This gathering was intended to mark the return of the United States to UNESCO, a few weeks after the official flag-raising ceremony held in Paris on 25 july. In the wake of a tragic international context, with several ongoing conflicts and, most recently, the attacks perpetrated against Israel on 7 October, this event was also a clear signal of commitment towards multilateral action, and multilateralism.
The more united we are, the stronger we can build global consensus in the important fields of education, science, and cultural heritage. Thay’s why the message the United States sent to the world by deciding to rejoin our organization is so important.
"Today, as democracies are facing considerable challenges, the United States continues to exert tremendous influence in our fragmented world." She continued, paying tribute to the American scientists, artists, journalists and public servants – many of whom have worked and collaborated actively with UNESCO over the years, in the presence of U.S. astronaut Dr Mae Jameson.
Dr. Jill Biden presided the ceremony and stressed the importance of UNESCO as a platform to discuss and move forward issues of education, science and culture and communication. “It was in that spirit that UNESCO was created. To spread ideas and open minds.” She added: “While I might be biased as a teacher, I think we can all agree that education is one of our greatest shared tools in shaping that future. It changes us – so we can go on to change our world together.” [...] “Let us keep fighting to help young people grow and learn and use their voices. Let’s inspire them with education, and science, and culture. And when we do, we’ll empower the next generation of thinkers and dreamers and doers, helping them unleash their possibility, pushing our human story onward to a better future, together.”
Senator Chris Coons, Chair of the Senate State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS) Appropriations Subcommittee, testified to the importance of Unites States's commitment to multilateralism.
I am convinced that when we leave, the menu changes, the agenda shifts, and the absence of our voice produces worst results. We need to stay engaged.
