The European Union has become one of the strategic partners of UNESCO
UNESCO and the European Union (EU) are close and natural partners, sharing values and objectives, and joining efforts to support countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
This unique partnership takes the shape of a wide range of projects, undertaken across the world, in particular in the areas of mutual interest covering all UNESCO’s fields of competencies such as education, culture, freedom of expression and equal access to information, biodiversity and environment, water and oceans, as well as a bolstered scope of policy dialogue.
By joining forces at both Headquarters and field level, UNESCO and the EU can effectively support governments, local authorities, civil society and citizens and together continue focusing on the most critical drivers for sustainable development, poverty eradication and lasting peace.
Highlights
Reviving Mosul and Basra Old cities
The European Union has committed 20 million Euros to promote social cohesion and reconciliation in Iraq through the restoration and reconstruction of historic urban landscapes within the framework of the Revive the Spirit of Mosul flagship initiative launched by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in February 2018.
The three-year project agreement signed by the Director-General of the EU Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development (DEVCO), Stefano Manservisi and UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, Ernesto Ottone, in Brussels on 21 February will also be used to fund the rehabilitation of the Iraqi city of Basra.