10 November 2014 - The Philippines, as chair of the Asia Pacific Group of Member States in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), hosted the annual celebration of the “ASPAC Evening” during the 195th session of the Executive Board on October 22 at UNESCO Headquarters. UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova was the special guest of honor.
During her remarks, Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Delegate Maria Theresa P. Lazaro expressed the ASPAC Group’s solidarity in promoting the objectives of UNESCO - “to strengthen the foundations of peace throughout the world through international cooperation in education, science and culture for sustainable development”.
Ambassador Lazaro also emphasized that the diversity of the Group’s membership was a source of its strength and dynamism, as an engine of global economic growth and development and home to some of the world’s oldest and unique cultures and civilizations.
Director-General Bokova underscored that ASPAC Member States are important partners of UNESCO, and that jointly, UNESCO and the Group could help ensure a brighter future for the international community.
Over 400 distinguished guests from Permanent Delegations, the UNESCO Secretariat, and other partners attended the event, and enjoyed the colorful cultural performances and culinary delights offered by the ASPAC Member States.
Earlier in the week, the ASPAC Group delivered a joint statement during the General Debate of the UNESCO Executive Board Session which was prepared by the Philippine Delegation. END
