Respect for diversity appealed at opening of 35th UNESCO's assembly

Representatives called for respect for diversity on Tuesday here at the general conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Culture Organization (UNESCO).

"The choice before us is not one of unilateralism or isolationism. The path forward lies in a more imaginative and inclusive form of globalization." Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said addressing at the opening of the 35th session of general conference.

Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic also pledged to the delegations that recent events happened in the Western Balkans pointed to "the importance of respect of diversity as basis" of cooperation within the frame of UNESCO.

Davidson Hepburn, the newly elected president of the 35th session of general conference, pledged on the day that "my goal, with your help, is to make sure that all States have a voice in the affairs of UNESCO."

The 193-member assembly of UNESCO hold in the headquarters in Paris will last to Oct. 23, during which delegations will determine the Program and Budget of UNESCO for 2010-2011 and elect a director-general for the organization.

Bulgaria's diplomat Irina Bokova was determined as the unique candidate for the director-general of UNESCO on Sept. 22 and is scheduled to be confirmed by the 35th session on Oct. 15.

Source: Xinhua