UNESCO plans to hold two side events, one on education and the other on incorporating culture into the development agenda, notably through the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF).

The International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures and the continued collaboration between UNESCO and the UN in achieving the Education for All Goals were also discussed.

Irina Bokova and Ban Ki-moon agreed that the recent nomination of Canada’s Governor General Michaëlle Jean as UNESCO’s Special Envoy for Haiti would raise the visibility of UNESCO’s projects in the areas of culture and education, both essential for rebuilding the fabric of Haitian society. Michaëlle Jean has proven throughout her career an unwavering commitment to dialogue and solidarity between communities, equality between men and women, press freedom and the role of education in economic development and democracy.