"UNESCO was created 70 years ago with the objective of removing ignorances amongst peoples and to build mutual understanding and the respect of the human being in order to create a more positive future and a peaceful world.
"On behalf of all members of UNESCO's Executive Board and in my own name, I wish to express our most sincere condolences to the families and loved-ones of the victims of this most tragic and violent crime.
"On the eve of UNESCO's 70th anniversary to be celebrated tomorrow, 16 November, the Executive Board, together with the General Conference, stands in solidarity with the government and people of France and fully supports our Director-General in every effort she makes to promote the universal values of tolerance and justice and to fight ignorance, hatred and violence to rise above these forms of barbarism that happen here and elsewhere in this world."
Mohamed Sameh AMR
Chairperson of the Executive Board of UNESCO