Secretary Briones Sets Out Vision for UNESCO and Campaigns for PH Membership on Executive Board
Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones delivers the Philippine statement during the General Policy Debate of the 39th session of the UNESCO General Conference
07 November 2017 PARIS — Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, as Head of the Philippine Delegation to the 39th Session of the General Conference of UNESCO, delivered the Philippine Policy Statement during the General Policy Debate.
Secretary Briones emphasized UNESCO’s important role in “constructing the defenses of peace” through international understanding and cooperation in the fields of education, the natural and social sciences, culture, communication and information. She called on Member States to join forces to make UNESCO more effective, efficient and relevant to address grave challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, climate change and natural disasters.
Secretary Briones conveyed the achievements of the Philippines under the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in terms of human development policies and programs that are aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
In the field of education, Secretary Briones informed Member States that the Philippines supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 for inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. She highlighted the flagship K-12 education reform program as well as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education.
Secretary Briones also underscored that promotion of science, technology and the creative arts to enhance innovation and inclusive development is an important part of the Duterte Administration’s 10-point economic agenda.
She acknowledged that Information and Communications Technology is an effective medium not only to provide access to information and services but also to channel Filipino’s creativity and dynamism. Secretary Briones also highlighted conservation of biodiversity and natural heritage in the country and recognized the role of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission in tsunami-warning systems and in promoting the International Decade of the Ocean.
As Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during its 50th anniversary this year, Secretary Briones highlighted that the Philippines is leading efforts to continue building an ever more integrated, peaceful and prosperous Community of Southeast Asian Nations as the engine of the Asia-Pacific.
In closing, Secretary Briones requested the valuable support of all Member States for the Philippines’ candidature to the UNESCO Executive Board. “As we have been fervently working for positive change in our country and in our region, so too would the Philippines want to play its part in UNESCO, as member of the Executive Board, and be a catalyst for change, for solidarity, for sustainable development, for peace … in our hearts and minds, for our world and our children, for us all.” END
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