Oman Participates in 222nd UNESCO Executive Board Session in Paris

Paris, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman is taking part in the 222nd session of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), being held at the organization’s headquarters in Paris from October 1 to 16.

Amina Salim Al Balushi, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to UNESCO and Vice-Chair of the Executive Board for the Arab Group, delivered Oman’s address during the session. She expressed Oman’s appreciation for UNESCO’s ongoing efforts despite global challenges, affirming that the organization continues to play an essential role in promoting education, culture, and science — endeavors that merit full support and recognition.

Al Balushi underscored the importance of addressing UNESCO’s financial situation through transparent and strategic dialogue. She noted that ensuring the organization’s financial sustainability requires bold and long-term measures to enable it to keep pace with global developments and contribute effectively to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of member states.

She also emphasized the need to protect and strengthen UNESCO’s field offices, particularly in the Arab region, describing them as “the first line of defense in facing crises” and deserving of full institutional support to operate efficiently.

Al Balushi commended UNESCO’s organization of major international events, including the Global Teachers Summit in Chile, Digital Learning Week, the MONDIACULT Conference in Spain, and the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in China — the latter marking the inclusion of Oman’s Al Jabal Al Akhdar and Al Sareen reserves in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. She highlighted this as a national achievement that reflects Oman’s steadfast commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.

In her remarks, Al Balushi called for strengthening UNESCO’s institutional standing through enhanced coordination and innovative financing mechanisms. She praised the organization’s success in mobilizing extra-budgetary resources and stressed the need for a more diverse and flexible funding model that safeguards institutional continuity and reinforces UNESCO’s independence.

She further highlighted the importance of achieving geographical balance in human resource distribution and promoting gender equality within the organization, stating that “the diversity of member states must be reflected in UNESCO’s work environment to enrich experience and uphold institutional justice.”

Delivering a statement on behalf of the Arab Group, Al Balushi strongly condemned the ongoing genocidal war against the Palestinian people, drawing attention to the destruction of over 110 historical and religious sites in Gaza and continued violations in Al Quds Al Sharif (Jerusalem) and the Ibrahimi Mosque.

The Arab Group also denounced the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar and the targeting of the Old City of Sana’a in Yemen, calling for the protection of cultural heritage sites during armed conflicts.

In conclusion, the Group reiterated the importance of enhancing financial transparency, diversifying funding sources, and strengthening cooperation with the private sector and civil society, while expressing the Arab nations’ hope for an expanded role for UNESCO in supporting the region’s educational and cultural advancement.