UNESCO and South Sudan Strengthen Cooperation
In an effort to strengthen cooperation and partnership with UNESCO key line ministries, an Inter-ministerial meeting with Prof. Hubert Gijzen, UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa was held on 10 March 2022 in Juba, South Sudan.
The meeting brought together Ministers and senior government officials from the Ministry of Information, Telecommunication and Postal services, Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of General Education and Instruction, Ministry of Mining, Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Conservation.
The meeting presented an opportunity to take stock of the cooperation between the government of South Sudan and UNESCO programmes and to discuss opportunities for future collaboration in the fields of Education, Culture, Communication and Information, and the Social & Human and Natural sciences. The meeting identified both challenges and opportunities for enhancing future cooperation in all fields of competence, including on youth, freshwater and natural and cultural heritage. The adoption of digital technology and Science, Technology and Innovation was emphasized for all sectors to promote sustainable and economic development.
Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth, Minister for Information, Telecommunication and Postal services noted the need for embracing digital technology and E-learning for the progress of all sectors in South Sudan.
For his part, Prof. Hubert Gijzen, UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa, emphasized the need for investment in Science, Technology, Innovation and Energy to fast track economic and sustainable development. Prof. Hubert also, called on for the empowerment of the Youth through Education (TVET) and capacity building.
The meeting also stressed the importance for South Sudan to establish a National Commission for UNESCO in line with the Organization’s Constitution, which will also foster intersectoral and inter-ministerial collaboration to tackle challenges faced by the various sectors and the young Nation.