Tag: UNESCO

UNESCO raises the alarm on reports of illicit trafficking of cultural heritage

Stuart Mitchell

UNESCO is deeply concerned about the recent reports of possible looting and damage of several museums and heritage institutions in Sudan, including the National Museum, by armed groups. The Organization calls on the international community to do its utmost to protect Sudan’s heritage from destruction and illicit trafficking. Since the start of the hostilities in April 2023, UNESCO has been closely monitoring the impact of this crisis on Sudan’s heritage, cultural institutions and artists. In recent weeks, this threat to culture appears to have reached an unprecedented level, with reports…

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UNESCO empowers the media to champion disability equality

Stuart Mitchell

UNESCO is launching a Practical Manual and a Master Class video series on Disability Equality in the Media to provide practical recommendations for media organizations to include the principles of disability equality in their coverage, content production and management practices. The media shapes public perceptions and attitudes, particularly impacting persons with disabilities, who make up to 16% of the world’s population. By focusing on disability issues in editorial policies and programming, producing accessible content and fostering inclusive workplace practices, media professionals – including reporters, editors, technical staff and managers –…

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UNESCO Fosters Dialogue on Gender Equality in Sports, Arts, and Culture at World Women’s Forum

Stuart Mitchell

The UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia organized a thematic session on Gender Equality in Sports, Arts, and Culture within the framework of the World Women’s Forum, held on 22-23 August 2024 in Mongolia. With over 100 participants, the session brought together a diverse array of voices to address the persistent challenges and emerging opportunities for gender equality across these sectors. The session featured opening remarks by Ms. Munkhsoyol Baatarjav, Member of Parliament from Mongolia, and a video message from Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East…

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UNESCO laureates echo call for urgent investment in girls’ and women’s education in Africa

Stuart Mitchell

Sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest economic burden internationally due to early school leavers and children with less than basic skills. The private costs (costs borne by individuals) due to girls and boys leaving school early are higher for girls, equal to around US$190 billion and US$210 billion, respectively, states UNESCO’s recently published “The price of inaction” report.  At the first Pan-African Conference on Girls’ and Women’s Education held in Addis Ababa from 2 to 5 July, which brought together ministers, policy-makers, civil society, and multilateral organizations, the emphasis was on the…

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Significant Data Gaps Found in Research on Indigenous Peoples and Media

Stuart Mitchell

The results of an extensive literature review conducted by UNESCO and researchers from Griffith University in Australia, which included Indigenous academics, concluded that no prior study has examined the intersection of media and Indigenous Peoples on a global scale. This underscores a significant gap in evidence for policy and decision makers, including UNESCO, regarding Indigenous Peoples’ opportunities to express their views and opinions, access public information and media content equally, and establish and manage their own media.  The literature review analyzed 394 sources from all over the world in which: …

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