‘Educating young minds against radicalism more effective to defeat terrorism’

Why do you consider yourself suitable for this position? I have worked on many issues that fall within the mandate of UNESCO. I see education not only as a human right but also as an enabler to achieve other rights. For African countries, education is very important; education for the sake of empowerment and building […]

Why do you consider yourself suitable for this position?

I have worked on many issues that fall within the mandate of UNESCO. I see education not only as a human right but also as an enabler to achieve other rights. For African countries, education is very important; education for the sake of empowerment and building peace by educating citizens to appreciate differences and diversity. I have worked on all these issues both as a career diplomat, a delegate of my country to the United Nations; as well as an expert with the committee on the rights of a child. I have gained diversified experience that can help me lead UNESCO at this time. I have a concrete experience and achievements on ground.

If elected, how will you address the growing challenge of out-of-school children?

The right to education is the enabler for other rights. We must pay more attention to ensure access to quality education for all. Those who are deprived of education suffer other deprivations-they suffer poverty, exclusion and marginalisation. 

There are a set of measures that must be taken at both national and international levels. At the national level, the states must have action plan with time-bound target and allocate resources to achieve them. States must also prioritise education in their budget. Though this may not be enough; it underscores the need for cooperation with international partners. What is the role of UNESCO in this? UNESCO is a catalyst and entity that will put together the states and the international partners and UN organisations. This is because partnership provides more resources and better performance.

Conflicts around the world have occasioned displacement of populations. What are your plans for the education of IDPs and refugees?

We have to understand that any relief package for IDPs and refugees must include education, which can be either formal or informal, but continuous. We have to provide for them quality education that will help the learners when the conflict is over. At the heart of this are the states because they are the duty bearer, while the international donors give support. We must also look at the legislation which conforms to a changing situation. That’s why UNESCO is adopting life-long learning.

Terrorism has further endangered world heritage sites and museums. How will you save them from extinction?

I focus on education because I believe if you want to deal with terrorism, you have to deal with the minds. Not only innocent people fall victims of terrorism, we have also seen historical heritage sites get destroyed or trafficked or forged to finance terrorist activities. 

Terrorism has hit every corner in the world; no place now is immune from terrorism. And you cannot deal with only with arms and security forces; you have to deal with by immunising the minds against indoctrination and radicalisation. I found this very effective because prevention is more cost effective than remedy. This is the main reason why I focus on education because it is one intervention that has the highest return of investment. Through education, you can protect historical heritage.

Some cultural practices, especially in Africa, inhibit the development of women and this falls on your shoulder if elected as UNESCO DG. How do you enhance the status of women using legislation?

Gender equality will be achieved when we educate our children, with both boys and girls having equal right to education, skills and protection from violence. We will start by raising awareness; using parents, traditional rulers and religious leaders. Gender equality never comes from the top by making legislation. 

The problem is not making laws but implementing them. I have worked with about 29 African countries and some European countries to address the issue of Female Genital Mutilation by teaching parents about the harms of female circumcision. 

If everybody takes ownership in eradicating such practices that are harmful to women, we will achieve more. The task will be easier when we educate the grassroots population and that is our target.