M. Ara Abramian joins the ranks of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors in support of the “Dialogue among Civilizations”
15-07-2003 6:30 pm Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO designated Mr Ara Abramian as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors at a nomination ceremony that took place in UNESCO Headquarters on 15 July 2003. Mr Abramian is a distinguished representative of the Russian civil society and founding President of the “Union of Armenians of Russia”. The designation came in recognition of his contribution for the promotion of « Dialogue among civilizations and for his relentless support to projects for the development of civil society in the Russian Federation.”
“I am very happy to welcome Mr Abramian to the ranks of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors. His contribution to UNESCO’s mission, especially to the Organization’s efforts to promote a dialogue among civilizations and to enhance mutual understanding between peoples, comes at an important juncture.”
« … The Dialogue of Civilizations is central to my lifelong aspirations. This dialogue is at the very basis of tolerance – an indispensable principle and a sine qua non of peace and economic and social development for all peoples regardless of their race, nationality, religion or cultural tradition. I am happy to be able to make my personal contribution to UNESCO’s action in this key programme” highlighted Mr Abramian in his address.
Mr Abramian has been awarded the highest distinctions by the Russian government among other the Medal of Friendship and the Medal for the Defense of Human Rights.
He was also chosen the “Man f the Year 2001” by the Russian media.
The nomination ceremony was attended by distinguished personalities from the political and business life. Mr Boutros Boutros Ghali, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, H. E. Ms Aziza Bennani, Chairperson of the Executive Board of UNESCO and Permanent Delegate of Morocco to UNESCO, H. E. Mr Alexander Avdeyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to France, H. E. Mr Vladimir Kalamanov, Ambassadors, Permanent Delegate of the Russian Federation to UNESCO, H.E. Mr Teiichi Sato, Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Japan to UNESCO in addition to numerous personalities from Russia.
Mr Serguei Markarov, UNESCO Artist for Peace welcomed Mr Abramian on behalf of UNESCO celebrity spokespersons by playing a piece of piano.
