From Ajay Kaul

Paris

UNESCO today pledged its support to India’s endeavour to go digital even as it appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to empower children and women and create an inclusive society.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) needs Indian leadership today more than earlier, its Director General Irina Bokova said while welcoming Modi here.

She referred to the “rise of digital India” and said “UNESCO is committed to support it”.

Praising India, she said, it has “immense diversity, unity of body and mind”, which she said is “important” to Modi.

“We must build on soft power, education, science, new technology, new renewable energy,” Bokova said.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s thrust on Yoga, she recalled that he had once said “we think together, we move together” which is important for inclusiveness in the society.

Emphasising on the need to empower children by providing them education, training and decent jobs, she said, “This means gender equality, respect and well-being for all women and I know how much it means for you”.

She also talked about sustainable development and said “this is a turning point” and “we need to get it right”.

The UNESCO chief said strategic and economic agreements are not enough for lasting peace but sustainability must build on empowerment. India and the UN hold these views in common, she said.

The Prime Minister also thanked UNESCO for its support for education and science in India and for preservation of its cultural heritage.

“In the challenges India faces and the dreams that Indians seek, our approach mirrors the ideals of UNESCO. I speak of our vision and initiatives, because in our own aspirations and efforts, we see the value of UNESCO to our world with great clarity,” Modi said.

PTI