Foreign Ministry: Azerbaijan always demonstrated commitment to cooperation with UNESCO

"Azerbaijan marks 30 years of UNESCO membership. Over the past three decades, cooperation between Azerbaijan and UNESCO has grown and our country has become a reliable partner in ensuring peace and security in the world on all international platforms, including UNESCO," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a statement, Report informs.

"The National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO was established in 1994 by the relevant order of national leader Heydar Aliyev, and in the following years, cooperation between UNESCO and Azerbaijan was further developed. Adhering to the goals and principles of UNESCO, Azerbaijan continues to operate in all priority areas of the organization and today is one of the most active members of UNESCO.

"The unparalleled services of the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva in the development of our country's cooperation with the organization, promotion of the organization's ideas and goals at the international level and within the country should be emphasized. It is with the attention and support of the First Vice President that Azerbaijan has made great contributions to the promotion of UNESCO values ​​in education, protection of cultural heritage, restoration and protection of historical monuments in Azerbaijan and around the world, intercultural dialogue and other areas. Over the years, 3 samples of Azerbaijan's tangible heritage and 15 samples of intangible heritage have been included in the relevant lists of UNESCO.

"As a logical result of the purposeful policy pursued, our country was elected a member of the UNESCO Executive Board for 2021-2025, winning the support of the vast majority of members in the elections held during the 41st session of the UNESCO General Conference in November 2021.

"Three cities of Azerbaijan - Baku, Ganja and Gabala - are included in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, and the cities - Baku, Shaki and Lankaran - are included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

"Azerbaijan, which is on the path of sustainable and dynamic economic development, supports the noble mission of UNESCO in various parts of the world, closely cooperates with the organization in the implementation of UNESCO values, as well as the idea of promoting intercultural dialogue and peace and implements a number of joint projects. Our country supports the programs and projects of the organization through the Trust Fund, established under the Framework Agreement signed with UNESCO in 2013.

"Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to join and make a financial contribution to the Global Education Coalition, established at the initiative of UNESCO to eliminate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Azerbaijan actively cooperates with UNESCO within the framework of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. Azerbaijan, which was a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property during Armed Conflicts in 2015-2019, has been a member of the Committee again since 2021.

"UNESCO has been regularly informed about war crimes such as the destruction, insult, misappropriation, alteration of our cultural and religious heritage, and the illegal removal of cultural treasures from our country during the 30 years of Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan and the occupation of our lands. After the liberation of the territories of our country, as throughout the country, the restoration and protection of monuments in these areas, regardless of their origin, is among the priorities of the Azerbaijani government.

"Azerbaijan is a multicultural country, all monuments on its territory are protected at the state level and representatives of all religions and cultures are respected.

"The Azerbaijani side has always been committed to cooperating with UNESCO, fulfilling its obligations under the conventions to which it is a party, and in particular, its obligations to protect cultural heritage. For many years, with its experience and participation, our country has made significant contributions to the activities of the organization in the restoration and protection of cultural heritage, both in Azerbaijan and globally. Our country will continue to develop partnerships in the organization's activities, remaining true to the values of UNESCO," the Azerbaijani Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.