More than one year into the pandemic, and we are still witnessing school and business closures in most parts of the world. The covid-19 crisis is far from over. Now there is a horrific third wave that may worsen over the coming months.

1.6 billion learners have been affected by the closure of schools and universities, 150 million people are pushed into extreme poverty, and 2.8 million people have lost their lives since the outbreak of the pandemic. Pakistan conveys its profound condolences to
all victims.

Vaccination programmes must be rolled out in a holistic manner because no one is safe until everyone is safe. These global challenges need a global response through multilateralism, information sharing and coordination. UNESCO has a key role in ensuring recoveries of nations

Hence, Pakistan would like to align herself with the Joint ASPAC Statement delivered by ASPAC Vice-Chair, Republic of Korea. We also express our support for NAM Statement delivered by Azerbaijan in her capacity as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Pakistan believes that the Draft Medium-Term Strategy for 2022-29 is critically important since it will culminate in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

Furthermore, it has the right focus on global issues like Recovery from the Covid 19 Pandemic, Climate
Change, Youth; and Small Island Developing States. UNESCO’s two global priorities, Africa and Gender Equality are well integrated into UNESCO’s programmes.

The four strategic objectives of UNESCO especially Objective 1 to ensure quality, equitable and inclusive education, underpin the 2030 Agenda. The Pandemic has played havoc with our progress in SDG4, but at the same time, it has created opportunities.

It has increased our dependence on connectivity, digital infrastructure and distant learning tools. Investment in digital infrastructure and competencies can educate millions of children across the social, gender and economic divides.

In Pakistan, 100 million people have access to the internet and mobile devices. Digital access
to learning resources can address gender-related barriers to education and employability. Innovative public-private partnerships will be catalysts in this
transformation.

Strategic Objective 4 regarding a human-centric technological revolution contributes to
objective 1 in going beyond digital tools. It envisions media & information literacy
competencies to empower everyone. It ensures Open Educational Resources and Open Science to bridge the gap

In culture, we take note of UNESCO’s deep commitment to promoting cultural
cooperation, preserve the heritage and encourage a creative economy through the celebration
of the International Year of Creative Economy.

We see UNESCO as a universal model for gender equality of its staff. We hope that soon UNESCO will also become a truly inclusive and equitable global
an organization with a geographically diverse staff at the Secretariat including at decision-making levels.

We also commend the CI Sector for significantly contributing to gender equality by
gaping the gender digital divide, as well as, highlighting the issue of safety of women
journalists both online and offline

Decades ago, the founders of UNESCO had rightly noted that peace must be based
upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind. Unfortunately, universal respect
for justice, rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms are under threat once
again.

In this unparalleled crisis, it is essential for us to uphold the founding principles of dignity, equality and mutual respect among people, and reject every form of racism,
discrimination, xenophobia, Islamophobia and prejudice.

We are living in challenging times where there are multiple threats to multilateralism
and globalization. It is important that at UNESCO we continue the dialogue and collective
reflection.

Let us strive to build back stronger and achieve the ideals of UNESCO in a post-pandemic world. You will always find Pakistan an active and ardent supporter in all such endeavours.

@UNESCO @unescoisb @EduMinistryPK @AzEmbPak