Education Minister Prince Faisal bin Abdullah signed a memorandum of understanding with UNESCO’s Director General Irina Bokova to set up the program at the organization’s headquarters in Paris.

Prince Faisal said the Kingdom has allocated $5 million for the program. “Saudi Arabia wanted to tackle all problems through dialogue that deepens the common values of nations and cultures,” he told UNESCO’s Executive Council.

He emphasized the importance of finding a quick solution to the protracted Palestinian issue, saying the situation would hinder all efforts to establish peace and tolerance. Prince Faisal urged UNESCO to raise its voice to protect the cultural and educational rights of Palestinians, as well as safeguarding their heritage. He brought the meeting’s attention to continuing Israeli efforts to damage historical monuments in Palestine. He told the council not to postpone matters related to Palestine any further.

The minister reiterated the Kingdom’s efforts to promote world peace and stability and to spread human values and encourage peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and cultures.

He stressed the government’s efforts to promote education among Saudi women and enable them to play an effective role in society.

Prince Faisal and Bokova jointly opened a cultural exhibition titled “Twenty Windows on the World.” The exhibition of 23 paintings by top artists from different countries is aimed at promoting cultural and interfaith dialogue.