Education Minister, Sonia Parag, is currently in Paris, France, participating in the 225th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board, which runs from 5 to 20 October 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters.
As a newly elected member of UNESCO’s 58-member governing body, Guyana is playing a prominent role in discussions shaping the future direction of the Organisation, including the UNESCO80 Roadmap and the vision of UNESCO for the People.
During the plenary debates, Minister Parag delivered Guyana’s statement, reaffirming the country’s support for a more effective, inclusive and accountable UNESCO that remains firmly grounded in its constitutional mission to build peace in the minds of all.
Reaffirming this commitment, Minister Parag stated, “Guyana strongly supports the vision articulated by the Director-General through the UNESCO80 Roadmap and the emerging concept of ‘UNESCO for the People’ – a vision that seeks to make UNESCO more effective, more responsive, more inclusive and more impactful in the lives of ordinary citizens.”
Minister Parag underscored the importance of education, culture, science and international cooperation in building peaceful, resilient and inclusive societies. She highlighted Guyana’s ongoing efforts to expand access to quality education, particularly in hinterland and riverine communities, through investments in school infrastructure, teacher training, digital learning and technical and vocational education.
“Over the past several years, Guyana has undertaken one of the most ambitious expansions of educational access in its history. New schools have been built across hinterland and riverine communities,” Minister Parag noted, adding that these initiatives ensure “that every child, regardless of geography or circumstance, can access quality education.”
Minister Parag also emphasised the need for ethical and human-centred approaches to artificial intelligence, meaningful youth participation, the protection of cultural heritage and Indigenous knowledge systems, and stronger international cooperation in responding to climate-related disasters and other crises.
Addressing technological evolution, she highlighted, “As artificial intelligence and rapid technological change reshape societies, we share the view that these technologies must be governed ethically, inclusively and in a human-centred manner.”
On cultural preservation, she reinforced Guyana’s stance on supporting “UNESCO’s continued efforts to safeguard both tangible and intangible heritage, strengthen cultural industries, promote intercultural dialogue and give greater recognition to Indigenous knowledge systems.”
Reflecting on the contributions of young people from 135 Member States to the UNESCO80 consultations, she stressed that “young people are not merely beneficiaries of policy.
They are partners and leaders in shaping the future.”
Guyana’s participation in this session underscores its commitment to multilateral cooperation and to ensuring that UNESCO’s programmes and policies respond meaningfully to the needs of people, particularly those in developing countries and vulnerable communities.
As UNESCO approaches its 80th anniversary, Guyana has reaffirmed its full support for the Director-General’s vision and the continued implementation of the UNESCO80 Roadmap, while calling for renewed collective action to advance peace, human dignity, human rights and sustainable development.
“As UNESCO approaches its eightieth anniversary, we have an opportunity not simply to celebrate our past, but to renew our commitment to the future,” Minister Parag concluded. “Guyana believes that UNESCO must remain firmly anchored in its constitutional mandate while adapting confidently to a changing world.”
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