Monaco Takes Part in the 40th Session of UNESCO's General Conference

Laurent Anselmi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, at the 40^th session of UNESCO's General Conference ©DR

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Laurent Anselmi, accompanied by H.E. Ms. Yvette Lambin-Berti, Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Monaco, and other members of the delegation, took part in the 40^th session of UNESCO's General Conference, which is being held in Paris until 27 November.

On Thursday 14 November, Mr. Anselmi addressed the Assembly during the general policy debate, welcoming UNESCO's crucial role in promoting education for all, especially girls.  He recalled the actions undertaken by Monaco in this field, notably its support for a project to provide schooling for vulnerable children in Burundi, undertaken in association with UNESCO.

With regard to culture, Monaco renewed its support for the "Revive the Spirit of Mosul" initiative, launched in February 2018 by the Director-General of UNESCO.  The aim of this project is to support the reconstruction of the city, which was decimated by the war, in particular through UNESCO's Heritage Emergency Fund, in which Monaco has been involved since the Fund was first established.

In addition, while recalling the importance that the Principality places on science, the Minister welcomed the dialogue on open science that had been included on the agenda of the discussions.  He emphasised that protecting the oceans was still a priority commitment for the Prince's Government, as demonstrated by Monaco hosting the IPCC's meeting last September.

Finally, highlighting Monaco's aim of becoming a "smart city," he welcomed the adoption of a roadmap for creating an ethical tool in the field of artificial intelligence and encouraged the Organization to take on this role as a pioneer in this regard.