“The Russian Federation considers UNESCO to be one of the most important agencies of the United Nations system, with a unique mandate for co-ordination of intellectual activities world-wide and affirmation of the loftiest humanist values. In this capacity, the Organization is called to play an essential role in strengthening peace and security through co-operation in the fields of education, science, culture and information.”

             International security today can be ensured not only by working for the establishment of a multipolar world, continuing the process of disarmament, and taking more active measures to overcome the increasingly dangerous gap between the levels of development of particular groups of countries. It is becoming especially important to preserve cultural and linguistic diversity, to establish dialogue between nations and faiths, to pool efforts in order to ensure the survival of humanity in the face of the increasingly acute economic, environmental and socio-cultural problems.

             UNESCO can and must help humanity to respond to the challenges of the twenty-first century. The Russian Federation is ready to contribute to these activities and take part in the elaboration of the corresponding international recommendations and legal instruments.

 The close partnership that traditionally exists between Russia and UNESCO has always been fruitful and mutually beneficial. Using channels of international co-operation in the framework of UNESCO affords the Russian Federation a valuable opportunity to study experience from all over the world and to receive assistance for reforms in the social sphere.

UNESCO, in turn, has always been able to rely upon Russian scientific, educational and cultural capacities, which are international recognised and available for co-operation.

Our co-operation with UNESCO will undoubtedly receive fresh impetus from the successful completion of joint projects underway on the Bolshoi Theatre, the Russian State Library and the Hermitage Museum, which are all major sites of national and world culture.

            The effectiveness of UNESCO depends on its universality, its Member-States’ willingness to make the necessary contribution for its work and the quality of the management of its programme activities by its governing bodies. The Russian Federation welcomes the measures taken by UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura in order to enhance these activities, and hopes to contribute to the reform of UNESCO.”

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