Finland intensifies its commitment to UNESCO programmes for education and freedom of expression

Paris, 27 June—Finland has renewed several cooperation partnerships with UNESCO for an amount of €2.4 million. Finland has been an early and continuous supporter of UNESCO’s Capacity Development for Education (CapED) and Communication Development programmes since 2003.

Education is a priority in the international development commitment of Finland, which particularly supports gender equality and respect for human rights. The country is one of the founders of UNESCO’s CapED flagship programme, one of the Organization’s operational levers to achieving universal quality education (Goal 4, in the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda). The CapED programme provides teacher training and systemic support for the educational sectors of 25 developing countries.

During the signing of the renewed partnership agreement, Tuomas Tapio, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Finland to UNESCO, said that “UNESCO's action with regard to the many global challenges we face is greatly appreciated. This was highlighted in MOPAN's recent evaluation of the Organization. Finland has long supported UNESCO's mandate and its key role in the United Nations system, particularly in education and freedom of expression.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay welcomed this new mark of support, which reinforces the Organization's recent achievements and evaluations. "I welcome Finland's commitment at our side. This new partnership confirms and amplifies a fundamental trend in many countries that are investing in long-term socially transformative projects, such as education and freedom of expression.”

Finland also confirmed its continued commitment for the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) and its major contribution will enable the Programme to continue promoting free and independent media worldwide. Finland has played a crucial role in the IPDC in recent years, providing annual contributions and intellectual input, support for the external evaluation of the Programme, and cooperating in the promoting of access to information.