visit of unesco director-general

The Director-General of UNESCO, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, visited the Coleraine campus to mark the inauguration of the UNESCO Chair in Education, Pluralism and Democracy.

It was the first time the UNESCO Director-General has visited Ireland.

The visit of the Director-General also marked the launch of a £3 million programme of research and development by the University’s UNESCO centre. The centre is led by Professor Alan Smith, who holds the UNESCO Chair.

Welcoming the Director-General, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of Northern Ireland’s prominence in the international arena:
“Globalisation means the breaking down of frontiers, whether they divide our minds or our countries. Such visits are part of the University’s contribution to the sharing of knowledge and ensure that the community we serve has its voice heard where decisions are made. UNESCO stands for the international exchange of scholarship in relation to educational, scientific and cultural developments. This Chair has an important role to play in facilitating that exchange.”

Mr Matsuura said:
“To be here to mark the inauguration, within this prestigious University, of a special UNESCO Chair in Education for Pluralism, Human Rights and Democracy, is at once a privilege, an honour, and a pleasure. I note with satisfaction how active your UNESCO Chair has been in its first year, providing relevant educational support for the peace process in Northern Ireland, and promoting international links and contributing to weaving a worldwide network towards a culture of peace. To secure peace is not only to  prevent new conflicts but also to overcome the fissures of past wars. Lasting peace requires action at many different levels, from cementing close economic ties to instilling a sense of tolerance and respect. UNESCO’s duty is to encourage peace-building from the foundations up, by favouring the emergence of a true culture of peace among citizens whose legitimate differences are recognized and appreciated, while their equal and absolutely essential human dignity is affirmed.”

Dr Sean Farren; Kiochiro Matsuura; the Vice-Cahncellor and Professor Alan Smith, holder of the UNESCO chair

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