The Founding President of the Diplomatic Council, Ambassador Buddhi Athauda, has presented his credentials to Emmanuel Macron, President of France. The festive ceremony took place at the Élysée Palast.

Dinner in a select circle

Following his official accreditation Ambassador Buddhi Athauda invited a selected group of dignitaries to a festive reception in a very select circle in his residence.

Permanent Representative to UNESCO

In his speech he emphasized the importance of economic diplomacy, in particular with respect to UNESCO. Ambassador Buddhi Athauda is also the Sri Lankan Ambassador to UNESCO. “UNESCO has been doing an outstanding work in the field of education, science and culture, however, it needs to get closer to the economy” he explains.

The Diplomatic Council reception was also attended by Ambassador Ahmad Jalali. He is accredited with UNESCO for over 15 years, has served as a UNESCO president for one period and is now a member of the UNESCO Executive Board. In his congratulation speech to Ambassador Buddhi Athauda he expressed his delight at the Diplomatic Council’s engagement toward bringing more business aspects to UNESCO. Both Ambassadors agreed to work more closely to strengthen the significance of the economy to UNESCO.

Paris-based UNESCO is one of the 17 legally independent special organizations of the United Nations and was founded in November 1945 by 7 countries. It was signed in London and came into being in November 1946. Today UNESCO has 195 member states.

With Ambassador Athauda residing in Paris, the Diplomatic Council will start establishing a new Diplomatic Council Mission there under his leadership and with the support of a 30-strong team in order to strengthen the relation with its French members and become involved in the UNESCO work.