UNESCO Director-General Visits Cabo Verde, Pledges Deeper Cooperation
UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany concluded his official visit to Cabo Verde, the first by a UNESCO chief in 23 years, expressing a shared ambition to deepen the partnership between the organization and the island nation. During a meeting with Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho, El-Enany described the discussion as "excellent" and highlighted Cabo Verde's leadership in ocean science, climate resilience, and sustainable blue economy. He is also attending the Fifth Ocean Decade Conference on Boa Vista island, an event he believes showcases Cabo Verde's commitment to these critical areas. El-Enany noted that Cabo Verde holds a "special place" within UNESCO due to its alignment with two key organizational priorities: Africa and Small Island Developing States. He recalled significant past collaborations, including the designation of Cidade Velha as a World Heritage site, the inscription of Morna music on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the Fogo and Maio Biosphere Reserves, Praia's inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for Music, and São Filipe's designation as a City of Learning. The Director-General also acknowledged joint efforts in education for sustainable development and support for cultural professionals in Mindelo following last year's floods. Regarding ocean initiatives, El-Enany pointed out Cabo Verde's pioneering role as the first African nation to establish a National Committee for the UN Decade of Ocean Science, underscoring the country's dedication to marine protection. UNESCO's current cooperation programs with Cabo Verde focus on combating marine litter and plastic pollution, enhancing marine scientific research and biodiversity, and improving sea-level monitoring and early warning systems for natural hazards. The partnership has also led to the creation of two underwater archaeological parks, the establishment of an underwater archaeology museum on Boa Vista, and training for young specialists. In the cultural sphere, El-Enany praised Cabo Verde's contributions to preserving African heritage and promoting Atlantic Crioulidade, noting UNESCO's participation in a recent international meeting on the subject in Praia. He sees the Praia Declaration as a foundation for transforming Atlantic Crioulidade into an international cooperation platform between Africa and its diaspora, fostering intercultural dialogue and sustainable development. El-Enany assured that UNESCO will continue its close collaboration with Cabo Verde to bolster community resilience, safeguard the archipelago's natural heritage, and contribute to its sustainable development.
This visit signifies a strategic alignment between UNESCO and Cabo Verde, leveraging the nation's status as a Small Island Developing State and its geographical position in Africa. The emphasis on ocean science, climate resilience, and sustainable blue economy reflects global imperatives, particularly for island nations facing existential environmental threats. Cabo Verde's proactive engagement, such as establishing a National Committee for the UN Decade of Ocean Science, positions it as a regional leader, potentially attracting further international investment and expertise. The UNESCO Director-General's recognition of this leadership, coupled with the expansion of cultural heritage initiatives, suggests a reciprocal benefit: UNESCO gains a platform to advance its global agendas, while Cabo Verde secures enhanced support for its development and preservation goals. This partnership model, focusing on shared priorities and demonstrable national commitment, offers a scalable framework for other nations seeking to address complex environmental and cultural challenges in the coming decade.
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