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The Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Ms Athena Michaelidou, participated in the UNESCO General Conference on 11 November 2023, during which she addressed the plenary session representing the Republic of Cyprus.
In her intervention, Ms. Michaelidou confirmed our country's continued support to the mission and work of UNESCO. She made special reference to the actions of the Organization for continuous support and transformation of education to keep pace with the progress and developments of the modern world. At the same time, she referred to the Organization's work in all areas of education, affirming its important interconnection with peace, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as with international understanding and cooperation, particularly in times of conflict, such as those we are experiencing today, with the tragic consequences that follow.
The Minister also referred to the Hamas terrorist attack against Israel and its right to self-defence under international law, as well as to the humanitarian crisis in the Gulf of Guinea. Particular reference was also made to the difficulties encountered in providing education in the schools of the Republic of Cyprus, which operate in the occupied Rizokarpaso.
Referring to climate change, Ms Michaelidou stressed the very important role of UNESCO in reorienting education to enhance sustainable development, making particular reference to the global ESDnet 2030 initiative, which aims to strengthen international cooperation in the field of education for this purpose. The Minister assured that Cyprus will continue to work in this direction through the revision of the National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development and the Green Transition 2030, while continuing to support and actively participate in the organisation's initiatives that promote international cooperation and build bridges for learning and cooperation for social, ecological and cultural sustainability.
In her remarks, Dr Michaelidou also referred to the importance of education in creating a deeper connection between the younger generation and cultural heritage, enhancing collective responsibility and facilitating sustainable development. Referring to Cyprus, the Minister highlighted the establishment of the Deputy Ministry of Culture in 2022, an action that has proven to be of paramount importance in strengthening the governance and management of culture in our country, as well as efforts to safeguard our cultural heritage. Particular reference was also made to efforts to safeguard our cultural heritage in areas not controlled by the Republic of Cyprus. Furthermore, Ms Michaelidou referred to the need to include artificial intelligence in the cultural sector, in national policies and sustainable development goals, an area in which UNESCO has already paved the way by recognizing the interconnection between cultural and natural heritage and the need for ethical use of digital technologies.
During her short visit to Paris, Ms Michaelidou had the opportunity to meet with UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Education, Ms Stefania Giannini. During the meeting, the Minister informed Ms Giannini about Cyprus' participation in various UNESCO activities, particularly in the field of Environmental Education for Sustainable Development and the professional development of teachers. At the same time, Ms Michailidou referred to the new objectives of the Ministry of Education and Science for the transition to a modern, student-centred and inclusive school and expressed our country's readiness to present good practices and exchange expertise with other member states of the Organization.
IP
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