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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Minister emphasizes The Bahamas’ commitment to peace-centred initiatives at the 38th General Conference of UNESCO.
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Nassau, Bahamas – Just a week prior to the attacks in Paris, France, Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Honourable Jerome K. Fitzgerald addressed the 38th General Conference of UNESCO during which he emphasized the role of education in the pursuit of world peace.
Speaking on behalf of the government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Minister Fitzgerald spoke of The Bahamas’ commitment to global peace. “We commit our unwavering support in all peace-centred initiatives. We must continue to be relentless in our peace-seeking initiatives and we must use peace not just as the antidote to war but as a means of spreading universal love.”
Minister Fitzgerald spoke to the importance of the timing of the conference asserting that it was taking place at a most critical time. “This conference takes place at an important juncture in global events as the world over has now adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and while the focus remains aligned with the Millennium Development Goals, we have entered the next phase.” He also spoke of the many changes that have taken place since the inception of the Millennium Development Goals; “Now fifteen years after the Millennium Development Goals, the world has experienced the evolution and revolution of a myriad of ideas. While there are still many uncertainties, one thing is for certain; the need for global policies to preserve the world for future generations.”
As it relates to the role of education in meeting the SDGs, there is no question that it is absolutely critical, “As Minister of Education, I wholeheartedly believe that education is at the nucleus of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).” The education minister also touted the fact that the success of the other SDG’s is dependent on SDG number 4. “While Sustainable Development Goal number four which is to ‘ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning’; I believe the success of all the other Sustainable Development Goals hinges on our ability to educate and inform the people of the world of the impact and effects of not taking proactive measures to sustain our communities, colonies, countries, and by extension the world.”
The Bahamas’ delegation to the 38th General Conference of UNESCO in Paris, France. Pictured: L-R are: (front) Dr. Elwood Donaldson, Minister Fitzgerald, (back) Clarence Clare and Dr. Leon Higgs
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Speaking to what is needed to accomplish these goals by 2030, Fitzgerald noted that key factors will be political will and participation of citizens. “By 2030, there are some ambitious goals that we hope to accomplish, and I am optimistic that with political will and by properly informing and having optimal participation by our respective citizens, we can successfully achieve these goals.”
Minister Fitzgerald was accompanied by the permanent delegation of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to UNESCO, His Excellency Dr. Elwood Donaldson; Secretary General for The Bahamas National Commission for UNESCO, Dr. Leon Higgs, and First Assistant Secretary Mr. Clarence Clare. This forum also provided the Minister of Education the opportunity to inform those assembled of The Bahamas’ initiatives to advance the objectives of UNESCO and the strategic initiatives of The Bahamas’ UNESCO office. “In keeping with the mandates of UNESCO, the following were realized:
- Nassau was designated as a UNESCO Creative City in Arts & Craft;
- Our country became party to three Cultural Conventions and;
- We are in the process of recommending several potential sites to be considered as World Heritage sites.”
Minister Fitzgerald also highlighted a few of the events hosted by UNESCO:
- A Regional Conference on the 2001 Underwater Cultural Convention
- A Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Workshop which brought together local governmental and non-governmental stakeholders with a view to develop a comprehensive policy and programme for science and technology for the entire Bahamas. UNESCO sponsored the various presenters and speakers.
- International Jazz Day on April 30 2014 & 2015, an all day event exposing locals to the genre of jazz featuring local bands inclusive of schools both public & private.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald addressing the 38th General Conference of UNESCO in Paris, France
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In concluding his address at the 38th General Conference of UNESCO in Paris, Minister Fitzgerald ended by stressing our country’s commitment to promoting the ideals of UNESCO, “We unequivocally give our support to the continued empowerment of UNESCO to ‘build peace in the minds of men and women’ in order that the world again may achieve solidarity and unity in its pursuits for a happier, healthier, safer world. Together we can empower, educate and enlighten humanity for the greater good.”
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
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