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Science and Culture at the Heart of Director-General鈥檚 Visit to Constantine
On 12 April, the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, took part in an event entitled 鈥淛ourney through the lights of Ibn Al Haytham鈥 at the University of Constantine I in Algeria. The event took place in the presence of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Wali of Constantine and the Rector of the University and students.
鈥淪cience must build on a knowledge society, based on respect for diversity, access to education and freedom of expression,鈥 said the Director-General. 鈥淐elebrating the science of light is also a reminder of the importance of building a cultural environment suitable for curiosity and innovation, pushing young talent to excel and innovate.鈥
鈥淭his city was designated as Capital of Arab Culture for 2015, and I wanted to be here to celebrate Arab culture in a tragic moment when Arab culture is under attack,鈥 declared the Director-General, referring to the attacks against cultural sites in Iraq and the cultural cleansing that is persecuting minorities and their heritage at the same time.
鈥淭hese crimes are in total contradiction with the legacy of the Arab culture and the message of Islam, which is a message of tolerance, openness and peace,鈥 she continued.
鈥淎rab culture, like all living cultures, is strengthened renewed through dialogue and science,鈥 said Irina Bokova. 鈥淭his message has never been more important 鈥 and Constantine shows us the way.鈥
The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research reiterated the gratitude of the Algerian authorities for Ms Bokova鈥檚 visit the city of Constantine.
鈥淭he City of the bridges is proud to be the Cultural capital for 2015 and serve as the bridge between light and culture鈥 said the Minister in his opening remarks. He further stated that 鈥渢he presence of Ms Bokova has enlightened the city of Constantine and her official visit will certainly contribute to strengthen the longstanding cooperation between Algeria and UNESCO鈥.
On the same day, the Director-General visited the National Museum of Cirta and the Palace of Ahmed Bey, both located in Constantine.
