HRH Princess Sabeeka receives UNESCO director-general

Manama, June 24 (BNA): Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) has received the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Audrey Azoulay. HRH Princess Sabeeka welcomed Audrey Azoulay, and stressed the importance of UNESCO’s efforts to create suitable conditions for enhancing dialogue among civilisations, cultures and peoples on bases of respect for common values to achieve the global visions for sustainable development, as part of its endeavours to achieve quality education for all, manage scientific policies and knowledge, consolidate cultural diversity and promote the culture of peace. HRH Princess Sabeeka underlined Bahrain’s keenness on strengthening cooperation with various UN agencies, including UNESCO, highlighting the existing partnership between the SCW and UN Women in launching HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women Empowerment, in line with the SCW’s efforts to spread the best effective practices to consolidate women’s status at the international level. Wife of HM the King expressed deep pride in Bahrain’s milestone achievements in various cultural fields, and in the pioneering contributions of Bahraini women to them. In this regard, Princess Sabeeka pointed out that this year coincides with the 90th anniversary of women education in Bahrain, as the first public school for girls was established in 1928, which, she said, contributed to Bahraini women’s leadership in various fields, including the scientific and cultural ones. She also affirmed that Bahraini women’s early acquisition of their cultural and educational rights has contributed to Bahrain’s renaissance. HRH Princess Sabeeka stressed Bahrain’s keenness to ensure the success of the 42nd session of World Heritage Committee, hosted by Bahrain from June 24 to July 7.  HRH Princess Sabeeka praised the efforts being exerted by the President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) to place Bahrain on the world cultural map, wishing Audrey Azoulay and the World Heritage Committee Chairperson, Shaikha Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa every success in the committee’s 42nd session. UNESCO director-general expressed thanks and appreciation to HRH Princess Sabeeka, voicing admiration for Bahrain’s experience in the fields of women’s advancement, citing its efforts to consolidate the principle of equal opportunities to ensure their access to decision-making posts. About UNESCO director-general Born in 1972 in Paris, France, Audrey Azoulay graduated from the National School of Public Administration (Ecole nationale d’administration, ENA), and holds a Master of Business Administration from Lancaster University, Great Britain. Before her election as UNESCO director-general, Azoulay held several positions, including the Culture Adviser to the French President, and the Minister of Culture and Communication in France.