UNESCO chief Azoulay meets US Secretary Blinken
Director-General Audrey Azoulay met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinke
Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States, recently visited UNESCO headquarters in Paris, to meet with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to the organisation’s mission. This meeting marked Blinken’s first official visit to UNESCO since the United States rejoined the organisation in July 2023.
In a press statement, UNESCO says that Azoulay and Blinken engaged in discussions regarding UNESCO’s actions in crisis and conflict zones, Iraq, Gaza, and Ukraine, and Blinken also reaffirmed the United States’ full commitment to supporting UNESCO’s mandate for education, sciences, culture, and information.
The statement adds that Azoulay commended the United States for its dedication to UNESCO’s diverse priorities, encompassing Africa, gender equality, and enhancing access to quality education worldwide. Additionally, she applauded the global implementation of UNESCO’s recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence, unanimously adopted by Member States in November 2021.
The United States recently made a voluntary contribution of USD 3 million to UNESCO to safeguard the artistic heritage of Ukraine, including the invaluable works of Maria Prymachenko.
During the meeting, Audrey Azoulay also honoured the memory of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Esther Coopersmith, who passed away on March 26. Coopersmith fervently advocated for the United States’ reengagement with the organisation.
