Unesco’s 33rd general assembly in Paris
Unesco General Director Koichuro Matsuura’s swearing-in ceremony took place at the organization’s headquarters in Paris during Unesco’s 33rd general assembly. Matsuura was elected unanimously for a second term. Musa Bin Jafaar Bin Hassan, Oman’s permanent delegate to Unesco, who chaired the assembly, praised the work done by Matsuura and Unesco over the past six years. After being sworn in Matsuura spoke of his first six years with the organization, his experience, his vision and Unesco’s role in protecting the world’s cultural heritage. During his term of office, Unesco regained credibility and Matssuura himself was instrumental in getting the US to rejoin the organization. Among those present who congratulated the director were former UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, composer Jean-Michel Jarre, Unesco Goodwill Ambassador Marianna Vardinoyianni and pianist Miguel Angel Estrella.