UNESCO to resume cooperation with Libya

UNESCO is preparing a meeting on Libya?s rich cultural heritage

Published on 22 September 2011

Author(s): UNESCOPRESS

Type:  Press release

The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, has welcomed the U.N. General Assembly’s recognition of Libya’s National Transitional Council as the country’s legitimate government and announced that UNESCO is looking forward to placing its expertise at the disposal of the new authorities."

I welcome the return of Libya to the international community,” the Director-General said. “We stand ready to help the Libyan people in advancing human dignity and rights as part of a new era. May the raising of the new flag of Libya alongside those of UNESCO’s other Member States, herald the dawn of an age of reconciliation and recovery for the country.

"Our Organization is looking forward to assisting Libya in the fields of education, culture, science and media development to sustain their aspirations and efforts promoting human rights, freedom of expression, justice and women’s empowerment," concluded Irina Bokova.

The Organization is taking steps to resume its cooperation with the new Libyan authorities, laying priority on the rebuilding of the educational system at all levels and the media landscape to favour the emergence of a pluralistic media environment.

UNESCO is also preparing to host an international meeting of experts and stakeholders to identify the needs, and measures to be taken, to preserve Libya’s rich cultural heritage, including its five World Heritage sites.

UNESCO has been actively involved in other countries of the region, namely Tunisia and Egypt, helping them in its fields of competence, following the Arab Spring.

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