October 19: The 34th session of the UN educational, scientific and cultural organization’s general conference is underway at the French capital Paris. Bhutan is represented at the meeting by the Education minister Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho.

Addressing the general conference yesterday he said ignorance, suspicion and mistrust of cultures and ways of life are among the key challenges at the heart of present international conflict and insecurity.

He called upon UNESCO to spearhead a broader, more coordinated international approach to foster greater cross cultural understanding and building bridges between regions, culture and people through the promotion of educational, scientific and cultural relation of the people of the world.

Lyonpo expressed appreciation for the inclusion of the Drametse Ngachham in UNESCO’s third proclamation of intangible masterpieces in 2006.

While in Paris the Education Minister will meet with the Director General of UNESCO and participate in two ministerial round table meetings.