UNESCO Representative visits Birjand and attends Second International Conference on Human Security in West Asia

Ms. Kuisch Laroche, Director and Representative of UNESCO’s Tehran Cluster Office visited Birjand on 22-23 April, and attended the Second International Conference on Human Security in West Asia at Birjand University. The first international conference on this topic was organized jointly by the University of Birjand and UNESCO, in November 2008, AVA Diplomatic reports.

 “Living in an environment of peace and security is fundamental to human dignity and development. Human security is often defined as the ‘freedom from fear and freedom from want’. When I see the images on TV of destitute Syrian or Iraqi civilians caught up in brutal conflict, or read the reports of hundreds of desperate illegal migrants dying on overloaded boats as they try to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe, it seems we still have many challenges ahead in achieving that ‘freedom from fear and freedom from want’ for all”, said Ms. Kuisch Laroche.

The UNESCO Representative mentioned that UNESCO looks at human security as a corner stone of sustainable development.

 “Establishing a culture of peace and sustainable development are at the heart of UNESCO’s mandate. This year we are celebrating our 70th anniversary, and since 1945, UNESCO has promoted the right to quality education and the advancement of science and its applications to develop knowledge and capacity for economic and social progress– the basis of peace and sustainable development”, stated Ms. Kuisch Laroche.

Ms. Kuisch Laroche mentioned that UNESCO promotes international cooperation through programmes on the management of transboundary sites such as World Heritage sites, biosphere reserves and geoparks, and of transboundary water resources, as well as Water for Peace programmes. She also talked about UNESCO’s Programme of Action for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence, which aspires to make everyday peace a tangible reality for all.

On the sideline of the Conference, Ms. Kuisch Laroche met with the Governor of Birjand and visited several cultural heritage sites, including the Persian Garden of Akbaryeh, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2011. The UNESCO Representative also visited several local artisans and an NGO working on the empowerment of disabled women.