GENEVA: Saudi Arabia’s permanent delegation to the UN in Geneva organized a reception on the occasion of the Kingdom’s nomination for the UNESCO Executive Board whose election is due to be held in November in Paris. Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Wasel, Saudi ambassador to the UN in Geneva, welcomed the guests, noting that in 1946, 20 countries, including Saudi Arabia, met in London in response to a global call to protect education, science and culture from world wars and unrest. This resulted in the founding of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). He said that Saudi Arabia was dedicated to “one unwavering and deep-rooted goal to build bridges in the service of humanity.” Al-Wasel added that in 2016, Saudi Arabia embarked on a national transformation called “Vision 2030,” which aims to diversify the economy and develop public services sectors including health, education and tourism through a roadmap to build a better future. He added that UNESCO’s key strategic priorities are in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, including education for all, safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage, and innovation for social and sustainable development.