Côte d'Ivoire

• © Angéline Yegnan / UNESCO
• The Gbofe of Afounkaha - the Music of the Transverse Trumps of the Tagbana Community

Côte d’Ivoire joined UNESCO on 27 October 1960. The country is covered by the Organization's office in Accra (Ghana).

The country has four UNESCO Chairs (Communications, Intercultural Humanities, Culture of Peace, and Women and water management).

UNESCO works closely with Côte d’Ivoire on reconstruction efforts, particularly in education. Activities focus on rebuilding education systems; educational capacity-building to fight HIV/Aids; and teacher training in peace and citizenship.

UNESCO’s October 2007 General Conference pledged further post-conflict support for Côte d'Ivoire.

Culture has also boosted the peace process. The "Gbofe of Afounkaha” trumpets were proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage in 2001. In 2007, Abidjan hosted the Market for African Performing Arts (MASA), with UNESCO backing. A vital showcase for regional talent, it had been suspended for three years.