Emphasis on Strengthening Cooperation and Enhancing the Role of National Commissions at the Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of UNESCO National Commissions was held on October 8 and 9, 2026, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, with the participation of Dr. Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO Director-General, and the Secretaries-General of the National Commissions of Member States. Dr. Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of The Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, also participated in the meeting online and delivered an address.
The meeting aimed to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation, foster closer links between UNESCO networks and National Commissions, and enhance the impact of the Organization’s programs at the national and local levels.
During the meeting, Dr. Hassan Fartousi thanked UNESCO for organizing the gathering and emphasized the importance of keeping peace at the heart of the Organization’s mission. He recalled that UNESCO’s founding vision is to build lasting peace in the minds of women and men through education, culture, science, communication, and dialogue. Referring to Iran’s experience of war and its consequences beyond the battlefield, he added that war can also affect education, culture, scientific cooperation, communities, and the safeguarding of shared heritage. He noted that UNESCO and its National Commissions therefore bear significant responsibility for promoting the importance of peace in the region.
The Secretary-General of The Iranian National Commission for UNESCO also highlighted the unique role of National Commissions in connecting UNESCO’s global priorities with national realities and capacities. He identified strengthening national engagement with UNESCO and other National Commissions as one of the priorities of the Iranian National Commission.
On the second day of the regular meeting of UNESCO National Commissions, UNESCO Assistant Directors-General outlined the Organization’s current priorities and programs in the fields of culture and education. They emphasized the role of National Commissions in expanding UNESCO networks, safeguarding cultural heritage, promoting education and lifelong learning, and translating global policies into practical action in Member States. Subsequently, Anna Paolini, Director of the Division for Field Coordination, presented an overview of the structure and activities of UNESCO field offices and highlighted the need to strengthen coordination among these offices, National Commissions, and the Secretariat.
During the meeting, which was attended both in person and online, participants emphasized the importance of improving information-sharing and coordination, recognizing the institutional standing of National Commissions, and creating more opportunities for the exchange of experiences among countries. Other issues raised included exchanging views on UNESCO’s priorities, strengthening cooperation with the Secretariat, and increasing the effectiveness of the Organization’s programs at the national level.
The meeting was also attended by Ms. Lidia Arthur Brito, Assistant Director-General for Africa Priority and External Relations; Mr. Nayef Al-Fayez, Assistant Director-General for Culture; Mr. Chen Kun, Assistant Director-General for Education; Ms. Vida Habash, Chief of the National Commissions and Fellowships Unit; Ms. María Begoña Lasagabaster, Director of the Division for Gender Equality; and Ms. Anna Paolini, Director of the Division for Field Coordination.
