PETALING JAYA: The 43rd General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in Samarkand has unanimously adopted four important resolutions related to Palestine.
According to the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA), the resolutions cover issues related to the city of Jerusalem, the impact of the current situation in the Gaza Strip on Unesco-related activities, support for the continuation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)’s education programmes in West Asia, and measures concerning educational and cultural institutions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
One of the resolutions focuses on the impact of the current situation in Gaza, calling for the implementation of immediate assistance programmes, including an emergency action plan.
It also calls for the setting up of a special account for voluntary contributions under Unesco’s financial regulations, and active monitoring to ensure Unesco’s direct involvement in carrying out the necessary measures.
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Another resolution addresses issues concerning Jerusalem, including a specific action plan to protect the cultural heritage of the Old City.
The remaining resolutions pertain to educational and cultural institutions supported by Unesco in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as the continuation of UNRWA’s educational activities in those areas.
The Palestinian delegation to the conference was led by executive committee member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and chairman of the Palestinian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Ali Abu Zuhri; the Commission’s secretary-general, Jihad Ramadan; Acting Palestinian Ambassador to Unesco, Hala Tawil; and the Commission’s assistant secretary-general, Khulood Hantash.
The Embassy of Palestine in Uzbekistan was represented by its chargé d’affaires, Bashar Al-Araj.
According to Astro Awani, Abu Zuhri welcomed the decision, describing it as "another victory for Palestinian diplomacy and a recognition of the justice of our cause on the international stage."
He stressed that the resolutions were not merely symbolic but provided a legal and moral foundation to hold the occupying power accountable and to safeguard the Palestinian people’s rights to education, culture and heritage.
Abu Zuhri urged Unesco member states and international partners to provide immediate financial and technical support to rebuild schools, resume educational activities, and offer psychological and social assistance to students and teachers affected by the ongoing conflict.
He emphasised that Palestine’s education and cultural sectors are now facing a severe crisis as a result of Israel’s continued attacks and reaffirmed Palestine’s commitment to Unesco’s mission of fostering peace through education.
The resolutions also call for special attention to Gaza’s school rehabilitation plans, higher education, preschool programmes, and students with special needs, while prioritising cooperation with member states for the exchange of expertise.
Abu Zuhri expressed his gratitude to all member states that supported the rights of the Palestinian people.
He commended the cooperation between Unesco and UNRWA, particularly in aligning educational curricula with UNESCO’s recommendations while preserving Palestinian heritage.
Arab, Islamic and other friendly delegations also praised the resolutions and expressed their full solidarity with the Palestinian people.
They affirmed that this international consensus reflects a shared determination to end the occupation and to enable Palestine to exercise its sovereign rights, particularly in the areas central to Unesco' s mandate.
