Release
The issue of strengthening the cooperation ties between the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and discus Cultural Organization (UNESCO), was at the center of discussion during the working session that took place on Monday 22 February 2010, at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, co-chaired by Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AUC and Mrs. Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO. The working session was held in the presence notably of Mr. Erastus Mwencha Deputy Chairperson and the Commissioners for Infrastructure and Energy; Social Affairs; Rural Economy and Agriculture and Human Resources Science and Technologies.
In his preliminary remarks, Chairperson Ping indicated that the joint meeting was an opportunity to exchange views on the growing concerns of both institutions focusing on the central role education plays in the development of Africa. Quoting the famous writer Aimee Cesaire, Chairperson Ping said cultural diversity is very important as it “plunges into our roots to reach universality”.
Ms. Bokova expressed satisfaction with the existing relationship between UNESCO and the AU Commission, and promised the full cooperation of her institution to ensure that education for all is implemented as a priority for Africa on UNESCO’s development agenda. With regard to the AU Project on the establishment of Pan African Universities, Ms. Bokova said UNESCO is interested in the project and is looking for potential donors for funding.
The Director General of UNESCO further highlighted the issue of cultural diversity which she said is Africa’s heritage, given that Africa possesses very rich and dynamic contemporary cultural industry that can generate good revenue and job creation. She however regretted that culture is not amongst the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). She further pointed out the importance of communication and ICTs as crucial areas for cooperation that needs to be developed with the AU Commission. With regard to the role media play in the development agenda, Mrs. Bokova underscored the need to build the capacity of the journalists through training programs as well as enhance freedom of expression.
During the working session, some areas of cooperation were discussed including infrastructure and energy in Africa, with particular focus on renewable energy; the issue of cultural heritage, cultural industries and social sciences was also debated, as well as rural economy and agriculture specifically in the area of climate change.
Meanwhile, the issue of internally displaced persons alongside peace and security on the continent were also raised during the meeting. The need to organise training programs in the area of peace keeping and strengthen the capacity in peace keeping efforts were highlighted, especially as 2010 was proclaimed the year of peace and security in Africa.
In conclusion, the Director General of UNESCO noted that she was happy with the potential areas of collaboration during the working session. Both organisations reiterated their commitment to consolidate the existing relationship and cooperation ties so as to face the many development challenges on the continent. “I will give instructions to the relevant UNESCO services to follow up on these cooperation ties”, Mrs. Bokova said.
The UNESCO Director General’s visit to the AU headquarters was within the framework of the High Level Group Meeting on Education for All (EFA), scheduled to take place from 23 to 25 February 2010, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, jointly organized by the African Union, UNESCO and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
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