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Strengthening Cooperation with The Egyptian National Commission of UNESCO
OIC of UNESCO Cairo Office, Dr. Nuria Sanz, meets Dr. Mohamed Samir Hamza, the supervisor of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, at UNESCO Cairo’s Office earlier in June 2023.
This meeting was a continuation point to strengthen the cooperation between this bilateral relationship, and a starting point to kick off multiple regional activities, events and to move forward with instant implementation for regional projects.
The meeting’s discussion points were directed towards means of cooperation mechanisms between the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo and the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO in holding and implementing projects, workshops, training courses and seminars in the various sectors "Education - Culture - Science - Communication and Information". The meeting also examined the possibility of exchanging visits between the national committees of UNESCO at the level of the Arab countries to exchange experiences, as well not only at a national level but regionally as well.
In more depth, the meeting discussed technical relations between both the UNESCO Cairo Office and the Commission for intersectoral projects and efforts through identifying common agendas and main issues of priority.
Such issues included fostering the collaboration between both parties on contributing to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan as a top priority through regular support, ongoing communication with UNESCO Khartoum office on supporting on the educational front, culture front and beyond.
More issues arose during the meeting, relating to growing the Community Learning Center Network, extending to better outreach in the governorates.
Moreover, on the Cultural front, the cooperation on contributing to culture and sustainable development was on top of the agenda as well as the interest of selecting the best candidatures for cultural UNESCO prizes.
More issues were discussed, on the science front, and this included suggestions of creating the “water chairs” concept implemented here on a national level, while raising awareness on “UNESCO Chairs” programme.
Artificial Intelligence initiatives suggestions also took part of the discussion today, particularly with raising awareness on AI and Ethics on a regional level.
As the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo is keen on reinforcing cooperation with the Egyptian National Commission, this meeting aimed at strengthening the bi-lateral relationship discussing ongoing projects in Egypt, their state of progress and the possible identification of synergies throughout the national territory. Cross-sectoral initiatives were also discussed to identify opportunities for common action nationally and regionally.
As agreed, meeting of the two teams will take place ever second month as a dynamic mechanism to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the UNESCO programmes, projects and initiatives.
