Education must remain a right and a common good of humanity, and technology should be placed at the service of people, President Nicusor Dan stated on Monday in a message delivered during the 'UNESCO 70 Romania Gala,' an event organized as part of the 'UNESCO 70 Romania - Celebrating the Past, Building the Future Together' program.

The head of state's message was presented by the Presidential Adviser for Education and Research, Valentin-Sorin Costreie.

Nicusor Dan maintained that education remains essential.

'Its role is taking on new dimensions, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence. Through its recent actions, UNESCO has reiterated that technology must serve humanity, and that education must remain a right and a common good of humanity—one that fosters critical thinking, autonomy, and responsibility. This perspective is important for Romania. New technologies can contribute to the research, preservation, and transmission of heritage to future generations, while respecting its authenticity and significance,' the President added.

The Head of State recalled that, 70 years ago, Romania became a UNESCO member state, thereby joining 'a project based on an enduring conviction: peace is built through education, science, culture, and cooperation,' and today, after seven decades, this choice 'compels us not only to remember the founding principles but, above all, to continue building.'

In his message, the President highlighted the contribution of Romanian heritage to universal heritage.

'From the Danube Delta to the Monumental Ensemble at Târgu Jiu, from the *doina* to the *camasa cu altita* and the *cobza*, Romanian heritage enriches the heritage of humanity. It is an international recognition that honors us, but also compels us to preserve this heritage, make it known, and pass it on to future generations,' said Nicusor Dan.

He also noted the increasingly strong emphasis UNESCO has placed in recent years on the involvement of local communities and on encouraging young people to participate in the protection and transmission of heritage.

'Such a direction is also necessary in Romania, because heritage is not protected merely through institutions, but above all in a dynamic way—when it is respected and embraced by communities, and when younger generations know it and regard it as a living part of their own future,' stated the Head of State.

The President noted that, throughout the 70 years of membership in the organization, Romania's presence within UNESCO has steadily grown and diversified.

'Today, we are speaking not merely of an institutional presence, but of an extensive network of initiatives and institutions—ranging from UNESCO Associated Schools, universities, and research institutes to creative cities, geoparks, and biosphere reserves. Through all of these, UNESCO's principles take on a tangible dimension, helping us build a society that is more open, informed, inclusive, and sustainable,' added Nicusor Dan.

The Head of State emphasized that UNESCO membership entails the responsibility to protect heritage.

'Beyond the prestige of our internationally recognized sites and traditions, UNESCO means, above all, responsibility. It means undertaking concrete actions. We are talking about the duty to provide young people with an educational system that prepares them for a changing world. We are talking about protecting heritage in the face of climate change and current crises, about the courage to invest more in science and knowledge, and about the uncompromising defense of cultural diversity and freedom of expression,' he stated.

Thus, according to Nicusor Dan, the 70 years of cooperation 'do not represent a mere moment of stock-taking, but a starting point for a new stage.' AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Ghita; EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)