During their discussion the President and the Director-General agreed on the indispensable role of education in combatting terrorism and extremism, as well as economic development.

Their talks focused on education,natural sciences, and culture, as well as communication and information.

In education, the Director-General pledged support for the African Union International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s education in Africa (AU/CIEFFA). Activities concerning educational planning and curriculum reform, progress assessment, and professional training for teachers were also broached, alongside vocational education.

In the natural sciences, the President and the Director-General’s reviewed cooperation in water management and treatment initiatives, as well as the development of science and technology innovation.

Burkina Faso’s work in the framework of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions and the World Heritage Convention were at the heart of talks about cooperation in culture.

Communication projects discussed during the visit concerned the training of journalists, as well as initiatives aiming to promote press freedom and women’s representation in the media.

President Kaboré was accompanied by Simon Compaore, Minister of State in charge of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Internal Security, Stéphane Wenceslas Sanou, Mnister of Commerce, Industry and Handicraft, Alpha Barry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Citizens Abroad, and Sabine Bakyono Kanzie, Deputy Permanent Delegate and Chargée d’Affaire ad interimof Burkina Faso to UNESCO.