The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC, Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, has affirmed his commitment to further develop and strengthen bilateral cooperation between the OIC and UNESCO to promote global cultural cooperation, protection of cultural heritage, equitable access to education and advance science and technology for sustainable development.

Dr. Al-Othaimeen has also congratulated Audrey Azoulay on her election by the UNESCO Executive Board to the Post of the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO.

He also commended the relentless efforts of Irina Bokova, the current Director-General of UNESCO, particularly in advancing and promoting cooperation with the OIC. Al-Othaimeen lauded the activities of UNESCO under her leadership in the areas of cultural heritage, education, women empowerment and intercultural dialogue.