The Permanent Delegation of Nigeria to UNESCO is mandated as the official institutional presence of Nigeria at the Headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, France. Through its representational, advisory and liaison services, as a Member State of the Organization, the Delegation reflects the country’s image in the community of the 195 Member States and 11 Associate Member States at UNESCO.
By so doing, it acts as a two-way channel of communication between Nigeria and UNESCO on all matters of Nigeria’s interest; while ensuring a thorough understanding of UNESCO and its programmes and activities in Nigeria, through advice and analysis for effective action, in collaboration with the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO. This mandate is derived from Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whereby the Delegation contributes to the fundamental objectives and directive principles of State policy through its programmes and activities. During the year 2020, the Delegation pursued its strategic objectives through the following:
- Prompt participation in all relevant activities of UNESCO;
- Providing leadership in governance and UNESCO Intergovernmental Bodies;
- Provision of backstopping and logistic support for MDAs, experts, academic institutions, delegates and think tanks from Nigeria, participating in UNESCO’s activities and programmes;
- Facilitating various actions and requests, bothering on UNESCO’s programmes and activities, from MDAs, experts, academic institutions, delegates and think tanks in Nigeria;
- Facilitating various actions and requests sought by UNESCO from and in Nigeria; and
- Promoting the good image of Nigeria within the international community.
Through these activities, the Delegation maintained the strategic visibility enjoyed by Nigeria within UNESCO, as well as the respect accrued to the country and the Permanent Delegation throughout the year. These are despite some challenges it faced, particularly concerning slow/non-response by MDAs to UNESCO requests, non-submission of reports and correspondences; and non-payment of Nigeria’s statutory contributions to the Organization, among others.
