Lauding the vision and achievements of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) over the past 65 years, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed today (14 December 2010) that the mandate of the agency remains as relevant as ever.

“The Organization's ability to broker new ideas... to bring the right people together... to mobilize political will... to explore thorny questions... to set standards... and to build capacity - these are vital today and for the century ahead,” he said in a video message to mark the anniversary of UNESCO.

Mr. Ban noted that for 65 years, UNESCO has worked to build the defenses of peace in the minds of men and women. It has also promoted education for all, safeguarded cultural expression and supported cultural diversity.