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UNESCO Director-General meets President of European Parliament in Brussels

On ‎6 the April, the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, met in Brussels with the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz. The two spoke of the growing challenges posed by the radicalization of young people worldwide and particularly in Europe.

"It is essential to redouble our efforts in education, the teaching of history, human rights, respect for cultural diversity, "said Irina Bokova.

Martin Schulz emphasized the importance of the transmission of history and memory to the next generations and informed the Director General of the forthcoming meeting that will be held on the memory of the Shoah at Buchenwald and the related challenges arising in the education of young people.

"It is important to focus on prevention to counter the risk of underestimating historical facts," said Martin Schulz.

Irina Bokova and Martin Schulz agreed to join efforts in sharing experience between UNESCO and the European Parliament in this regard, particularly in light of the specific and unique mandate of the Organization in this field. They expressed their determination to develop stronger cooperation in the fight against the radicalization of young people.

The President of the European Parliament welcomed UNESCO's action for the protection of cultural heritage and commended the importance which the Organization attaches to this issue. He denounced the destruction of heritage in countries in conflict, including in Iraq and Syria.

In this context, Martin Schulz highlighted the recent adoption by the European Parliament of a resolution on the protection of cultural heritage of the city of Palmyra.

Martin Schulz concluded by stating that the European Commission and the European Parliament are planning to mark the European Year of Culture in 2018.