Skopje, 4 November 2021 (MIA) – North Macedonia congratulated via video message the 75th anniversary of UNESCO, joining the virtual celebration of the jubilee, the Ministry of Culture said in a press release on Thursday. “The Republic of North Macedonia has been a member of UNESCO since 1993, however as part of former Yugoslavia, we have been a member of this world family almost as long as its jubilee. For us, UNESCO means recognition of the cultural and natural goods we have in abundance, as well as promotion throughout the world. 42 years ago, UNESCO enscribed the Ohrid region in its prestigious list, as a world natural and cultural heritage with universal value. We are proud of that act and of all the attention we have been receiving from UNESCO for decades, not only for this pearl in the Balkans. In the world, UNESCO has much bigger and essential role in taking care of cultural and natural goods, education, gender equality, science and information. UNESCO is looking over the humanity and solidarity of the whole planet. Simply, UNESCO is a haven of everything that is valuable, and can be destroyed. With fragments of the most beautiful images and sounds that are ours, but also world wealth, we congratulate UNESCO’s 75th birthday. Its existence is a true fortune, especially in the time to come,” notes the video message. UNESCO’s Constitution was signed and adopted on 16 November 1945 and came into effect on November 4 1946. Starting with 41 members in 1945, UNESCO grew into an organization of 193 member states and 11 associate members. “UNESCO is responsible for the adoption of crucial instruments for implementation of standards, including the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, sponsoring numerous initiatives and leading the implementation of key UN programs for culture, education, science and information,” read the press release.