Addresses delivered in the general policy debate by the Head of Delegation at the General Conference

36 session of the General Conference

H.E. Dr George Chaponda, Minister of Education, Science and Technology

Speech delivered during the General Policy Debate of the 36th session of the General Conference and posted as received

35 session of the General Conference

H.E. Dr George Chaponda, Minister of Education, Science and Technology

“(…) The world faces the worst economic crisis in living memory. Getting out of the crisis needs a multifaceted approach. Reforming the financial and banking systems alone will not be enough. We will also have to invest in the social services sectors which are the core of development.”
“(…) UNESCO is therefore well-positioned to offer intellectual inputs to enable member states make informed investment choices to move out of the crisis though, among others, its cross-cutting priorities: Africa and Gender Equity.”
“(…) Malawi appreciates the draft Medium-Term Strategy for 2008 – 2013, which is guiding the biennial programme and budget. I am pleased to note that “supporting the achievement of Education for All in countries in need” is one of the two key priorities in the Education programme, because Malawi is one such country in need.”
“(…) I welcome the programme on the Teacher Training Initiative for Sub-Saharan Africa. I do hope that Malawi will be afforded the opportunity to participate and share experiences with others who are already in the programme.”
“(…) All that we have achieved in increasing access to education will come to nothing if we do not address the devastating consequences of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. This is why my delegation also supports the third priority of HIV/AIDS on programmes in the Education Sector. I would, however, add that due emphasis should also be placed on programmes that empower the youth and therefore my delegation endorses the Director General’s proposal to make technical vocational education and training one of the three building blocks for EFA alongside literacy and teachers.”
“(…) The wealth of a country is measured by the levels of science and technology the country has. To cope with the increasing complexity of science and technology, my Government is making efforts to break down the traditional barriers through new policy direction, relevant research and rethinking the delivery of science and technology.”
“(…) We would hope to work very closely with the UNESCO Institute for Water Education to build our capacity for water management.”
“(…) We welcome the priorities set in the social and human sciences in managing social transformation.”
“(…) Malawi fully recognizes the importance of culture and cultural programmes in the development of member states.”
“(…) Africa has a lot to offer towards human heritage, peace and development. I would, therefore, encourage this august session to endorse activities aimed at promoting cultural diversity through safeguarding of heritage and enhancement of cultural expression.”
“(…) Malawi appreciates and values the importance of media in the strengthening of democracy, good governance, human rights and development, especially in our conditions where we are still battling with high levels of illiteracy in our population. Under the circumstances, the radio still remains the most viable tool for dissemination of information. I am delighted that this fact is dully acknowledged in the Draft Programme and Budget.”

34 session of the General Conference

H.E. Ms Callista Chapola-Chimombo, MP, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture

“Malawi appreciates the draft Medium-Term Strategy for 2008-2013, which will guide the next three biennial programme and budgets of UNESCO. I am pleased to note that the “attainment of quality education for all is one of the priorities in the Strategy”.
“I therefore welcome the programme on the Teacher Training Initiative for Sub-Saharan Africa. I do hope that Malawi will be afforded the opportunity to participate and share experiences with the others already in the programme.”
“My delegation also supports the third priority of HIV/AIDS programmes in the Education Sector. I would, however, add that due emphasis should also be placed on guidance and counselling programmes for the youths, to enable them cope with the challenges posed by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and other challenges in life. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is a challenge in all sectors therefore warranting the need for an immediate and comprehensive adult literacy programme, which Malawi is confident, UNESCO can support. Such an adult literacy programme should be seen in the light of alleviating poverty and overall improvement of the welfare of the rural masses.”
“Malawi is a country well endowed with water resources. (…) We would, therefore, hope to work very closely with the UNESCO Institute for Water Education to build our capacity for water management.”
“In line with the Millennium Development Goals, Malawi welcomes the priorities set in the social and human sciences.”
“The Government of Malawi fully recognizes the importance of culture and cultural programmes in the development of Member States. It is my belief that Africa has a lot to offer towards human heritage, peace and development. I would, therefore, encourage this august session to endorse activities aimed at promoting cultural diversity through safeguarding of heritage and enhancement of cultural expression. In a special way, let me thank the Director-General for bestowing the status of Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity to two of our dances in Malawi: the Gule Wamkulu and the Vimbuza healing dance.”
“The Government of Malawi acknowledges, appreciates and values the importance of media in the strengthening of democracy, good governance, human rights and development, especially in our conditions where we are still battling with high levels of illiteracy amongst our populations. Under the circumstances, the radio still remains the most viable tool for dissemination of information. I am delighted that this fact is dully acknowledged in the Draft Programme and Budget. I would, therefore, want to make a special appeal to UNESCO’s donor partners to actualize the strategic partnership for media and development of information and communication technologies to enhance access to information and knowledge, which in turn has a bearing on socio-economic development.”