The UAE delegate to UNESCO condemns the Iranian terrorist attacks on the Gulf states, Jordan and the countries of the region

The Permanent Representative of the UAE to UNESCO, Ali Abdullah Al-Hajj, condemned, in the strongest terms, the Iranian terrorist attacks that targeted the UAE, the Arab Gulf states, Jordan, and sisterly and friendly countries, and resulted in the death and injury of a number of innocent civilians, as well as vital civilian facilities, including universities and educational institutions in the Gulf and Arab countries, which represent a blatant violation of international law and a direct threat to the security and stability of the region.
In this context, he referred to the Security Council resolution issued on March 11, 2026, sponsored by 136 countries, which reflects a broad international consensus to reject these Iranian attacks, as well as the Human Rights Council resolution, supported by 100 countries, which embodies a clear international position on the necessity of stopping these violations and ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian facilities.
In the UAE’s national speech at the general debate of the Executive Council of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO, held from 8 to 23 April 2026 within the framework of the 204th session of the Council, he expressed the UAE’s appreciation for the mission of UNESCO and its pivotal role in preserving education, culture and science, especially in times of crisis.
He stressed that the Iranian attacks directly affect educational systems and cultural life, threaten the continuity of the educational process, and deprive millions of children and youth of their right to education, pointing out that the UAE has warned, in this context, that educational institutions around the world are facing increasing challenges.
He condemned any threats or attacks targeting educational and cultural institutions and heritage sites, which not only represent a universal human value, but also constitute basic pillars of the resilience of societies. He expressed deep concern about the threats facing cultural and natural heritage sites, as a result of Iranian attacks and military escalation, especially sites included on the World Heritage List.
He stressed that any future solution must be “based on binding guarantees that prevent the recurrence of such attacks, including holding Iran accountable and holding it fully responsible for the damages and compensation resulting from targeting civilians and vital infrastructure.”
He said: “Iranian policies have contributed to transforming the region from a space for cooperation and development into an arena for tension, while the international community has affirmed its rejection of these practices and the necessity of coordinated action to confront them and prevent their recurrence.”
He stressed that protecting and continuing education and culture is not a secondary issue in times of crisis, but rather represents essential elements for preserving the social fabric, preventing extremism, and paving the way towards sustainable peace.
The permanent representative of the state also confirmed that the international community has clearly expressed its rejection of these actions, stressing the importance of strengthening coordinated international efforts to address these threats and prevent their recurrence, and reiterating the need to adhere to international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, especially the relevant international resolutions that emphasize protecting education and preventing the targeting of civilian infrastructure.
The Permanent Representative concluded his speech by recalling UNESCO’s founding phrase: “Since wars are born in the minds of people, it is in their minds that the fortresses of peace must be built,” stressing that the current stage requires decisive and united collective action at the regional and international levels, as there is no alternative to that to achieve security and stability.