One of the main objectives of UNESCO is to care of world heritage; therefore, heads of state will discuss in Paris how to strengthen the protection of natural, cultural and historical monuments that are of importance for all humanity.
According to the President, the commitment of countries worldwide to preserve the most important creations of man and nature for future generations is of particular significance today. The Islamic State terrorist group, which has taken root in the cradle of civilization, Syria and Iraq, is not only killing peaceful residents and worsening the refugee crisis but is also destroying invaluable historical landmarks. The damage that the Islamic State has done to world heritage is the biggest since the Second Word War.
Lithuania values and protects its national and world heritage. UNESCO heritage experts have positively assessed our country's capacity to strike a balance between the development of energy infrastructure and respect for nature and history when building the LNG terminal in the Curonian Spit.
The Curonian Spit, the Old Town of Vilnius, the Kernavė Archaeological Site, and the Struve Geodetic Arc – all are designated as UNESCO world heritage sites in recognition of their uniqueness and outstanding value to all the people in the world.
UNESCO also works to enhance freedom of expression across the world. In Paris the President will focus on violence against journalists in the occupied Crimea and the Middle East. This year alone, 58 journalists have been killed and almost 150 imprisoned while performing their duties in Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and other countries.
Leaders of UNESCO countries, gathered in Paris, will discuss how to ensure access to education for all the people in the world. Although over the last fifteen years the number of young people who do not go to school has halved, 58 million children across the world still have no access to primary education due to war and poverty.
The Leaders' Forum will bring together more than 20 heads of state from European, African, Asian, Latin American, and Arab countries to commemorate the 70th anniversary of UNESCO.
Established in 1945, UNESCO not only works to preserve world heritage and enhance freedom of speech but also promotes cooperation between countries in science, culture and education.
Lithuania became a member of UNESCO in 1991.