Paris, 12 October 2026.- During the work of the Programme and External Relations Commission (PX) of UNESCO’s Executive Board, Cuba addressed the situation of educational and cultural institutions in the occupied Arab territories, expressing deep concern over the devastation of the Palestinian education system and cultural life, while reaffirming its unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The destruction of schools, universities and cultural institutions in Gaza poses a serious threat to the exercise of the right to education and to the preservation of Palestinian cultural identity, historical memory and the future of younger generations. According to data available in November 2025, more than 97% of schools in Gaza had been damaged or destroyed, while 95% of university campuses had sustained damage.
Ambassador Mirta Granda Averhoff, President of the Cuban National Commission for UNESCO and Cuba’s representative to the Executive Board, condemned attacks against educational and cultural facilities and called for their immediate protection, in accordance with international law. She also advocated for the effective implementation of UNESCO’s decisions and resolutions through strengthened monitoring, emergency assistance and concrete measures to restore access to education throughout the occupied Palestinian territory.
The Cuban representative reaffirmed Cuba’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and called for accountability for violations of international law and an end to impunity.