Paris, During his inaugural official visit to the UNESCO headquarters since the United States rejoined the organization in July 2023, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Director-General Audrey Azoulay, reinforcing the US’s dedication to UNESCO’s core missions in education, sciences, culture, and information. This meeting underscores a significant moment in the revitalized engagement of the United States with international institutions focusing on cultural and educational cooperation.

According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Blinken’s visit was an opportunity to discuss the United States’ support for UNESCO’s multifaceted priorities, including initiatives in Africa, gender equality efforts, the promotion of quality education for all, and the global implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which was unanimously adopted by member states in November 2021.

The discussions between Azoulay and Blinken also covered UNESCO’s ongoing and planned activities in crisis and conflict zones, with a particular focus on Iraq, Gaza, and Ukraine. Highlighting the United States’ active participation and support, a voluntary contribution of $3 million was made to UNESCO for the preservation of Ukrainian artists’ works, notably those of Maria Prymachenko.

Additionally, the meeting served as an occasion to honor the memory of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Esther Coopersmith, who passed away on March 26 and was a fervent supporter of the US’s re-engagement with the organization. Coopersmith’s advocacy was instrumental in fostering dialogue and cooperation between the United States and UNESCO, reflecting the broader goals of cultural and educational diplomacy that underpin the organization’s mandate.

This visit by Secretary Blinken not only reaffirms the United States’ commitment to UNESCO’s global mandate but also highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing the pressing challenges of education, science, culture, and the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies.