Paris, 23 May. As part of her introductory activities, the Ambassador of Cuba Maria del Carmen Herrera Caseiro met with the Assistant Director General of UNESCO for Communication and Information, Mr. Tawfik Jelassi, opportunity in which they exchanged widely on the objectives, programs and initiatives of the Sector; as well as on the spaces for cooperation with UNESCO in this area.
The Cuban Representative recognized the work of the Sector in terms of media and information literacy, and its efforts to guarantee universal access to information and digital inclusion and digital transformation, highlighting the importance of continuing to strengthen training programs and, above all, the transfer of technologies.
She referred to the policy for digital transformation in Cuba as part of the work system for the implementation of the National Development Plan until 2023, emphasizing the progress achieved despite the obstacles as a result of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against the Island, which made it difficult to use new information and communication technologies, access to internet sites and the use of digital platforms. She explained the negative impact of the permanent intensification of this policy in all sectors of life in the country and the especially harmful repercussion of Cuba's inclusion in the unilateral list of States supposedly sponsoring terrorism.
For his part, Mr. Jelassi explained at length the cooperation programs developed by his Sector and the possibilities of Cuba's insertion in them. He referred to the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Educational Resources as a unique tool to encourage learning and knowledge sharing at no cost.
The meeting took place in a very cordial atmosphere, in which both parties recognized the excellent relations between Cuba and UNESCO.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to UNESCO