PH Joins Group of Friends for Solidarity, Inclusion with Global Citizenship Education

Philippine Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Philippine Ambassador to France Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Deputy Permanent Delegate Jesus Enrique Garcia II during the virtual launch of the Group of Friends (GOF). (Paris PE photo)

PARIS 28 May 2020 – The Philippines became a member of the Group of Friends for Solidarity and Inclusion with Global Citizenship Education (GCED), which was virtually launched on 26 May 2020, at the initiative of the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Foreign Minister of the ROK Kyung-wha Kang delivered a video message at the virtual meeting. 

The Group of Friends is composed of 11 countries–Armenia, Austria, Bangladesh, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, ROK, Senegal, and Serbia. The group aims to promote solidarity and inclusion to address the challenges of COVID-19 and beyond through GCED. In a joint statement, the group reaffirmed that closer global cooperation is crucial to eradicate COVID-19.

Philippine Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro affirmed Philippines’ support and encouraged development of concrete action-oriented measures for those most in need “to turn this crisis into a catalyst for enhanced solidarity and inclusion both at the national and international levels through the vision and application of GCED.”

Ambassador Lazaro also took the opportunity to commend the ROK for the effective manner in which their government has countered the spread of COVID-19.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay pledged to support the group and its initiatives. The group shall actively engage in upcoming sessions of the UNESCO Executive Board. END

For more information, visit  https://www.parispe.dfa.gov.ph, http://www.facebook.com/PHinFrance, or https://twitter.com/PHinFrance.