Paris, 9 January 2026 – Marking the beginning of a new biennium of work at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Organization’s new Director-General, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, held a cordial meeting with the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cuba to UNESCO, María del Carmen Herrera Caseiro.
During the exchange, both parties addressed the complex current international context, characterized by increasing geopolitical tensions and conflicts severely affecting entire regions. In this regard, the Cuban Ambassador denounced recent US military actions against Venezuela, describing them as violations of the United Nations Charter and International Law, as well as a threat to stability and peace in the region.
The Cuban Representative also thanked UNESCO for its traditional contribution to the annual report of the United Nations Secretary-General on the need to end the US blockade against Cuba. She noted that this contribution stands out for concretely evidencing the direct impact of the blockade in essential areas of the Organization’s competence, such as education, science, culture, and international cooperation, affecting both Cuba and regional initiatives for collective benefit.
Both parties agreed on the strategic importance of science, technology and innovation, education, and culture as pillars of sustainable development, a vision shared by Cuba and UNESCO, as well as on the need to strengthen support for Small Island Developing States, which are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and structural limitations to their development.
Furthermore, they discussed the ongoing reform process (UNESCO80), framed within the UN80 initiative promoted by the Secretary-General, aimed at improving the Organization’s efficiency to face current challenges and reinforce its impact for the benefit of all peoples. In this context, the Island's diplomat assured the Cuban delegation’s support for these efforts.
The Ambassador also highlighted the strength of cooperation ties between Cuba and UNESCO, reflected in multiple joint programs and projects, and thanked the Organization for its emergency assistance following the passage of Hurricane Melissa through the eastern region of the country.
The meeting reaffirmed both parties' willingness to continue strengthening cooperation and constructive dialogue during UNESCO's new work cycle.