FM praises UNESCO’s efforts to safeguard cultural heritage in conflict zones, promote dialogue

“Culture is what distinguishes us from one another and shapes our identity. Yet it’s great. Its great strength lies in its remarkable ability to connect and unite us. Throughout the centuries of its rich and vibrant history, Georgia has created and preserved a priceless cultural heritage, a legacy that continues to inspire and enrich humanity,” Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili stated in Samarkand, addressing the UNESCO General Conference.

According to the Foreign Minister, Georgia’s geographical position, situated between Europe and Asia, has served not only as a corridor for transport and economic exchange but also as a bridge for ideas, traditions, and human connections.

“The cultural heritage of Georgia reflects both our distinct identity and diversity that lies at the heart of our nation. We take great pride in our centuries-old tradition of qvevri wine-making and our unique polyphonic singing, both recognised by UNESCO as masterpieces of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

You are warmly invited to visit the Georgian Pavilion, showcasing our wine-making traditions, and to join us this evening at the reception celebrating our polyphonics. Singing, which means that protecting and promoting cultural heritage is vital, not only for our own people, but for humanity as a whole,” Maka Botchorishvili has said.

The Foreign Minister also added that the principles that guide UNESCO, peace, mutual respect, and cooperation, are deeply meaningful for her country.

“For Georgia, peace is not an abstract concept, but a lived aspiration. We know from our own experience, the cost of conflict, the fragility of culture and human ties when they are tested by division.

Even today, parts of Georgia remain under Russian occupation, and the people living in those regions are deprived of access to education in their native language, of freedom of movement, and of the ability to preserve and celebrate their cultural identity. These realities remind us all of the importance of UNESCO’s mission to ensure that education, culture and heritage are protected anywhere, for every community, without exception.

We, therefore, highly value UNESCO’s efforts to safeguard cultural heritage in conflict zones, to prevent the misuse of culture as a tool of manipulation and propaganda, and to promote dialogue as the only viable path towards reconciliation and peace.

In this spirit, Georgia remains firmly committed to peace and to the principles of international law, to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of human rights,” the Foreign Minister has added.

Maka Botchorishvili went on to say that education, alongside culture and science, lies at the very heart of UNESCO’s mission and forms the foundation of sustainable peace and development for Georgia.

“Education is the cornerstone of our progress and resilience. It empowers individuals, transcends communities, and ensures that the next generation inherits not only knowledge but also the values of tolerance, equality, and mutual respect. In 2025, the Government of Georgia launched a comprehensive higher education system reform to modernise university governance, enhance academic excellence, and better align education with the needs of our society and economy.

By strengthening the link between teaching and research, improving quality and accessibility, and introducing a modernised higher education model, Georgia aims to ensure that its universities become true drivers of innovation, regional development, and social wellbeing. We highly appreciate UNESCO’s leadership in advancing the Education 2030 agenda and promoting international cooperation in this vital field.

Georgia stands ready to further strengthen its partnership with UNESCO and with all member states to ensure that education remains a force of opportunity, dialogue, and peace,” Georgia’s Foreign Minister concluded.