Towards strengthened cooperation between UNESCO and the EAC

During a recent courtesy visit to the newly appointed EAC Secretary General, Ms. Veronica Mueni Nduva, in Arusha, Mr. Michel Toto, UNESCO's Head of Office and Representative to Tanzania, emphasized the alignment of priorities between UNESCO and the EAC. He underscored the fundamental role of education in promoting peace, the importance of cultural preservation, and the promotion of the Kiswahili language. Mr. Toto advocated for the renewal of the MoU to enhance their collaborative efforts and future initiatives.

In her remarks, EAC Secretary General Ms. Veronica Mueni Nduva emphasized the crucial role of development partners in planning and executing the EAC's key programs and projects. She acknowledged UNESCO's significant contributions across various sectors, including gender, culture, education, and health. Ms. Nduva highlighted that the EAC stands to benefit greatly from enhanced collaboration with UNESCO in these areas.

Ms. Nduva also reaffirmed the EAC's commitment to promoting Kiswahili as the regional lingua franca. She noted that Kiswahili is now one of the Community's official languages, alongside French and English, and mentioned that July 7th is celebrated as World Kiswahili Language Day.

East African Community (EAC)