Macut receives Egypt's candidate for UNESCO director-general

BELGRADE - Serbian PM Djuro Macut met on Friday with the Egyptian candidate for UNESCO director-general, Khaled El-Anany, whose candidacy Serbia has officially endorsed.

Macut noted that Serbia was committed to UNESCO's principles and priorities and to accomplishing shared objectives and initiatives within the UN, and that it was working actively on implementation of UNESCO conventions in culture, the Serbian government said in a statement.

Macut pointed out that Serbia supported the global priorities and programme activities in areas in the competence of UNESCO - education, science, culture, information and communications, which are also associated with topics on the UN agenda, such as implementation of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Republic of Serbia is a signatory of nearly all relevant UNESCO conventions and participates in numerous initiatives, international and inter-governmental programmes, the statement said.

Macut informed El-Anany of the challenges and dangers facing the Serbs and the Serbian cultural and religious heritage in Kosovo-Metohija, which is constantly targeted by destruction, desecration and fabrications.

Macut said Serbia and Egypt cherished traditionally friendly relations and successful cooperation within international organisations, and noted that Serbia officially endorsed El-Anany's candidacy for the responsible post.

El-Anany said he was striving to strengthen UNESCO's role as the key driver of sustainable development and peace through education, culture, science and communication, and noted that his vision was based on bringing UNESCO closer to the needs of the people and on efficiency in tackling challenges such as poverty, digital transition and climate change.