The Tribune

JUST a week before the attacks in Paris, France, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald addressed the 38th General Conference of UNESCO during which he emphasised the role of education in the pursuit of world peace.

Mr Fitzgerald spoke of the government’s commitment to global peace.

“We commit our unwavering support in all peace-centred initiatives,” he said. “We must continue to be relentless in our peace-seeking initiatives and we must use peace not just as the antidote to war but as a means of spreading universal love.”

“This conference takes place at an important juncture in global events as the world over has now adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and while the focus remains aligned with the Millennium Development Goals, we have entered the next phase.” “Now 15 years after the Millennium Development Goals, the world has experienced the evolution and revolution of a myriad of ideas. While there are still many uncertainties, one thing is for certain; the need for global policies to preserve the world for future generations.”

In concluding his address at the 38th General Conference of UNESCO in Paris, Mr Fitzgerald ended by stressing our country’s commitment to promoting the ideals of UNESCO.

“We unequivocally give our support to the continued empowerment of UNESCO to ‘build peace in the minds of men and women’ in order that the world again may achieve solidarity and unity in its pursuits for a happier, healthier, safer world. Together we can empower, educate and enlighten humanity for the greater good.”