Save the Planet Earth
By Bektur Kadyrov, Gulyaim TULESHEVA
The main topic of discussion was the further sustainable development through promotion of a global ethics, based on respect for universal human rights, intercultural dialogue and social equality.
Kazakhstan’s national federation of UNESCO clubs (KNFC) was established in 2009 (the World federation – in 1946) and today it includes 26 centers with more than two thousand members.
In January 2013 at the expanded meeting a development program for 2013-2015 was adopted to define new tasks and key activities of the organization: «Cultural heritage in training the youth», «Cross-cultural and creative training of the youth», «Moral education of youth».
President of the KNFC UNESCO — Deputy Oil and Gas Minister Bolat Akchulakov opened the conference. Chairman of Kazakhstan National Commission for UNESCO and ISESCO, Astana Mayor I. Tasmagambetov and director of the Foundation of the First President of Kazakhstan Dariga Nazarbayeva sent their greetings to the forum.
Vice-Minister of Culture and Information Askar Buribaev, president of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations George Christophides, President of Asian-Pacific federation (which includes KNFC) — Yoo Jaykun, and president of the European federation — Daniela Popescu made welcoming addresses there.
A press conference was attended by the Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to UNESCO Olzhas Suleimenov and president of the National Committee of Greece to UNESCO Maria Ekaterini Papachristopulu-Gigikosta.
A plenary session was devoted to development of global ethics, its fundamental criteria, and was chaired by George Christophides. «Socio-economic, political, environmental and cultural challenges to promote the ideas of sustainable development» and «Interaction of civil society and business to promote the culture of peace, understanding and sustainable development» were discussed there.
In the end of the discussions, the Astana Declaration was adopted, which will be submitted to UNESCO. Director General Irina Bokova in the frames of the International Decade for Rapprochement of Cultures for 2013-2022. It urges to unite efforts to develop education for the youth, promote intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity, as well as to prevent discrimination, violence, racism and xenophobia.
The ways for maintaining social stability and cultural systems, including reducing the number of destructive conflicts between people, development of effective methods for the rational use of sustainable energy and material saving technologies, new areas and new formats of interaction between civil society and business community are required to ensure peace and sustainable development.
The Declaration proposes to approve the principles of mutual respect, tolerance and understanding among peoples for further enhancement of the dialogue of cultures and international cooperation. The document also defined other goals.
Youth Art Festival «The Routes of the Silk Way» is to be held in the frames of the conference.
The Forum ends on Saturday.
