This agreement is the result of action regarding the production of knowledge and training, discussed and validated over the last three years by the Latin American Summit of the Judiciary. The Supreme Court of Uruguay is an active member of this process, and is heading the Permanent Secretariat for the next four years. With the support of the Summit, UNESCO has trained more than 2,000 judicial officers in 22 countries in Latin America.

The Director-General highlighted the importance of the agreement not only for the country but also to encourage South-South cooperation, emphasizing the importance of the judiciary in protecting and promoting freedom of expression, as a cornerstone of all democracies.

"We understand that a free, independent and pluralistic press in a context of full access to public information contributes to the guarantee and promotion of other rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of 1948," affirmed Bokova.

On same day, the Director General participated in a special working session with members of the Uruguayan National Commission, when a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between UNESCO and the Ministry of Education and Culture to support reform of the country's education system, science education and projects related to cultural heritage and media education.

"I am sure that all past and present actions of the Uruguayan government, supported by the National Commission, will build a safe path for future generations towards sustainable development,” declared Irina Bokova.

During the meeting, the deputy minister of Education, Edith Moraes, gave to the Director General a letter that expresses the strong commitment of Uruguay to the Call for Action by Ministers for the inclusive and equitable education for all learners in an environment free from discrimination and violence. This call is the result of a recent international ministerial meeting on gender violence held in Paris at UNESCO Headquarters.