Egypt has announced its candidacy for membership of the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2029-2033 term. Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture Abdel Aziz Qonsowa made the announcement at the 225th session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris. He emphasized Egypt's commitment to supporting efforts to develop the UN agency and strengthen its role in education, scientific research, and cultural heritage protection.
During his speech, Qonsowa reviewed Egypt's endeavors to upgrade its higher education, scientific research, and innovation system. He also expressed appreciation for UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany's reform vision under the “UNESCO 80” initiative. This initiative aims to enhance the agency's effectiveness, improve resource management, and diversify funding sources. Qonsowa's speech highlighted Egypt's positions on key issues presented to the UN agency.
In the field of education, Qonsowa stressed the importance of using artificial intelligence responsibly, equitably, and safely to improve the quality of education and support teachers. He emphasized the need to preserve the central role of human beings in the educational process. Egypt aims to strengthen cooperation with UNESCO to establish rules ensuring that artificial intelligence models align with students' learning needs and cognitive and educational development.
Qonsowa highlighted efforts to develop higher education, scientific research, and innovation in Egypt. The country plans to implement the Tier 1 model for globally leading universities at five Egyptian universities. This move is expected to boost Egypt's higher education sector and promote scientific research and innovation.
Regarding cultural heritage protection, Qonsowa noted that UNESCO's General Conference had adopted an Egyptian initiative to designate August 21 each year as World Underwater Cultural Heritage Day. This initiative demonstrates Egypt's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting awareness about its importance.
In the field of water sciences, Egypt is interested in strengthening cooperation with UNESCO under the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP). The country aims to benefit from the agency's expertise and international networks in sustainable water resource management, river governance, and transboundary waterways. Egypt also promotes scientific collaboration and capacity-building in this field.
The African Centre for Water and Climate Adaptation, affiliated with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, has been designated as a UNESCO Category 2 Centre. The center plays a crucial role in building the capacities of African cadres working in water and climate adaptation. Egypt's candidacy for the UNESCO Executive Board reflects its commitment to promoting education, scientific research, and cultural heritage protection.
Key points
- Egypt announces candidacy for UNESCO Executive Board seat for 2029-2033 term
- Egypt vows to boost education, research, and cultural heritage protection
- Country plans to implement Tier 1 model for globally leading universities at five Egyptian universities
