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Díaz-Canel receives Director-General of UNESCO
The President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel DíazCanel Bermúdez received this Friday the DirectorGeneral of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO Ms Audrey Azoulay who is on an official visit to our country In a cordial atmosphere they discussed the state of current ties between UNESCO and Cuba and ratified their willingness to continue to strengthen them Likewise they highlighted the priority both parties have given to develop education culture and science as well as the use of the information and communication technologies In addition they exchanged ideas on other themes relative to the Organizations mandate Accompanying the distinguished visitor were UNESCO Assistant DirectorGeneral for Culture Ernesto Ottone Ramírez and the head of the UNESCO Latin American and Caribbean Unit in Havana Ms Sophia ElAkremi Also present on behalf of Cuba were the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo the Director of the Cuban National Commission of UNESCO Oscar León González and the Ambassador appointed to UNESCO Yahima Esquivel Moynelo Source Presidency of the Republic of Cuba Photo Estudios Revolución Note Unofficial translation provided by UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean  
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UNESCO Director-General participates in the celebration of CNCU anniversary
The DirectorGeneral of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay recognized the excellent work the Republic of Cuba has carried out in all the Organizations domains of competence and the fruitful relations established with UNESCO The highranking official participated in the commemoration of the 72nd anniversary of the Cuban National Commission of UNESCO CNCU during which she addressed and spoke with members of the Commission and the UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean as well as representatives of agencies and institutions linked to the work of the Organization Moreover the celebration was an ideal framework for the inauguration at the CNCU venue of the Cuban Heritage Cities exhibition which presents an array of current images of these cities and denotes the efforts being made to conserve them The photos were taken by the outstanding Cuban photographer Julio Larramendi
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UNESCO Director-General visits the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
The DirectorGeneral of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay visited Sierra del Rosario an environmental protection complex inscribed on the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Programme since 1985 The reserve located in western Cuba has several ecological stations At the Centre for Environmental Research and Services visitors were informed of the origins of this innovative project launched in 1968 Its aim far ahead of its time is to stimulate an ecological behaviour and accompany the great reforestation project in the region The UNESCO highranking official was able to perceive the achievements of this programme as well as its exuberant flora and fauna A Tocororo Cubas national bird honoured her with its presence She also visited the town of Las Terrazas a part of the complex characterized by its active community participation in complete harmony with its natural setting Ecological tourism is one of the activities that the community offers The sighting of endemic birds one of its major attractions has helped the world know of this marvellous project The DirectorGeneral praised the advances and achievements of this undertaking since its initial stage considering it an example of good practices towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and concrete actions to address global climate change She also confirmed UNESCOs wish to continue to accompany the Cuban government in protecting and promoting this and other biosphere reserves and protected areas in the country
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UNESCO Director-General participates in inauguration of 41st New Latin American Cinema International Festival
The DirectorGeneral of UNESCO Ms Audrey Azoulay in her opening remarks at the inauguration of the 41st New Latin American Cinema International Festival in Havana stated that in todays world in general and in Latin America in particular we are in need of those Eyes that See the sharp focus of filmmakers The DirectorGeneral of the Organization thanked the director of the event Iván Giroud and the Minister of Culture of Cuba Alpidio Alonso for inviting her to the inauguration of the Festival one of the most important in the region Ms Azoulay described as extraordinary the performance of the Cuban National Ballet at the inaugural ceremony and expressed that it constitutes a fitting tribute to the Prima Ballerina Assoluta Alicia Alonso who was a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador She further stated Today we are in Cuba a country of culture a country of filmmaking of music and a very close associate of UNESCO both for restoring the splendour of its tangible heritage and for its creativity its living heritage which is part of its identity She also highlighted that her presence here representing UNESCO reflects the Organizations commitment to cultural diversity and its support for artists In this way the first day of the dignitarys official visit to Cuba which will last until 8 December came to a close
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Cuban Foreign Minister receives Director-General of UNESCO
he Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla received this Thursday the DirectorGeneral of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO Ms Audrey Azoulay who is on an official visit to our country During the cordial meeting they acknowledged the excellent ties currently existing between Cuba and UNESCO and exchanged ideas on themes relative to the agenda and the mandate of the Organization The DirectorGeneral expressed her satisfaction at the Islands educational scientific and cultural achievements In turn the Cuban Foreign Minister reiterated Cubas support and commitment to the Organization and thanked her for the position adopted regarding the embargo against Cuba imposed by the United States Accompanying the distinguished visitor were the UNESCO Assistant DirectorGeneral for Culture Ernesto Ottone Ramírez the Director of the UNESCO Office in Havana Ms Katherine MullerMarin the head of the UNESCO Latin American and Caribbean Unit Ms Sophia ElAkremi and the Counselor for External Relations at the Cabinet of the DirectorGeneral Fabrice Aidan Present on behalf of Cuba were the DirectorGeneral for Multilateral and Legal Affairs of MINREX Rodolfo Reyes Rodríguez the Director of the Cuban National Commission of UNESCO Oscar León González the Ambassador appointed to UNESCO Yahima Esquivel Moynelo and other Ministry officials Source Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba Note Unofficial translation provided by UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean  
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UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, receives the commitments of young Caribbeans against climate change
Young Caribbeans presented the DirectorGeneral of UNESCO with their Manifesto of Commitments against climate change during the closing of the II UNESCO International Science School and III MOST School in Cuba held in Havana from 3 to 5 December which resulted in the constitution of the Network of Young Caribbeans against Climate Change The Network is composed initially of 25 youths from 19 countries from the insular Caribbean and the Greater Caribbean who together with close to a hundred experts and representatives of organizations and institutions related to this theme contributed with their ideas and proposals to actively support in their societies the decisionmaking process against climate change During the closing of the event youths shared their recommendations for continuing the work of the recently constituted Network in the immediate future explained their Roadmap for the coming year and presented a Communication Platform to facilitate Network interactions and the dissemination of its actions and calls The Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean Katherine MullerMarin and the Minister of Science Technology and the Environment of Cuba Elba Rosa Pérez Montoya were in charge of the closing ceremony also attended by the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Cuba Consuelo Vidal          
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UNESCO Director-General visits restored primary school where José Martí studied
The DirectorGeneral of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay and  the delegation accompanying her on the official visit to Cuba was warmly received at the Rafael María de Mendive Primary School The institution recently restored used to be the Colegio de San Pablo where Cubas National Hero José Martí went to school The children welcomed the visitor who had a friendly conversation with them Accompanied by the Minister of Education of Cuba Ana Elsa Velázquez Cobiella the Organizations leading authority unveiled the plaque officially declaring the educational centre to be a UNESCO Associated School and handed its Director the corresponding certificate Audrey Azoulay toured the heritage facilities guided by a group of children Along the way the highranking official was able to see the detailed restoration and renovation carried out in the school It is very important to learn to live in peace and  respect diversity from an early age stressed the distinguished visitor who also enjoyed an artistic presentation with the performance of school students
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UNESCO Director-General visits historic Santa Clara Convent
The DirectorGeneral of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay expressed her satisfaction at inaugurating on her visit to the Santa Clara Convent a new stage of cooperation of the Organization with Cuba and the Caribbean an action that will be accompanied by the European Union She further stated that this cooperation does not simply apply to the buildings restoration Above all it focuses on what it will contribute to crafts training relative to heritage and the development of cultural industries in the region The UNESCO highestranking official declared that it will be a transcendental educational project since it will disseminate both Latin American and Caribbean heritage and culture as it respects history and projects itself towards the future The Santa Clara Convent a 17thcentury religious construction today finds itself in the midst of a restoration process in order to house the Arts and Crafts Academic Training Centre for Heritage Restoration in Cuba the Caribbean and the Antilles as part of the programme Transcultura Integrating Cuba the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity The DirectorGeneral of UNESCO visited the Santa Clara Convent as part of a tour through the Historic Centre of Havana which constituted her first activity in Cuba Also participating in the visit was HE Mr Alberto Navarro Ambassador of the European Union to Cuba The head of the Heritage Rehabilitation and Conservation Division of the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana Norma PérezTrujillo gave the DirectorGeneral and the accompanying delegation a guided tour through several areas of the Convent She informed the visitors that the Convent is one of the oldest constructions in Cuba covering an area of 12200 square metres In addition the specialist offered a detailed description of the ongoing restoration process and announced that once the rehabilitation of the first cloister is completed the Centre will open its doors  
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Cordial meeting of UNESCO Director General with Regional Office for Culture team
The Director General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay visited the Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean of the Organization based in Havana Cuba and had a cordial meeting with the team
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Director-General of UNESCO has friendly meeting with the Historian of the City of Havana
The Historian of the City of Havana Dr Eusebio Leal Spengler and the DirectorGeneral of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay had a pleasant conversation this morning which constituted the first activity of her official visit to the Republic of Cuba Also present at the meeting held at the Centre for the Interpretation of Cultural Relations between Cuba and Europe in the Segundo Cabo Palace were Lis Cuesta Peraza wife of the President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel DíazCanel Bermúdez the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo the President of the Cuban National Commission of UNESCO Oscar León González and the Permanent Delegate appointed to the Organization Yahima Esquivel Moynelo as well as numerous executives and specialists from the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana OHCH Attending the meeting as part of the official delegation of the distinguished visitor were the UNESCO Assistant DirectorGeneral for Culture Ernesto Ottone Ramírez and the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean and Representative to Cuba and the Dominican Republic Katherine MullerMarin Dr Leal brought to mind that the OHCH WorkshopSchool has graduated approximately 5000 youths a decisive factor in the restoration works carried out including the Capitol of Havana In turn the DirectorGeneral of UNESCO highlighted Cubas merit in carrying out those restorations with persons living in the buildings She further stressed that historic centres are places where people should live as well as a means for their development We are steadfast defenders of UNESCO Its like a title of nobility stated Leal who is also the President of the Network of Offices of the Historian and Conserver and the Network of Heritage Cities in Cuba Audrey Azoulay expressed her appreciation for Cubas support to the Organization which she considers was especially shown during the last General Conference held in November 2019 The fraternal meeting was an ideal setting for both parties to ratify the excellent state of relations between UNESCO and Cuba  
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Caribbean youth create Network to address climate change under the auspices of UNESCO
The II UNESCO International Science School and III MOST School in Cuba was inaugurated on 3 December in Havana As a result of the event the Caribbean Youth Network on Climate Change was created On the first day close to 100 young attendees from 19 countries of the Greater Caribbean played a key role in a brainstorming exercise on how to organize and manage the Network Organized into subgroups young people shared their views in an exchange where language was no barrier because they were speaking the language of science the language of youth Based on this communion they decided to associate with UNESCO to build on the International Science Programmes of the Organization and become a united force on climate change issues As a result of this School recognized by UNESCO as a space for young people within the Organization Caribbean youths will create a Network that will not only facilitate  communication but will also become a Network of exchanges to produce knowledge for decisionmaking The inauguration of the II UNESCO International Science School and the III Most School in Cuba included words of welcome by the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Culture Katherine MullerMarin Culture Programme Specialist and OfficerinCharge Tatiana Villegas the President of the Cuban National Commission for UNESCO CNCU Ambassador Oscar León and the Environment Director of the Ministry of Science Technology and the Environment of Cuba CITMA Odalys Goicochea
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UNESCO joins in celebrating the Day of the Cuban Archivist
The UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean participated in the activities honouring the Day of the Cuban Archivist The main activity took place on 7 November at the Aula Magna of the University of Havana with the presence of the Cuban President Miguel  Díaz Canel Bermúdez and other highranking authorities The ceremony organized by the Cuban National Archive and the Federation of Cuban Workers CTC paid tribute to outstanding workers of the countrys archives in charge of safeguarding a considerable part of Cubas documentary heritage as a means to recognize the key role of archives and archivists in preserving the historical memory and in the construction of identity Through its Memory of the World programme UNESCO facilitates the conservation of the worlds documentary heritage supports its universal access and contributes to raise awareness of the existence and importance of preserving this legacy Until now three Cuban documentary collections are listed on the International Register of the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme and 6 other collections are listed on the Regional Register The Caribbean nation constituted the National Committee of this Programme in 1993 as a space for coordinating the work of experts and initiatives in this field
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Transcultura Programme launched at Paris Peace Forum
The Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean Katherine MullerMarin was invited to the Paris Peace Forum where she presented the programme Transcultura Integrating Cuba the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity The programme will build on the cultural wealth and dynamic creativity characterizing the Caribbean region to stimulate socioeconomic development and deepen regional integration through capacity building and cultural collaboration Funded by the European Union the Programme will include the following beneficiaries Antigua and Barbuda the Bahamas Barbados Belize Cuba Dominica Grenada Guyana Haiti Jamaica Montserrat the Dominican Republic Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago The Programme will be implemented by the UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in close collaboration with the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana the Ministry of Culture of Cuba and a large group of Caribbean and Cuban cultural institutions Likewise the UNESCO Kingston Cluster Office for the Caribbean will be participating in the Programme implementation More information on the Forum in this link