At a time when global development assistance is under severe strain, Japan continues to stand out as one of UNESCO's most trusted and steadfast partners in crisis response. Its support in the most complex emergencies underscores the essential role of education, culture and information on the frontlines of peoples' needs, and it also serves as a powerful reminder of how vital international cooperation is to global stability.
Khaled El-EnanyUNESCO Director-General
Strengthening Ukraine's recovery at the four-year mark of the war
A significant portion of these funds will support Ukraine's recovery as the country is about to enter the fifth year of war on February 24th - from enabling monitoring and emergency stabilization of war-damaged heritage sites to creating safe, inclusive, and resilient learning environments through professional training and mental health support and reinforce support for journalists. Japan's total support to UNESCO's programmes in Ukraine has reached USD 27 million since 2022.
Responding to crises worldwide
A new set of projects will support communities facing conflict, climate shocks and economic hardship across the world -helping schools stay open and safe in Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda; improving flood preparedness in Nigeria and Somalia; and strengthening disaster response systems in Viet Nam after Typhoon Wipha. In Yemen, a pilot project will expand access to clean water through renewable energy-powered desalination, while efforts in Türkiye and Lebanon will make learning environments safer and more supportive for children and young people. Work in Moldova will help protect access to reliable information and independent media.
At the heart of the new portfolio is a strong investment in young people and their futures. Projects in Sudan, Iraq and Palestine will aim to create jobs, expand skills training and promote grassroots efforts towards peacebuilding. In Ethiopia and across Benin, Senegal, Gabon, Nigeria and South Africa, young people will gain access to digital tools and career-focused training to prepare for today's job market. Additional programmes will improve access to sanitation and menstrual hygiene facilities for students in Gabon and support inclusive education opportunities for Myanmar migrant children and youth in Thailand.
Ongoing emergency actions
These funds are additional to ongoing efforts by UNESCO to safeguard culture, education and press freedom in emergency settings. For instance, through projects in Mosul (Iraq), Ukraine, Gaza and Beirut, UNESCO has trained 3,500 people in emergency preparedness and response, protected 40 World Heritage sites, and safeguarded more than 21,000 objects from museum collections. UNESCO has also carried out 320 emergency education initiatives across 133 countries, reaching 42.5 million learners.
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, with a global network of 200 National Commissions. Its Director-General is Khaled El-Enany.
"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.
