Paris, 6 June 2025. The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, visited Cuba’s stand during the final day of the Latin America and Caribbean Week celebrations, showing particular interest in the results of the project “Flora: La botica de la abuela” and the work promoted by the UNESCO UNITWIN Chair at the University of Havana.
Ms. Azoulay held an exchange with Dr. Rodolfo Arencibia and MSc. Yisniel Troche, who lead the Cuban initiative showcased on this occasion. The importance of researching and promoting ancestral knowledge about medicinal plants and natural medicine — passed down from generation to generation and preserved as part of Cuba’s biocultural wealth — was at the heart of the conversation.
The Director-General recognized the value of this work, which sheds light on traditional knowledge often forgotten and contributes to building bridges between the Cuban scientific community and the protection of biodiversity, in line with the principles of sustainable development promoted by UNESCO.
During the visit, cooperation links with the UNITWIN Programme and the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme were also discussed, following meetings previously held by the Cuban delegates with UNESCO authorities.