Welcoming Remarks by Mr. Abdulaziz Almuzaini
, Director of the UNESCO Geneva Liaison Office


, at the opening of the Panel Discussion “World Programme for Human Rights Education: What focus for the 4th Phase?” 

Tuesday 6 March 2018 
13:30-15:00 
Palais des Nations 
Room XXV


H.ExcE.. Ambassador Maurizio Serra, Permanent Delegate of Italy to the UN Office in Geneva, 
Distinguished Moderator and Members of the Panel,
Dear Participants, 
Excellencies, 
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to today’s panel discussion on the World Programme for Human Rights Education.

The UNESCO Geneva Office is pleased to join this timely activity, initiated by the NGO Working Group on Human Rights Education and Learning and co-sponsored by the States Platform on Human Rights Education and Training. 

At the outset, allow me to thank all supporters and advocates of human rights education from governments, the civil society and international organizations. 

Our debate is taking place in the context of the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The celebration efforts would be however be incomplete if different stakeholders would do not fulfil the commitments set forth in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular in SDG 4.7, which stresses the imperative of global citizenships values in building more peaceful, inclusive and democratic societies. 

In this global endeavor, UNESCO is playing its role, by helping to develop policies and strategies and by identifying good practices to advance the objectives of the Education 2030 in general and human rights education in particular. 

The adoption of the “World Programme for Human Rights Education” in December 2004 was an important milestone. 

The global action undertaken throughout its three phases hasve been critical to raise awareness and galvanize support to the implementation of the “UN Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training”. 

We need indeed to reinforce and expand the achievements made over the last three phases of the World Programme. Sustainability in our action is vital for strengthening the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. 

At the same time, we should look forward and adjust the focus of our action to the rapidly-changing world which is marked by numerous turbulences. 

Education, notably human rights education, should be adapted to the needs of today’s world. 

Human rights education should help empower young women and men to become active citizens in facing and resolving global challenges and contributing to make their societies just, peaceful and resilient. It should also help learners develop critical thinking, while showing respect for diversity.

I am confident that your deliberations today will be rich and will result in innovative ideas and approaches to nurture our collective reflection on the future focus of human rights education and training. 

Thank you for your attention.