Paris, July 16 (QNA) - HE Chairperson of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to UNESCO Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab said that the passing of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, may Allah have mercy on him, represents a loss for the international community, given his enduring contributions to advancing development and expanding educational opportunities worldwide.
This came at the beginning of his address during the opening of the high-level ministerial dialogue titled 'The global compact for sciences - sustainable development: Commitments for 2030 and beyond', held at UNESCO in Paris, France, in the presence of HE Director-General of UNESCO Dr. Khaled El-Enany, and a number of ministers and senior officials.
The Chairperson of the UNESCO Executive Board called upon the participants to observe a minute of silence in mourning for HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, may Allah have mercy on him, in recognition of his humanitarian legacy and contributions to the fields of education and development.
He said that HH the Father Amir believed that education is the cornerstone of human dignity, sustainable development, and lasting peace. His Highness, may Allah have mercy on him, made education, science, culture, and international cooperation key tools for empowering individuals, expanding opportunities, and building more inclusive societies capable of facing challenges, he noted.
HE Dr. Nasser Al Hinzab added that His Highness' support for initiatives aimed at expanding access to quality education, promoting scientific progress, and investing in human capital contributed to establishing a global legacy that continues to inspire the international community and strengthens efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
His Excellency also praised the visionary leadership of HH the Father Amir, his unwavering belief in the values of intellectual pluralism, and the pivotal role of independent media, stemming from his conviction that open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas are fundamental to progress and the consolidation of peace.
The Chairperson of UNESCO's Executive Board affirmed that the legacy of HH the Father Amir aligns closely with the organization's mission of building peace in the minds of people through education, science, culture, and international cooperation, noting that His Highness' contributions in these fields will remain etched in the memory of the international community.
The conference, which brought together a large number of ministers from around the world, aimed to assess progress in implementing the goals of the International Decade for Sustainable Development, review innovative scientific solutions that contribute to addressing global challenges, and strengthen the international partnerships necessary to expand the role of science in achieving sustainable development.
Held under the theme 'Science in action: Charting a sustainable and equitable future for all', the conference highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research, the principles of open science, and promoting the integration of science, policymaking, and society to contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable future, and to support efforts to shape the post-2030 global development agenda. (QNA)