Jamaica Looks to Access More Support from UNESCO

The National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is to be strengthened this year as part of efforts to ensure that Jamaica is able to access more support from the flagship agency of culture.

This was disclosed by Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna Tuesday, June 18, during her contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

Ms. Hanna informed that she recently addressed the United Nations at the High Level Thematic Debate on Culture and Development, where she launched the country’s lobby for membership on the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

“We are determined to have one of our several heritage sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List,” she said.

Ms. Hanna, who is Chair of the National Commission, told the House that the Ministry intends to seek membership to the UNESCO Executive Board “as we promote the integration of culture within the post Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agenda”.

She said the National Commission has therefore been tasked to create strategic opportunities to promote this cause.

Jamaica’s National Commission for UNESCO advises the Government on all relevant matters pertaining to UNESCO’s areas of competence in education, science, culture, and communication.

Contact: Chris Patterson