Press releases

MINSK, 4 April (BelTA) – Nezavisimosti Avenue in Minsk may become the foundation for a joint nomination by interested countries for inclusion into the UNESCO World Heritage List, the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BelTA after the session of the National Commission on UNESCO Affairs under the chairmanship of Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei on 4 April.

Participants of the session discussed last year’s performance of the National Commission on UNESCO Affairs. Results achieved by five subcommittees (on culture, education, science, and education in the area of natural science, information, youth affairs and UNESCO clubs) were presented. It was noted that the commission had helped implement unique projects in Belarus in the area of integrated education for children with special needs, in the area of protection of the historical and cultural legacy, education, and international youth cooperation. Concrete steps were determined for including Minsk’s Nezavisimosti Avenue into the Belarusian shortlist of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Nezavisimosti Avenue may become the foundation for a joint nomination by several countries for inclusion into the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Participants of the session discussed priority tasks in Belarus’ work in UNESCO taking into account the fact that Belarus had been elected to the UNESCO Executive Board. A plan to guide the work of the National Commission on UNESCO Affairs in 2018-2019 was adopted during the session. In particular, there are plans to stage events in Belarus in honor of the jubilees of Regina Salomee Halpir and Stanislaw Moniuszko as well as events to celebrate the 400^th anniversary since the world’s first primer was published. Apart from that, seminars and conferences on sustainable development will be arranged as well as events to highlight Belarus’ joining the UNESCO Creative Cities network.

Vladimir Makei presented the commission’s diplomas to representatives of the subcommittees, who had made a significant contribution to the advancement of cooperation with UNESCO in education, science, culture, and youth movement.