Georgian FM calls out human, cultural rights violations in Russian-occupied territories at UNESCO General Conference

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Friday addressed the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, highlighting that “even today, parts of Georgia remain under Russian occupation, and the people living in those regions are deprived of access to education in their native language, of freedom of movement, and of the ability to preserve and celebrate their cultural identity”.

In her speech, Botchorishvili emphasised the role of culture in shaping national identity as well as in bringing countries closer together and fostering unity.

She also focused on the importance of protecting cultural heritage, both for Georgia and for the entire world.

“It is a great honour for me to address this 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, here in the wonderful and historic city of Samarkand. Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and to the Government for their warm welcome and exceptional hospitality in this beautiful city, a place long renowned for its historic role as a meeting point of diverse cultures and intellectual traditions”, Botchorishvili said.

“I would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to Madame Audrey Azoulay for her outstanding leadership during her two mandates as Director-General of UNESCO.We deeply value her tireless efforts in advancing the Organization’s mission and in strengthening its global impact. Culture is what distinguishes us from one another and shapes our identity. Yet its greatest strength lies in its remarkable ability to connect and unite us.Throughout the centuries of its rich and vibrant history, Georgia has created and preserved a priceless cultural heritage - a legacy that continues to inspire and enrich humanity”, she continued.

Botchorishvili further highlighted that the country’s geographical position between Europe and Asia has served not only as a corridor for transport and economic exchange, but also as a bridge for ideas, traditions, and human connections.

“The cultural heritage of Georgia reflects both our distinct identity and the diversity that lies at the heart of our nation.We take great pride in our centuries-old tradition of qvevri winemaking and our unique polyphonic singing, both recognised by UNESCO as masterpieces of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. You are warmly invited to visit the Georgian Pavilion, showcasing our qvevri winemaking, and to join us this evening at the reception celebrating our polyphonic singing”, the FM continued.

“We are firmly convinced that protecting and promoting cultural heritage is vital not only for our own people, but for humanity as a whole - for it fosters understanding across borders, counters forces of division, and strengthens our shared sense of belonging.
The principles that guide UNESCO - peace, mutual respect, and cooperation - are deeply meaningful for my country”, Botchorishvili noted.

She also noted that for Georgia, peace was not an abstract concept but a lived aspiration.

“We know, from our own experience, the cost of conflict and the fragility of cultural and human ties when they are tested by division. Even today, parts of Georgia remain under Russian occupation, and the people living in those regions are deprived of access to education in their native language, of freedom of movement, and of the ability to preserve and celebrate their cultural identity. These realities remind us all of the importance of UNESCO’s mission - to ensure that education, culture, and heritage are protected everywhere, for every community, without exception”, Botchorishvili said.

“We therefore highly value UNESCO’s efforts to safeguard cultural heritage in conflict zones, to prevent the misuse of culture as a tool of manipulation or propaganda, and to promote dialogue as the only viable path toward reconciliation and peace.In this spirit, Georgia remains firmly committed to peace and to the principles of international law - to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of human rights”, the FM noted.

Botchorishvili added that education, alongside culture and science - lay at the very heart of UNESCO’s mission and formed the foundation of sustainable peace and development.

“For Georgia, education is the cornerstone of our progress and resilience. It empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and ensures that the next generation inherits not only knowledge but also the values of tolerance, equality, and mutual respect. In 2025, the Government of Georgia launched a comprehensive reform of the higher education system, to modernize university governance, enhance academic excellence, and better align education with the needs of our society and economy”, she said.

“By strengthening the link between teaching and research, improving quality and accessibility, and introducing a modernized higher-education model, Georgia aims to ensure that its universities become true drivers of innovation, regional development, and social wellbeing”, the FM continued.

She further emphasised that the Georgian Government highly appreciated UNESCO’s leadership in advancing the Education 2030 Agenda and in promoting international cooperation in this vital field.

“Georgia stands ready to further strengthen its partnership with UNESCO and with all Member States to ensure that education remains a force for opportunity, dialogue, and peace.allow me to warmly welcome the nomination of Dr. Khaled El-Enany as Director-General-elect of UNESCO. The Georgian Government extends its full support to Dr. El-Enany as he undertakes his mandate to promote and uphold the Organization’s noble goals”, the FM concluded.