On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made his first official visit to UNESCO headquarters since the United States re-joined the Organization in July 2023. In a meeting with Audrey Azoulay, he reaffirmed the United States' full commitment to supporting UNESCO's mandate for education, sciences, culture and information.
The Director-General praised the United States' commitment to the Organization's multisector priorities including Africa and gender equality, improving access to quality education for all, as well as globally implementing the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence which was unanimously adopted by UNESCO's Member States in November 2021.
Audrey Azoulay and Antony Blinken also discussed actions that are being implemented and envisaged by UNESCO in crisis and conflict environments, notably in Iraq, Gaza and Ukraine. In recent months, the United States has made a voluntary contribution of $3 million to UNESCO to preserve the works of Ukrainian artists, including the works of Maria Prymachenko.
On the occasion of this meeting, Audrey Azoulay also paid tribute to UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Esther Coopersmith, who passed away on March 26, and who was an ardent advocate of the United States' return to the Organization.
About UNESCO
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.
"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" - UNESCO Constitution, 1945.
