Bangladesh, UNESCO commit to stronger partnership across sectors
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State Minister of Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam expressed a firm commitment to strengthen the long-standing partnership with UNESCO across various sectors, including education, culture, science, climate resilience, youth development, and digital transformation.
She made these remarks during a courtesy call with the UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh Susan Vize at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
Shama praised UNESCO’s long-standing cooperation in the development and progress of Bangladesh.
She said, “UNESCO has a historical relationship with Bangladesh. Among these, the recognition of International Mother Language Day and the recent inclusion of Tangail Sari’s weaving craft in UNESCO’s ‘Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ are noteworthy.”
Shama added that the government is working with long-term goals for quality education, skill development, and youth empowerment.
She called for increasing UNESCO’s cooperation in enhancing the skills of potential migrant workers through technical and vocational education and training (TVET), language training, and the provision of internationally recognized certificates.
Shama informed that the government is prepared to invite the director-general of UNESCO to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.
During the discussion, Vize pledged to continue UNESCO’s support for Bangladesh’s national development priorities. She expressed the organization’s interest in expanding cooperation in various fields, including education, culture, youth engagement, and sustainable development.
She highlighted the potential of Bangladesh’s creative economy, noting that this sector could play a vital role in utilizing the talent, innovation, and creativity of the country’s youth.
Welcoming the potential of the creative economy, Shama said, “It is necessary to include the creative economy in the country’s development plan and integrate it into the mainstream of the national economy.”
During the meeting, both parties expressed their commitment to further bolster the existing long-standing partnership between Bangladesh and UNESCO. They affirmed their determination to work together toward inclusive, sustainable, and knowledge-based development.
