UNESCO vital in fight against ignorance, says Foreign Minister

"The world needs UNESCO more than ever in the fight against ignorance and poverty, but also against extremism, intolerance and the destruction of cultural and historical heritage", said Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák in Paris on November 17. His speech at UNESCO's headquarters in the French capital was also used to condemn Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris. "The perpetrators of such crimes are ordinary killers, the enemies of humanity. They don't provide solutions; only death. And our reaction must be clear: decisiveness and unity, defending our values and way of life. It is important that we not allow terrorists to influence our program and dictate our agenda", said Lajčák, adding that "Lasting peace and global security cannot be guaranteed without intellectual and moral cooperation among nations, and for this UNESCO is the best platform". In his speech also stressed the importance of UNESCO in disseminating education, supporting science and the protection of cultural heritage worldwide.