UNESCO Director-General strengthens ties with Guyana and Jamaica
/ Our Today
administrator
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is reporting that for the first time in over two decades, its Director-General has visited Guyana and Jamaica, reaffirming its commitment to the Caribbean region and placing people at the heart of international cooperation.
During his mission to the region from March 31-to April 3, 2026, incumbent Director General, Khaled El-Enany engaged not only with national leaders, but also with communities, youth and cultural actors, illustrating his vision of “UNESCO for the people”.
In Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness reaffirmed UNESCO’s strategic partnership with the country with a strong focus on culture as a driver of identity, cohesion and economic opportunity. Jamaica’s leadership in the creative economy and its commitment to heritage protection were highlighted.
Ratification instruments presented
Minister of Culture, Olivia Grange, presented El-Enany with the instruments of ratification of the 1970 Convention on illicit trafficking of cultural property. Education and youth engagement were also central to the discussions, including efforts to address disparities in boys’ education and strengthen skills development.
The visit provided opportunities for direct engagement with Jamaican society, from exchanges with students to meetings with leading cultural figures and women scientists supported by UNESCO programmes in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. These interactions reflected the transformative impact of UNESCO’s work at the community level.
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