Hungary: 75 Years of UNESCO Membership

The Hungarian National Committee of UNESCO held a commemoration ceremony in Budapest on Tuesday to mark 75 years since Hungary joined the world organization.

In his opening speech, Miklós Réthelyi, President of the Hungarian National Committee of UNESCO, asked the speakers to highlight in their remembrances the enduring values that have defined the ideas and ideals of the organisation since its beginnings, despite the fact that "the world around us is changing almost every day."

In his speech, the President recalled the most important milestones in the 75-year history of the Hungarian Committee, including its accession on December 23, 1946, its membership on September 14, 1948, and finally the establishment of the Hungarian Committee in 1963. He also spoke about the government decrees that governed the organization and the most important positions held by the Committee, highlighting the first Secretary General, Árpád Fasang, who, he said, "did a lot for Hungarian culture."

Firmin Edouard Matoko, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Africa and External Relations, welcomed the participants by video message, while the program continued with a round table discussion on the past, present and future of the organization, led by Katalin Bogyay, former UNESCO Ambassador, and Norbert Kroó, Advisor to the World Science Forum.