Written by: Mohammed Omran

He said Khaled El-AnaniThe Director-General of UNESCO said that the organization celebrated “Africa Week” this week, an occasion to celebrate the cultures, creativity and strength of the African continent.

UNESCO celebrates Africa Week and reaffirms its commitment to supporting development and peace on the continent.

He added that it was a pleasure to welcome the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Judith Suminua Toloka, to UNESCO headquarters, and to participate with her in closing the events of this important week.

El-Anani stressed that Africa is one of UNESCO’s global priorities and lies at the heart of its mission, noting that the organization works through education, culture, science and information alongside African countries and communities to support peace and development and provide opportunities for all.

He explained that this year’s “Africa Week” highlighted a vital issue emphasized by the African Union, namely water and sanitation, due to their fundamental importance in the areas of health, education, food security, development and peace.

He noted that, for the first time, “Africa Week” hosted the International Forum for Non-Governmental Organizations, in a move that highlights the pivotal role played by civil society organizations, local communities and youth in establishing a culture of peace and turning it into a tangible reality on the ground.

Al-Anani concluded by emphasizing the importance of involving citizens and local communities in building Africa’s future, in a way that promotes development and peace and fulfills the aspirations of the continent’s people.

First visit of the Director-General of UNESCO to Mozambique

In a separate context, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, paid an official visit to MozambiqueThis is her first visit since assuming her position, and it is also the first visit of its kind by an official in this position since 2008, in a move that reflects the organization’s interest in strengthening its presence in the African continent and expanding areas of cultural and developmental cooperation.

During the visit, El-Anani focused on the capital, Maputo, where he held a series of meetings with cultural and community institutions, and closely examined the features of cultural and artistic life in the city, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing local communities in the development process.