Larijani: Iran willing to put its cultural experience at disposal of UNESCO

Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani says the UNESCO can use cultural capacities of Iran as a country with rich culture compared to other Muslim states. Larijani made the remarks in a meeting with the Head of the Majlis Education Commission and other members of the Headquarters to organize the second General Assembly Meeting of the Forum of Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians for Education (FASPPED). He said such meetings would help better identify Iran and build links with other parliaments. The most important point is links with the UNESCO, said Larijani, adding that compared to other international institutions, the UNESCO is less engaged in politics, mostly focusing on cultural affaires. "For a country like Iran whose revolution is characterized by its culture, relations with the UNESCO can provide a suitable channel to introduce its rich culture and the international organization can use Iran's cultural capacities." "Compared to other Muslim states, Iran has a good cultural capacity and many valuable cultural works have been done in the country in the field of education since the victory of the Islamic Revolution. At the present juncture, parliamentary relations with the UNESCO can be helpful." Elsewhere in his address, Larijani said certain countries are making efforts to counter Iran and pose challenges. "Our duty is to be vigilant and overcome their defense shield. The 2nd Forum of Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian for Education (FASPPED) provides such a tool." The 2nd Forum of Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian for Education (FASPPED) was held in Tehran from 30 April to May 1, 2012. The two-day event was presided over by Larijani. Established in 2008 upon the initiative of Indonesia in cooperation with UNESCO, the Forum is mandated to pursue realization of six goals of Education for All as required under the Action Plan adopted in the 1st General Assembly in 2010 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Iran hosted the FASPPED meeting because in the course of its two year presidency of the FASPPED, it has taken fruitful initiatives to pursue realization of Education for All (EFA) Goals.