Kuwait always gives steady support to UNESCO\'s efforts

Kuwait is giving a steadfast support to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since it believes that this international body strives to bring different people together and to develop world communities, Kuwaiti Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Nayef Al-Hajraf stressed, Tuesday. The minister made this remark to KUNA after meeting with UNESCO's Director-General Irina Bokova on the fringes of the opening ceremony of the 37th UNESCO General Conference, launched in Paris today. "The state of Kuwait firmly believes in the role played by UNESCO that brings different people and different communities together through the sharing of educational, scientific and cultural experiences; out of this belief His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah granted USD 3.5 million to support the international body in its endeavors," Al-Hajraf remarked. During his meeting with Bokova, Al-Hajraf discussed with her means of putting in use the numerous experiences provided by the UNESCO to what is beneficial for the state of Kuwait's educational, scientific and cultural realms. One of the focal points discussed in the meeting was the Failaka Island, where Kuwait presented a file to the UNESCO to consider this island as part of the World Heritage Map; a map that features the World Heritage sites and brief explanations of them. The Minister noted that a UNESCO team will visit Kuwait in February to see the island and to evaluate its historical significance, locally and globally. Al-Hajraf also discussed with the UNESCO chief a prize under the name of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah that is dedicated to support research done on the education for persons of special needs; the latter lauded this prize that embodies the main principles of the UNESCO. He also expressed his aspiration to turn Kuwait, with the help of UNESCO, into an international hub for scientific research directed to those people with special needs and learning difficulties. While attending the UNESCO's 37th General Conference, Kuwait will be signing a joint pact of "strategic partnership" with the international body. Al-Hajraf concluded by lauding the roles played by all Kuwaiti civil societies and how they back government efforts in providing the best educational services to the Kuwaiti youth, especially those of special needs. Several heads of State and some 150 ministers and delegates from all 195 UNESCO Member States will gather in Paris over the next 15 days for the Organization's General Conference. This 37th session, started today in Paris, will shape the Organization's strategy and direction for the next eight years. The Conference is also expected to confirm another four-year term for Irina Bokova as Director-General. She was nominated for a second term by UNESCO's Executive Board last month