UNESCO's tie-in with the new reform of the UN Secretary General
In a globalized world, undergoing profound changes, persistent crises, renewed challenges and threats, but also in an increasingly tight budgetary context, UNESCO, like other international organizations , must question the relevance of its modes of operation and its interventions in the interest of increased efficiency at the service of Member States. It is in this context that the organizational transformation decided by the Director-General of UNESCO is to be welcomed. This decision is in line with the report presented by the Secretary General of the United Nations, on July 5, 2017 on the "repositioning of the United Nations system in the service of international cooperation". In these circumstances, the expectations of UNESCO's transformation are enormous. We want to share some ideas, which seem to us relevant.
Capitalization of experiences gained over several decades
UNESCO will have to capitalize on its own experiences and consolidate its position as a global laboratory and leader in innovative ideas. This implies greater openness to Member States, the international community, universities, civil society, NGOs, etc.
Greater decentralization of regional offices
Equipped with a relevant structure and present on the five continents, UNESCO will have to go further in the direction of more decentralization that will structure its actions in the field and meet the needs identified by the Member States. The aim is to show that UNESCO is an agile organization, able to adapt to changes, react promptly to requests and propose practical and sustainable solutions.
Public Private Partnership (PPP) to fund Education
Today, PPPs are of paramount importance to fund educational programs. This option aims to consolidate relations between the socio-economic world and the academic world and to create good conditions for the professional integration of young people.
Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Online courses
Artificial intelligence applications combined with big data analytics are now helping to improve education systems around the world. In African countries there is a huge need for virtual universities and online courses. UNESCO will have to play its role as a leading innovation agency ready to support the digital transformations in education.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of UNESCO