The 220th session of the UNESCO Executive Board has officially commenced at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris.

Opening of the 220th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board

(14 October 2024 – Paris, UNESCO Headquarters)

The 220th session of the UNESCO Executive Board has officially commenced at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, gathering delegates from around the globe to engage in crucial discussions on over 45 agenda items. This session will focus on reviewing the implementation of past resolutions, endorsing new initiatives, advancing global educational, scientific, and cultural objectives, and strengthening cooperation with UNESCO’s non-governmental partners. Key financial matters, including preparations for the draft 43 C/5 budget program, which will shape UNESCO’s strategic priorities in the coming years, are also on the agenda.

A particularly significant topic of discussion is Item 19, which addresses the procedures for electing the next Director-General of UNESCO, with the election scheduled for October 2025. This session marks a historic moment for Liberia, as it is the first time in 43 years that the country sits among the 54 members of the Executive Board to participate in the election procedures.

Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, Minister of Education of the Republic of Liberia, delivered a compelling address during the session, highlighting the progress Liberia has made in strengthening our educational system despite ongoing challenges. She noted that the country continues to face the lingering effects of civil wars, the 2014 Ebola outbreak, and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Liberia has remained resilient, with significant improvements in access, equity, and quality of education, thanks in part to UNESCO’s vital support.

Dr. Jallah underscored the necessity for increased investment in teacher and school leader training and improving digital accessibility to address the shortage of qualified teachers and inadequate school infrastructure, which are major barriers to enhancing learning outcomes. She emphasized the government’s commitment to girls’ education, inclusive education, and gender equality, calling for sustained international collaboration to ensure that all children, especially girls, have access to quality education.

A key appeal in Dr. Jallah’s speech was the call for the reopening of the UNESCO Antenna Office in Liberia. The closure of this office has limited Liberia’s capacity to fully engage with UNESCO programs and initiatives. As a founding member of UNESCO, Dr. Jallah emphasized the need for greater Liberian representation within the organization, noting that the country currently has only one representative based in a field office, far from UNESCO’s headquarters.

Additionally, she highlighted the importance of youth development, noting that over 60% of Liberia’s population is under the age of 25. Dr. Jallah reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a means of equipping youth with the necessary skills for national development. She urged UNESCO to expand its support for Liberia’s initiatives in this sector.

In conclusion, Dr. Jallah reaffirmed Liberia’s strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4—ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. She expressed confidence that, with continued support from UNESCO, Liberia would not only overcome its current challenges but also strengthen its educational system. Furthermore, she reiterated Liberia’s support for UNESCO’s “Priority Africa” initiative, advocating for its alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a more inclusive and sustainable future for Africa.

As Liberia prepares to actively participate in the procedures for the election of the next Director-General of UNESCO in October 2025, the country looks forward to continuing its engagement with UNESCO’s work to advance education, scientific and cultural development, and sustainable progress on a global scale.

For further information regarding the Ministry of Education, please follow the MoE Facebook page: Ministry of Education-Liberia

website: moeliberia.com or kindly call MoE Hotline 1416



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