Madam
Director-General of UNESCO,
Permit me to
tell you how delighted my wife and I are to welcome you on the occasion of your
visit to Cameroon.
I need not
remind you that you are very much at home in Cameroon. By some happy
coincidence, you bear the same name as a well-known locality in the south-west
of Cameroon. By the way, you are an illustrious dignitary of Bokova. The
custodians of tradition have granted you the attributes of that status.
This once again
shows how pleased we are to welcome you here today, Madam Director-General.
Ladies and
Gentlemen,
As you are
aware, our relationship with UNESCO is longstanding, coming on the heels of our
accession to international sovereignty over half a century ago. Our belonging
to this body was driven by our desire to draw closer to all peoples of the
world. As a protector and promoter of the equality of cultures, UNESCO was the
most appropriate interlocutor.
We stand proud
of the ground covered together. To refresh your memory, I would like to recall
the leading role played by your Organization in the creation, running and
functioning of the Yaounde Higher Teachers Training College (ENS) which
recently commemorated its 50th anniversary.
Your support in
the preservation, promotion, expression and influence of our culture is equally
immeasurable. We proudly remember the brochure containing the findings of the
survey conducted under your supervision on all the dances of Cameroon. We do
remember your assistance in preparations for Cameroon’s participation at the
first-ever Festival of Negro Arts in Dakar and the first Pan-African Cultural
Festival in Algiers.
Lastly, I would
like to mention UNESCO’s contribution towards restoring historical monuments
such as the Foumban Palace and preserving our wildlife, especially the Dja
Reserve which features on your Organization’s list of World Natural and
Cultural Heritage since 1987.
Madam
Director-General,
Ladies and
Gentlemen,
With increasing
ideological conflicts and trouble spots, UNESCO’s role in the quest for peace,
highly commendable as it is, needs to be stepped up. For, we must bear in mind
that victory through the force of arms cannot alone ensure peace, that is,
lasting peace.
Lasting peace
cannot be imposed, it is built and lived daily by mutual acceptance and
tolerance which lead to and promote dialogue. All these virtues indeed
constitute the raison d’être of UNESCO.
The Preamble of
UNESCO’s constitution clearly states and I quote: “Since wars begin in the
minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be
constructed”. Unquote.
Madam
Director-General,
The preservation
of peace also entails the fight against inequality and poverty.
You know this
very well because in 2009 you placed your first tenure under the banner of
promoting a “new humanism”; humanism based on solidarity and focused on the
full development of the individual and all mankind.
You gave
priority to the development programmes of African countries. The geographical
and operational reorganization of UNESCO’s services is also credited to you. By
establishing five Regional Offices in Africa, you have brought your
Organization closer to the people, making them more aware of UNESCO’s work.
Cameroon highly
appreciates your support in your various areas of competence and we are sure
that your visit will further enhance our multidimensional cooperation.
In this regard,
I wish to commend the opening in Cameroon of a major UNESCO office for Central
Africa. Pursuant to my instructions, the Government has taken all necessary
measures to facilitate its establishment and ensure its proper
functioning.
Madam
Director-General,
Allow me to
conclude where I should have started. I wish to heartily congratulate you on
your re-election at the helm of UNESCO. I wish to commend the mastery and skill
with which you devote yourself to the service of humanity.
Ladies and
Gentlemen,
My wife and I
now invite you to raise your glasses in honour of Madam Irina BOKOVA,
Director-General of UNESCO, to the success of her mission at the service of
peace and to the sustainability of Cameroon-UNESCO relations.
Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment