Permanent Delegate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Dr. Ziad Al-Drees presented here yesterday a working paper in a symposium entitled "UNESCO & Book." The symposium came in the fringes of Riyadh International Book Fair. At the outset of the symposium, Dr. Ziad Al-Dris highlighted the efforts made by UNESCO in various fields, especially in the field of books and knowledge. Then, the Permanent Delegate of the Arab League to UNESCO Dr. Nasif Heti presented a working paper on the tasks of UNESCO in Arab countries, pointing out that the book has a key status in cultural affairs but this status declined recently for a number of reasons such as satellite channels and internet connections. He also stressed that the book is in urgent need to be supported and Arabs all over the world are responsible for preserving their culture . Dr. Heti hailed cultural centers in the Kingdom, highlighting the role of books in developing cultures dialogue. " Cultural controversy does not necessarily mean political controversy," he added The Permanent Delegate of Yemen to UNESCO Dr. Hamid Awadhi presented a working paper on Arabic language in UNESCO in which he stressed UNESCO is keenness on maintaining linguistic diversity. Later, the Deputy Permanent Delegate of Algeria to UNESCO Kamal Abogaba presented a working paper on the importance of books in accordance with the vision of UNESCO, pointing out that the book is a bridge among civilizations.
