GANTA – Liberia is ramping up its engagement with UNESCO, as Ambassador Teeko Tozay Yorlay leads efforts to secure stronger partnerships in education, cultural heritage conservation, and sustainable development. With an ambitious agenda, Liberia seeks to leverage UNESCO’s expertise and resources to drive national growth and global recognition.
In a significant step toward reinforcing diplomatic and development ties, Dr. Yorlay formally presented his credentials to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. During their meeting, he underscored Liberia’s commitment to advancing education, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing that these areas align with the nation’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
“Liberia is eager to partner more closely in areas such as digital education, youth empowerment, and heritage conservation. Building capacity, especially in education and cultural development, is vital for our nation’s progress,” Ambassador Yorlay stated in a release from the Liberian Embassy in Paris.
Liberia has been an active participant in World Heritage Conservation since ratifying the World Heritage Convention in 2002. Currently, the country has three sites on its Tentative List—Mount Nimba Strict Reserve (extension), Providence Island, and Gola Rainforest National Park—and is pushing for its first official inscription on the World Heritage List. A primary focus is on Gola Rainforest National Park, with plans to submit a nomination dossier by 2027 and secure recognition by 2028. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding UNESCO’s assistance in preparing a Preliminary Assessment request for Providence Island.
Ambassador Yorlay also highlighted the critical need for UNESCO’s support in disaster resilience. He urged increased collaboration to strengthen Liberia’s early warning systems and disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives, particularly as climate-related threats such as flooding continue to impact communities and infrastructure. Key initiatives include risk and vulnerability mapping, emergency response capacity building, and support for the Resilient Waters, Resilient Liberia Project, which aims to enhance climate adaptation strategies and water security.
On education, Dr. Yorlay reaffirmed Liberia’s steadfast commitment to improving girls’ access to education. He advocated for increased scholarship opportunities, STEM education initiatives, and measures to reduce gender disparities in enrollment and retention. He further outlined Liberia’s investment in modernizing schools, integrating technology into classrooms, and ensuring clean water access as part of a broader strategy for inclusive education.
Liberia’s recent election to UNESCO’s Executive Board marks a growing role in global diplomacy, with the country now eyeing a seat on the United Nations Security Council. “Building on this achievement, Liberia is ready to contribute to international peace, security, and development,” Dr. Yorlay emphasized, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to regional stability and the UN’s broader objectives.
Preserving Liberia’s cultural heritage remains another key priority. Dr. Yorlay reiterated the nation’s resolve to protect its historical and cultural assets from illegal exploitation. He commended UNESCO’s efforts in setting international heritage protection standards and strengthening legal frameworks, which will support Liberia’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its invaluable cultural identity.
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