EU Statement on UNESCO’s actions and emergency assistance programme for Ukraine - 222nd Executive Board, UNESCO (7.10.)

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union, the candidate countries Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Ukraine, Georgia, and San Marino, Monaco.

The EU commends UNESCO’s emergency assistance programme for Ukraine in all areas of its mandate, and we thank the Secretariat and donors for mobilizing over 70,6 million USD for Ukraine. Russia’s war of aggression continues to inflict a heavy toll on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including on Ukrainian education, culture, sciences and free flow of information.

The EU reiterates its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law. The EU welcomes all efforts towards achieving such a peace that brings stability and security.

The EU continues to stand up for Ukraine with unwavering commitment, including through support for artists and cultural professionals, journalists and media workers, capacity building as well as protection and conservation of cultural heritage.