The Office of Count Jonathan of Aquitaine has issued a communiqué reaffirming the mission of the Centre for Education and Diplomacy in Avignon, framing its operations within the world's most important charters and conventions of international law. Established in August 2025, the Centre represents a lasting commitment to education, cultural dialogue, and humanitarian service under the sovereign authority of the Republic of Aquitaine, a constitutional non-state government with legal instruments authenticated under the Hague Apostille Convention.
The Centre situates its mission within the United Nations Charter (1945), particularly Article 1, which establishes purposes of maintaining international peace, developing friendly relations among nations, and achieving cooperation in solving cultural, educational, and humanitarian challenges. This alignment ensures the Centre reflects compliance with binding purposes of the international order rather than mere aspiration.
Additionally, the Centre affirms the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), specifically Article 26 guaranteeing the right to education and Article 27 guaranteeing the right to participate in cultural life. These provisions affirm the Centre's dual role as both an educational and cultural institution, echoing the Republic of Aquitaine's commitment to human dignity.
The Centre acknowledges the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing particularly on SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). These goals establish an internationally recognized framework to which the Centre's initiatives naturally contribute, reinforcing global engagement.
Harmonizing with the Constitution of UNESCO (1945), which charges the world community with advancing collaboration through education, science, and culture to foster peace, the Centre also draws grounding from the European Cultural Convention (1954) due to its location in Avignon. This European commitment is embodied in a city with centuries of diplomatic history.
The Republic of Aquitaine's authority is reinforced by adherence to Hague-based instruments, including the Hague Apostille Convention, which authenticates legal acts across borders. This tradition of lawful documentation underscores the Centre's legitimacy within the international legal order.
The Centre advances its mission under three pillars: Education—promoting access to knowledge across cultures; Diplomacy—offering a forum for dialogue strengthening mutual respect; and Humanitarian Service—supporting cultural and charitable endeavors consistent with international law and human rights. By grounding itself in these frameworks, the Centre positions itself as a partner in the shared responsibility of building peace and understanding globally.
