrey Azoulay has lauded Saudi Arabia’s “Arab Week at UNESCO” initiative, emphasising the significance of recognizing the historical depth and cultural diversity of the Arab world, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday.
During her speech at the closing ceremony of the event, held here on November 4-5, Azoulay added that UNESCO highlights the importance of the Arabic language, which is the fifth most spoken language in the world.
She stressed the need to showcase the depth and diversity of Arab cultures, underscoring the need to bridge the gap between perceptions of these cultures and their rich, complex realities, which have a long history and a vibrant tapestry of differences and creativity.
Azoulay added that the Arab Week at UNESCO conveys a strong message to the 172 UNESCO member states, encouraging them to celebrate their shared values.
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Meanwhile, the Arab Group at UNESCO has also praised the success of the Saudi National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science in organizing the first Arab Week at UNESCO initiative.
In a closing statement of the Arab Week at UNESCO, the group appreciated the efforts of Saudi Arabia in launching the initiative, commending the efforts led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to advance efforts in education, culture, and science.
