New York, December 1 (RHC)-- Irina Bokova, Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has joined other U.N. figures in paying tribute to Fidel Castro.  

Writing in the book of condolences at the Cuban Embassy in Paris, Bokova expressed her “deepest condolences for the passing of Commander Fidel Castro Ruz, who for more than half a century was a tireless advocate of the disinherited and a promoter of education as a key factor in the cultural, social and human growth of peoples.” 

Separately, in a letter to President Raul Castro, the head of UNESCO recalled Fidel’s “leadership in steering his country through difficult times, fighting for the right to education, harnessing the power of achieving free and inclusive education for all through his initiative ‘Yo si puedo’ [‘Yes I can’].” 

UNESCO’s declared mission is “building peace in the minds of men and women” through culture, education and science. 

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Executive Board of UNESCO Michael Worbs said that Fidel was one of the greatest most emblematic statesman of the 20th century.

Worbs sent a message of condolences to the Cuban mission at UNESCO, expressing his deepest sympathy with the Cuban people over the passing of the Cuban leader. He wrote: “the Cuban leader is an example to be followed by people all over the world, specially his defense of progressive ideas.”

The chairman of UNESCO's executive board declared Fidel's indelible influence on other Third World nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, and his countless initiatives to ensure the wellbeing of his and other peoples of the world.