UNESCO – Meeting between Jean-Yves Le Drian and Audrey Azoulay (Paris, 20 September 2018)

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Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian will meet with Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay today.

This meeting will provide an opportunity to reaffirm France’s full support for UNESCO and its director-general, who, in the first few months of her term of office, has given fresh impetus to the organization with respect to its essential functions, especially education and culture. Thanks to its efforts in the priority sectors of education, the prevention of radicalization and the protection of heritage in danger, UNESCO makes a major contribution to achieving the common goal of peace within the UN.

The minister will notably express our support for two major initiatives supported by the director-general:

  • UNESCO’s strategic transformation project, aimed at modernizing the organization, making its action more effective and ensuring that it regains its rightful place within the multilateral system;
  • the "Revive the Spirit of Mosul" initiative which is part of the project to rebuild Iraq, and which is focused on Mosul’s reconstruction in the areas of culture and education.

France is home to UNESCO’s headquarters. It is the 4th largest contributor to UNESCO’s regular budget, providing €13.5 million per year, and has made plans to significantly increase its voluntary contributions in the years ahead, notably in order to support projects associated with the education of girls and women.