“This contribution is timely as we are supporting countries which are experiencing deep societal transformations,” said the Director-General, while emphasizing UNESCO’s role in sustaining efforts in the Arab World towards strengthening human rights and human dignity. She also expressed her profound gratitude to the government of Finland for its financial contribution, which comes in addition to other extrabudgetary contributions from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Antti Kuosmanen emphasized “Finland’s commitment to contribute to the current process in the Arab States through capacity building and the transfer of know-how, and to accompany the related countries in their aspiration to prosperity, freedom and democracy.” Ambassador Antti Kuosmanen expressed his sincere hope that Finland’s contribution would contribute to wider achievements in these countries. He also expressed Finland’s full appreciation of the Director-General’s efforts to reforming UNESCO.