H.E. Ms Rudo Mabel Chitiga, Ambassador Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Zimbabwe to UNESCO, Chairperson of the Group of 77 & China, Paris Chapter, together with the members of the Bureau, today held a meeting with the Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of their appointment.
The Director-General thanked all of the Permanent Delegates for this meeting, highlighting the key role of the G-77 and China in promoting and implementing the Organization’s action across all of its fields of competence. She said that the leadership of the Group of 77 and China has been shown to be essential in bolstering UNESCO’s action and in shaping an organization that assists Member States efficiently and effectively in the implementation of their priorities.
Irina Bokova commended especialy the Group for its active role in promoting a range of issues close to UNESCO’s concerns — notably at a “crucial juncture” when the international community was shaping the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, when the G-77 and China made a decisive impact that led to the adoption of the sustainable development goals of which a number of them are of direct relevance to UNESCO’s work.
The Members of the Bureau of the G-77 and China highlighted how the Group is an ideal framework to promote discussion and explore innovative ideas for stronger action and delivery, so as to promote and better implement the Organization’s action across its mandate, including the importance they attach to South-South cooperation.
Ms Bokova and Ambassador Chitiga expressed their willingness to develop further cooperation and partnership, particularly in advancing implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals where UNESCO’s mandate and priorities have clear and strong relevance.
