About UNESCO Cairo

Established in 1947, the UNESCO Regional Office for Egypt and Sudan also serves as the Liaison Office for the League of Arab States. The office has a unique dual role and geographic constituency, covering two countries where UNESCO is actively involved. This unique positioning in contiguous territories enhances cooperation and fosters multiple synergies across various domains. 

The office is dedicated to fostering peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, and communication and information. Established in coordination with UNESCO Headquarters, the office serves as a hub for advancing UNESCO's mission in the region, particularly in the context of Egypt and Sudan's unique developmental, cultural, and educational landscapes.

Functions and Initiatives:

The Office operates across several critical domains:

• Education: Promotes quality education for all, focusing on educational reforms, teacher training, technical and vocational education, and higher education initiatives. It coordinates extensively with national ministries such as the Ministries of Education and Higher Education and conducts various programs aimed at enhancing lifelong learning opportunities.

• Science: Through the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme and other science initiatives, the office supports sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, addressing challenges like water scarcity and promoting scientific research and cooperation.

• Culture: Works to safeguard cultural heritage and promote the creative industries, involving collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and various cultural institutions to preserve and celebrate the region’s rich historical legacy.

• Communication and Information: Aims to build knowledge societies by enhancing media and information literacy, supporting open access to information, and fostering digital skills among the population.

Collaborative Efforts:

In its role as a liaison with the League of Arab States, the Office facilitates and strengthens partnerships across the Arab region, aiming to align regional strategies with UNESCO’s global objectives. This involves continuous engagement with the League and its associated councils and committees to enhance educational, cultural, scientific, and informational cooperation and integration.

Strategic Impact:

The Office is instrumental in regional policy-making, aiding in the formulation and implementation of strategic frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework and the Arab Strategy for Water Security. These efforts are designed to address region-specific challenges and to harness collaborative potential to achieve sustainable development goals.

Through these multifaceted roles, the UNESCO Regional Office for Egypt and Sudan/Liaison Office for the League of Arab States remains committed to enhancing educational opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, advancing scientific knowledge, and promoting inclusive information societies in Egypt, Sudan, and the broader Arab region.