For English, go to 2:39 minutes into the video.

TRANSCRIPT

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The admission of a new Member State is a mark of respect and confidence.

This must be an opportunity to strengthen the Organization and not weaken it, a chance for all to commit once again to the values we share and not to be divided.

Let me be frank. As Director-General, it is my responsibility to say that I am concerned by the potential challenges that may arise to the universality and financial stability of the Organization.

I am worried we may confront a situation that could erode UNESCO as a universal platform for dialogue. I am worried for the stability of its budget.

It is well-known that funding from our largest contributor, the United States, may be jeopardized.

I believe it is the responsibility of all of us to make sure that UNESCO does not suffer unduly as a result.

I am thinking of those thousands of girls and women in Afghanistan, in Africa and around the world, who have learned to read and write, with the help of UNESCO.

I have in mind Khalida, a young Afghan woman from the Paktika Province, enrolled in a UNESCO training course, who said [I quote]:

“My family was hesitant at first about me joining this programme. But I have learned many new techniques and realized that, as an Afghan woman, I can work together with men and service my community.”

Khalida benefits from UNESCO’s work to enhance literacy in Afghanistan.

I am thinking about the illiterate policemen in  Kabul, in Kandahar and other cities, who are learning to read and write to better protect their citizens, thanks to us.

I am thinking of the Iraqi education satellite channel that supports learning to Iraqi girls and boys, including refugees and internally displaced persons.

I am thinking of the hundreds of journalists around the world who are at this very moment harassed, killed or imprisoned, because they stand by the truth  — UNESCO stands by them and speaks out for them.

I am thinking also about the stolen treasure of Benghazi, Libya, for which UNESCO was first to ring the alarm bell.

I am thinking of the millions of lives that may be saved by the Tsunami warning system we launched in the Indian Ocean on 12 October, in response to the 2004 natural disaster.

At this time, I know these thoughts are also on your mind.

The fabric of our societies can be easily torn and is long to mend. I am saddened by the possible loss of momentum and energy in UNESCO.

I cannot imagine we would let these women and men down.

UNESCO’s work is too important to be jeopardized.