News by topic: Culture, Education

Indigenous culture, youth among key topics as UN permanent forum opens 12th session

20 May – Around 2,300 indigenous participants are expected to discuss culture, education and health during the 12th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which will include a special focus on youth, indigenous groups in Africa and the importance of strengthening ties with international financial institutions.

In Kabul, UNESCO chief spotlights Afghanistan’s educational and cultural gains

20 May – Education is not against any religion, the head of the United Nations educational and cultural agency told Afghan authorities and families during a visit to the country to promote learning for women and girls, and to highlight the importance of Afghan cultural heritage as a vital economic asset.

Natural resource revenues could nearly double school access in developing nations – UN study

7 May – Developing countries rich in natural resources can make huge gains towards universal schooling if they managed resource revenues better and devoted a significant share to education, according to a United Nations study released today.

UNESCO and China highlight role of culture in post-2015 development agenda

3 May – The United Nations Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and China announced today an international congress on the role that culture plays in achieving sustainable development.

On World Press Freedom Day, UN officials issue call to protect journalists’ safety

2 May – United Nations officials today issued a call to action to ensure the safety of journalists in every country, echoing Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who declared; “When it is safe to speak, the whole world benefits”.

On international day, UN celebrates jazz as a force for peace and cooperation

30 April – The United Nations today kicked off celebrations for the second International Jazz Day, with a concert in Istanbul, along with other performances and educational programmes across the world highlighting the musical genre’s role as a powerful tool for peace, dialogue and cooperation.

UN agency to use mobile phone technology to boost literacy in Nigeria

30 April – The United Nations educational agency today said it is ready to launch a pilot project combining mobile technology and teachers’ development to support primary school English teachers in Nigeria, which has one of the highest illiteracy rates in the world.

Citing press freedom, UN urges Iraqi authorities to remove ban on TV channels

30 April – The United Nations today urged Iraq’s Communication and Media Commission to reconsider its decision to suspend the licenses of several television stations, while stressing the importance of ensuring press freedom in the country.

Syria: UN cultural chief deplores ruination of Aleppo as ancient minaret is destroyed

25 April – With reports that the minaret of one of Syria’s most famous mosques was reduced to rubble in Aleppo today, the head of the United Nations cultural organization expressed her deep distress over continuing destruction of the ancient city of Aleppo, designated a World Heritage site.

UN spotlights ‘bibliodiversity’ on annual World Book and Copyright Day

23 April – The United Nations today is highlighting the diversity of books and the protection of plots and protagonists and other content, while also raising awareness of literacy programmes and careers in publishing, book shops, libraries and schools as it marks World Book and Copyright Day.