United Nations has made world a better place: PM Narendra Modi

Paris Friday, April 10, 2015( April ) : Paris: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) here, and said that the world is and will remain a better place because of the UN.While addressing the diplomatic community, private sector representatives, UNESCO staff, and leading personalities, including UNESCO's Paris-based goodwill ambassadors, Modi said the organisation has endured and grown after facing many challenges.Saying that the role of UNESCO is increasing, Modi added he feels specially privileged to visit this great institution on its 70th anniversary year.The PM said that India values the worth of UNESCO and cherishes the partnership.He said he is conscious of the extraordinary legacy of India's relationship from the time of UNESCO's birth.The PM said he was grateful to UNESCO for its support for education and science in India, and preservation of the country's cultural heritage.PM Modi



in France He further recalled Mahatma Gandhi's message to UNESCO, calling for urgent action to address the needs of education to secure lasting peace.

“We launched the most ambitious program for skill development in the remotest villages. The programme to educate and support the girl child in India is one that is closest to my heart,”said the PM. Strength of a nation is determined by joined hands of every citizen and real progress is measured through empowerment of the weakest, underlined the PM. PM Modi receives ceremonial welcome in Paris "We shall judge our progress not just by cold statistics of growth, but by the warm glow of belief and hope on human faces," added the Prime Minister. Modi called UNESCO's initiatives to preserve the world's cultural heritage, including in India, as inspiring.

He earlier met UNESCO director-general Irina Georgieva Bokova. During the talks, Bokova told the PM that his priorities resonate with UNESCO's goals.