State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has reaffirmed the government’s commitment and long-term objectives to strengthening quality education, skills development and youth empowerment.
She encouraged enhanced collaboration with UNESCO in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), including language training and internationally recognised certification to strengthen the skills of prospective migrant workers.
UNESCO, CRIHAP strengthen indigenous youth leadership to safeguard living heritage
The issues were discussed when Dr Susan Vize, UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the latter’s office on Wednesday.
The State Minister also conveyed Bangladesh’s readiness to welcome the UNESCO Director-General to Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.
During the meeting, the State Minister expressed her appreciation for UNESCO’s longstanding partnership with Bangladesh and its continued support in the areas of education, culture, science, climate resilience, youth empowerment and digital transformation.
She highlighted Bangladesh’s historic partnership with UNESCO, including the proclamation of International Mother Language Day and the recent inscription of the traditional weaving art of the Tangail Saree on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Dr Susan Vize reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s national development priorities and appreciated the country’s active cooperation to the organization’s work.
She reiterated UNESCO’s interest in further expanding cooperation in education, culture, youth engagement and sustainable development.
She particularly highlighted the potential of Bangladesh’s creative economy to harness the talent, innovation and creativity of its youth.
Welcoming this focus, the State Minister underscored the importance of mainstreaming the creative economy in the country’s development planning and fully integrating it into the national economy.
Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and UNESCO in support of inclusive, sustainable and knowledge-based development.