Minister Shahin Meets UNESCO Director-General, Reaffirms the Need for Action to Protect Palestinian Holy Sites and Cultural Heritage

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Shahin met today with UNESCO Director-General Dr. Khaled El-Enany at the Organization’s headquarters in Paris.

At the outset of the meeting, Minister Shahin congratulated Dr. El-Enany on assuming office, expressing Palestine’s pride in the appointment of the first Arab to lead UNESCO and wishing him success in advancing the Organization’s mission in education, culture, and science.

The Minister conveyed the greetings of President Mahmoud Abbas and reaffirmed Palestine’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with UNESCO, underscoring the Organization’s vital role in safeguarding cultural heritage, promoting the right to education, and preserving the cultural identity of peoples.

Minister Shahin expressed appreciation for UNESCO’s continued support for Palestine, particularly in the fields of education and the protection of journalists. She also briefed the Director-General on the unprecedented situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, highlighting ongoing violations against holy sites, the widespread destruction of educational and cultural institutions, and threats to Palestinian cultural heritage.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of continued coordination and cooperation to strengthen UNESCO’s efforts in protecting Palestinian cultural heritage, supporting the education sector, and preserving Palestine’s cultural identity.