Dacic: Serbia advocates strengthening of multilateralism

BELGRADE - At a briefing for foreign ambassadors on Serbia's UNESCO Executive Board candidacy, FM Ivica Dacic said on Friday Serbia advocated a strengthening of multilateralism as a foundation for its further activities in the broader international framework.

"As a small European country committed to respect of fundamental principles in international relations, based on international law and the UN Charter, Serbia advocates a strengthening of multilateralism as a foundation for our further activities in the broader international framework," Dacic said.

He said that, without a doubt, UNESCO's role was now even more important and more visible than before, the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"I am pleased to note that this was also the foundation our chairmanship of the Executive Board, which will end soon, has been governed by," Dacic said.

If Serbia is re-elected to the Board, experience-sharing with developing nations about its achievements will be one of its priorities, Dacic explained.

"The creative industries sector has seen 60 pct growth since 2014 and GDP jumped 6 pct between 2019 and 2021, with 155,138 jobs created for people aged 25 to 45, 45 pct of whom are highly trained and 49 pct are employed women," Dacic said.

He added that Serbia had continuously supported UNESCO's Priority Africa project in line with the 2030 Agenda, the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the needs and priorities of African countries.

He said education was the pillar and the driving force of development and the 2030 Agenda in Serbia.

Speaking about the state of Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo-Metohija, he said it had been in physical jeopardy for many years now.

"I regret to note that monuments that are also inscribed in a UNESCO list are in jeopardy due to the constant attacks, threats and risks our people and our heritage in Kosovo-Metohija continuously face," Dacic said.