Koichiro Matsuura was welcomed by top government officials led by UNESCO Philippines Secretary-General Ambassador Preciosa S. Soliven when he arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 11:30 a.m. aboard a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong.
From May 16 to 29, the Philippines will host the UNESCO-ITI event, which also includes the UN celebration of Cultural Diversity and Development Week and the Philippines’ Ocean Heritage Month.
In line with the World Congress and Theater Olympics the Leaders’ Forum will be held, with UN officials, ministers of culture, Nobel laureates, UNESCO goodwill ambassadors and artists of peace gathered to discuss the following:
• The UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.
• Achieving universal primary education.
• Promoting gender equality and empower women.
• Reducing child mortality.
• Improving maternal health.
• Combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases.
• Ensuring environmental sustainability.
• Developing a global partnership for development.
It is the first time in the 58-year history of the ITI that the World Congress and Festival of Nations will be held in Southeast Asia.
The event is a country project unanimously affirmed by a UNESCO General Conference Resolution and fully supported by President Arroyo.
Ambassador Soliven, in an interview at the NAIA Terminal Dignitaries Lounge, where Matsuura was officially welcomed by Philippine government officials, said the festivities were a great opportunity to showcase the Philippines’ diverse, colorful and interesting cultural heritage.
The presence of the UNESCO experts will also be a chance for the Philippines to solicit their expert assistance in preserving as well as promoting the country’s UNESCO World Heritage sites as tourist attractions, Soliven added. — Rainier Allan Ronda, Dianalyn Dublin, Aivan Dimal