UNESCO LO Addis Ababa Newsletter 2021

UNESCO ADDIS ABABA NEWSLETTER 2021

THE ETHIOPIAN NATIONAL SCIENCE FAIR

MANDATE OF UNESCO LIASON OFFICE —PAGE 03 OPERATIONAL STRATEGY FOR GLOBAL PRIORITY AFRICA 2022-2029 — PAGE 04 UNESCO-HUAWEI FUNDS-IN-TRUST PROJECT TECHNOLOGY- A CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP ON ‘ENABLED OPEN SCHOOLS FOR ALL PROJECT INCEPTION PHASE — PAGE 09 CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP FOR THE 1954 HAGUE CONVENTION ORGANIZED BY UNESCO AND ARCCH — PAGE 17

— PAGE 21 2ND EDITION OF THE BIENNALE OF LUANDA: PANAFRICAN FORUM FOR THE CULTURE OF PEACE — PAGE 23 UNESCO SUPPORTING COUNTERING DISINFORMATION AND DISINFODEMIC IN ETHIOPIA — PAGE 27 AUYV SPONSORED BY UNESCO UNESCO ADDIS ABABA — PAGE 34

FOREWORD Dear colleagues, friends and partners,

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have the pleasure of presenting to you the UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office 2021 Newsletter, that covers our 2021 annual progress. This year’s Newsletter Edition sheds light on some of the major activities and achievements across the Education, Sciences, Culture, Social and Human Sciences, and Communication and Information sectors.

The past year has seen an increased demand for more solidarity and collaboration around the globe and particularly in Africa.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for joint efforts in new and various forms of operation is even greater. The adoption of the new Priotity Africa, OSPA 2022-2029, constitutes a tremendous milestone in the promotion of UNESCO’s mandate, enhancing the Organization’s credibility, positioning and outreach, as well as strengthening our cooperation with key partners in Africa such as the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

The 2030 Agenda and the Continental Agenda 2063 remain the unifying tools in the contruction of a prosperous, peaceful and sustainable Africa We Want. Through its different sector programmes, UNESCO plays a strategic and transformative role in the implementation of these agendas. This annual report illustrates the drive and the spirit of our team in promoting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the 7 Aspirations of Agenda 2063.

I would like to highlight the accomplishments of the UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office team which has developed and implemented projects that are aimed at providing intersectoral solutions to the complex challenges facing Ethiopia and Africa at large.

I am particularly proud of this newsletter that presents in a concise manner a larger number of collaborative virtual and physicallyorganized meetings, projects, workshops and field activities in each of the UNESCO sectors. In addition, we have been able to sponsor three ‘African Union Youth Volunteers’ at our office. This year’s edition is shared with the aim of contributing, connecting and empowering all actors while exchanging ideas for the way forward.

Moreover, this year, 2021, marks the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ethiopia’s joinining UNESCO; hence this newsletter is issued in time to celebrate this special event.

On behalf of the entire UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office team, I would like to reiterate our commitment to work even harder towards a more fruitful collaboration with the AUC, UNECA and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, for the benefit of the African people in general and the people of Ethiopia in particular.

Yumiko Yokozeki, Ph.D. Director UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office AU, UNECA and Representative to Ethiopia a.i.

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UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

cooperation with relevant organizational entities at Headquarters and in the field.

MANDATE OF THE UNESCO LIAISON OFFICES

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he UNESCO liaison offices in New York, Geneva, Addis Ababa 1 and Brussels play a crucial role in representing UNESCO and connecting the Organization with the United Nations family as well as major international and regional intergovernmental organizations. While all UNESCO field offices have representational and liaison responsibilities, including with sub-regional organizations, these four offices are tasked with particularly important liaison functions. New York and Geneva are the two key global hubs for the United Nations; Addis Ababa hosts the African Union Commission and the UN Economic Commission for Africa; while Brussels is home to the major political institutions of the European Union.

Liaison offices are tasked with; 1. Representing UNESCO to many diverse partners, 2. Advocating for UNESCO’s mandate, strategic programme priorities and orientations, 3. Presenting the Organization’s positions and views to relevant intergovernmental and interagency bodies, 4. Acting as a clearing house for information of relevance to UNESCO and 5. Developing partnerships. In addition, they are expected to gather and analyze information, as well as advise Headquarters on selected developments deemed to be of relevance to the Organization. Therefore, they connect UNESCO to key partners and help spread key messages, thereby enhancing the credibility, positioning, outreach and visibility of the Organization.

In performing their functions, the liaison offices will act in close cooperation and consultation with Headquarters, in particular through regular contacts and exchange of information with programme sectors, the Bureau of Strategic Planning (BSP), the Sector for External Relations and Public Information (ERI) and other relevant units and services. To ensure coherence and effective coordination, Headquarters will provide substantive inputs and contributions in key areas of the Organization’s work and will keep liaison offices updated on contacts and joint initiatives with organizations whose Headquarters are in liaison office locations. Likewise, liaison offices will share, in a timely manner and with units at and away from Headquarters, any relevant information deemed important for the latters’ work. Particular importance also will be attached to transversal coordination and information-sharing among the liaison offices themselves, especially on issues of common interest.

Specific roles and functions of UNESCO liaison offices; • Institutional representation: Directors or Heads of liaison offices will act as UNESCO representatives to the UN and/or other relevant intergovernmental organizations at their respective locations. Liaison offices will promote UNESCO’s mandate, programmes and activities at all levels of the partner organizations concerned, work to strengthen relations between UNESCO and these organizations, and facilitate official missions to these organizations, as well as the participation of UNESCO representatives at their meetings. Liaison offices also may provide substantive input to relevant international and interagency meetings on behalf of UNESCO, in close UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

• Advocacy and outreach: Liaison offices will advocate for UNESCO’s mandate and its two global priorities (Africa and gender equality), its core competencies in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information, as well as key intersectoral and multidisciplinary issues in which the Organization is engaged, such as the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence. They also will raise awareness on UNESCO’s strategic objectives, programme priorities, institutes and networks, and will contribute to conveying and spreading the Organization’s key messages, in close cooperation with programme sectors, BSP and ERI. • Information analysis and brokering: Liaison offices will channel and relay information between the various parts of UNESCO and institutions to which they are representative, and provide analysis and advice thereon.

This involves following relevant institutional meetings and conferences, gathering information about processes, programmes and issues of major interest to UNESCO, and transmitting to concerned sectors, services and units away from Headquarters all materials deemed relevant for their work, such as reports and conference documents. In the process, liaison offices are expected also to advise Headquarters on courses of action as to how best to position UNESCO in the international arena, in particular to enhance inter-agency cooperation, including in post-conflict and post-disaster (PCPD) mechanisms and in the Regional Coordination Mechanism for Africa.

• Partnership-building: Liaison offices will identify opportunities for new partnerships, and further strengthen existing ones with UN entities, inter-governmental and regional organizations, donors, the private sector and civil society. The liaison offices also will contribute to the development of cooperation agreements and joint programmes, including post-conflict and post-disaster programmes, as well as to the mobilization of resources in close consultation with relevant programme sectors and central services.

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OPERATIONAL STRATEGY FOR GLOBAL PRIORITY AFRICA 2022-2029 Background At its 212th session, the Executive Board examined document 212 EX/5.III.B which contained the draft Operational Strategy for Priority Africa 2022-2029.

The Draft Strategy was prepared taking into account Member States discussions on the preparation of the Organization’s Draft Medium-Term Strategy (41 C/4) and Draft Programme and Budget (41 C/5), and related decisions on global priority Africa (209 EX/Decision 32, 210 EX/Decision 22 and 211 EX/ Decision 5.II.E), as well as the findings and recommendations of IOS’ evaluation of the Operational Strategy for Priority Africa 2014-2021 (210 EX/13). It is also the result of close consultations with African Member States, including the technical working groups of the Africa

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Group, as well as joint discussions with the Programme Sectors and field offices in Africa.

When examining the Draft resolution, Member States stressed the need to address as well priority areas related to the natural sciences and the oceans and requested the inclusion of a new (fifth) flagship dedicated to Open Science, scientific research and capacity building in basic and applied sciences, including its use in Ocean science, climate change resilience and water resource management in Africa. Member States also asked for adjustments in the titles and content of two proposed flagships.

They stressed the need for a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to facilitate reporting. The decision of the Executive Board is presented in the Annex.

Responding to Africa’s Challenges As described in document 212 EX/5.III.B, the major challenges identified during the consultations, on the basis of the analyses conducted by African regional and continental institutions (African Union [AU], United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, development banks, regional economic communities [RECs]) and by the main development partners can be summarized as follows: population growth and inclusive development; education and knowledgesharing; climate change and the environment; the cultural renaissance, heritage and history; and peace and democracy.

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Flagship Programmes Flagship programme 1: Campus Africa: Reinforcing Higher Education in Africa (ED)

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espite positive developments, the higher education systems in Africa are still facing several challenges. Africa has the fastest growing scientific production in the world but generates less than 1% of the world’s research. According to the UNESCO Science Report 2021, Africa invests a mere 0.59% of GDP on research and development, compared to a world average of 1.79%. Although access to tertiary education in sub-Saharan Africa doubled between 2000 and 2018, the enrolment rate remains low at 9% in 2018, the lowest regional average in the world. For many countries in the region, it is extremely difficult to secure adequate funding for tertiary education and the costs for tertiary education remain high. With student enrollment on the rise, it can be noted that regional higher education hubs are becoming preferred destinations for the mobility of students on the African continent. At the same time, robust quality assurance mechanisms and agencies, which are key to upholding academic standards, are still lacking in some countries. Inclusion is a key imperative, particularly as the continent experiences one of the greatest migration waves in history due to internal displacements based on the search for employment opportunities or on the humanitarian and other crises.

Furthermore, sub-Saharan Africa is the only region where women still do not enroll in or graduate from tertiary education at the same rate as men.

There is a need to address these challenges and to capitalize on these developments, which constitute a promising basis for sustained improvement of the higher education system in Africa based on local capacities. This is why Campus Africa will focus on four key components - research and innovation, data, inclusion and recognition - as outlined below The overall objective of Campus Africa is to build integrated, inclusive, and quality higher education systems and institutions, for the development of inclusive and equitable societies on the continent.

This includes the following: • Enhance the research capacity of African universities and increase research outcomes with effective networking; • Improve the availability and quality of data on higher education in Africa to inform evidence­ based decision-making; • Improve access to higher education for all in Africa, and promote equal opportunities for learners of all backgrounds, including vulnerable and marginalized groups, in pursuing learning opportunities and individual development; • Promote recognition of qualifications backed up by mutually recognized quality assurance mechanism, procedures and mechanism for academic mobility and international exchanges.

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Flagship programme 2: The General History of Africa (GHA) as a catalyst for achieving Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda (ED-SHS-CL T)

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aunched in 1964 by UNESCO, the General History of Africa remains emblematic for the continent, its diaspora and UNESCO itself. The African Union’s Heads of State recommended that the history of Africa be taught at all levels of schooling, from primary to higher education. The effective integration of the content of the General History of Africa in different subjects (social sciences, history, political science, etc.) will be strengthened and expanded upon as part of the Operational Strategy for Priority Africa 2022-2029.

Most African countries have inherited a debilitating colonial legacy facing at least two vital post­colonial tasks: (i) the building of Nation-States based on national unity and cohesion on a citizen conscience and common African cultural references; (ii) building endogenous and cumulative bases for accelerated and sustainable development. Education systems supposed to consolidate history, language, and cultural heritage from generation to generation have been significantly either weakened and marginalized or captured by a colonizing mission, the devaluation of African cultures and languages, or a “negative ontology” of Africa (Kounkou, 2010), has been internalized.

In this context, a desired educational and cultural transformation, embodied in Agenda 2063 and the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance, as well as on the 2030 Agenda, promotes “a new authentic African narrative on Africa” through the reappropriation of its history based on the GHA, its languages and its heritage with the pillars of refoundation: the reform of school systems, the development of research history, the operationalization of the educational continuum and the eventual social change.

The eight (8) volumes of the GHA, initially completed in 1999, now provide a concrete means to contribute to this necessary change - and UNESCO is well positioned to connect the GHA to education systems, according to its recognized comparative advantages in the fields of education, culture, democracy and social sciences, which justify the request for scientific and technical support expressed by Member States wishing to engage in educational transformation.

The overall long-term strategic objective of this Flagship is to promote inclusive African societies which are just, democratic, respectful of human rights and the rule of law.

Strategic objectives include: 1. Accelerating the transformation of the continent’s educational systems with a view to attaining the seven aspirations of the Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.

2. Deepening scientific production on the history of Africa to update the pioneering work (GHA) completed in 1999.

3. Making the awareness of the GHA narratives widely accessible to all African populations and diasporas.

Flagship programme 3: “Fostering cultural heritage and capacity development”. (CLT)

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n the area of World Heritage, the Flagship Programme will aim to work in close collaboration with African Member States, who will be the key beneficiaries of this flagship programme. and key partners such as the African World Heritage Fund,

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Advisory Bodies to the World Heritage Committee, universities, UNESCO Chairs, institutes and site managers.

Drawing inspiration from the methodology used to construct Priority Africa in the 41 C/4 and 41 C/5, the Secretariat will set up an internal working group, comprising members of the Culture Group of the Africa Group, members of the Africa Group within the World Heritage Committee, and members of the Secretariat (Culture Sector) with the goal of proposing a Culture Strategy for Priority Africa on the short, medium and long term to provide concrete responses to the insufficient representation of African heritage in World Heritage inscriptions . The working group will work in line with the Global Strategy for a representative, balanced and credible World Heritage List, which is currently under review, and based on the Secretariat’s analysis of the situation in terms of inscriptions, protection and the projects already underway for the African continent. The working group’s strategy will be implemented starting from 2022, which marks the 50th anniversary of the 1972 World Heritage Convention. This methodology will be implemented from August to June 2002.

Collaboration with the Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in case of Illicit Appropriation (ICPRCP) will be further integrated within the Flagship Programme.

Focus will be placed on strengthening the capacities of African Member States to implement the 1970 Convention and enhance the work of the ICPRCP, as well as to facilitate the referral of cases to the ICPRCP by African Member States and improve the ICPRCP’s efficiency and role. Technical support for return and restitution requests and capacity­ building will be provided through strengthened collaboration with the Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property (ICPRCP). Moreover, UNESCO will strengthen capacity-building activities in Africa in the field of illicit trafficking in collaboration with national authorities, international operational organizations and partners, and support bilateral negotiations for the return or restitution of movable cultural property of fundamental significance for the countries of origin through direct legal and technical assistance, and collaboration with the ICPRCP. Regional cooperation will also be reinforced to fight the illicit trafficking of cultural objects. In this context, the flagship programme will contribute to promoting the African Union Model Law on the Protection of Cultural Property and Heritage, as well as the 2019 ECOWAS resolution on the return of illicitly trafficked cultural goods.

Flagship Programme 4: “Harnessing new and emerging technologies for sustainable development in Africa, including through the implementation of the recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence” (SHS-CI)

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nder this flagship, UNESCO will support harnessing new and emerging technologies for sustainable development in Africa, including through the Recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence. UNESCO will work closely with African Member States to strengthen their capacities to leverage digital innovation and transformation to achieve the sustainable development goals, including through the implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Al.

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The capacity-building initiatives will feature platforms for policy dialogue, as well as a network of experts to be deployed based on the specific needs of Member States. UNESCO will strengthen capacities of key actors and provide policy support to strengthen Africa’s participation in innovation and inclusive digital transformation processes, drawing from its analyses of digital transformation requirements in the region, such as the “Assessment of Africa Al needs and priorities”, ongoing Internet Universality assessment reports and the Digital Transformation Competency Framework for Civil Services, to design capacity development responses.

A particular focus will be put on the development of institutional and individual capacities for ensuring that digital ecosystems, including Al-enabled ones, are in line with the ROAM principles (human Rights, Openness, Accessibility, and Multi-stakeholder participation).

The Recommendation on the Ethics of Al will be implemented through an Al Readiness Assessment methodology and Al Ethical Impact Assessments (EIAs) that will help Member States in identifying their Al ethics related readiness status, policy gaps and capacity needs regarding the creation, adoption and deployment of ethical Al. In this regard, UNESCO will work closely with Member States to ensure capacity-building and the development of educational materials taking into account social, cultural and regulatory specificities in the Member States. The Recommendation and its ethical framework of values and principles will serve as a universally valid basis for promoting awareness about Al in Africa.

Flagship Programme 5 (new): “Enhance Open Science, reinforce capacity building in Basic and Applied Sciences and Scientific Research to strengthen innovation and technology development and use in Ocean Science, climate change resilience and water resource management in Africa (SC-IOC)

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his flagship programme is developed along four areas of action covering natural resources, science technology and innovation, and education for sustainable development; resilient building; and water­ food-energy ecosystem (WEFE) . All interventions will be implemented by creating evidence on innovative solutions, capacity building and providing policy support. The STI will primarily focus on building institutional and human resource capacities to address identified challenges, effect the change process and drive sustainable socio-economic transformation.

Its main objectives are as follows: • Harnessing science to inform the management of natural resources and the development of sustainable ocean economy • Preventing risks and enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity to climate change and disasters • Developing national capabilities in science, technology and Innovation and education for sustainable development

UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

NEW AUC COMMISSIONERS Department in AUC

Name of Commissioners

Country of Origin

Past experience

Chairperson

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat

Chad

Reelected as Chairperson of the AUC

Deputy Chairperson

Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa

Rwanda

Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa was the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda for nearly a decade. Before that she occupied the positions of Minister of Trade and Industry and of Finance and Economic Planning. She has over nearly 20 years of civil service and has showcased her creativity and leadership therough the development of programs like the Rugori Fund.

Agriculture, Rural Develeop- H.E. Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko ment, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)

Angola

H.E. Sacko was a special adviser to the Minister of agriculture, assigned with the responsibility of advising on issues related to international cooperation both bilateral and multilateral.

Education, Science, Technology and Inovation (ESTI)

Prof. Belhocine Mohammed

Algeria

Prof. Belhocine Mohammed was elected as Commissioner for EST. For twenty-one years without interruption (1976-1997), he was involved in the training of medical and paramedical personnel and later on, managers of health care facilities. Prof.

Belhocine also worked for WHO and UNDP in Tunisia.

Infrastructure and Energy

H.E. Amani Abou-Zeid

Egypt

H.E. Abou-Zeid was an international development lead expert who has been serving Africa in various leading positions for over 30 years, mainly in international organizations: AFDB, UNDP and USAID.

Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development

H.E. Amb. Minata Cessouma Samate

Burkina Faso

H.E. Samate was the former Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC

Political Affairs, Peace and Security

H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye

Nigeria

H.E. Adeoye served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the AU and the UNECA and Ambassador to Ethiopia with concurrent accreditation to Djibouti from 2017 to 2020.

Economic Development, Trade, Industry, and Mining (ETIM)

H.E. Albert M. Muchanga

Zambia

H.E. Muchanga served as the Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office in charge of Parliamentary Affairs in Zambia.

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UNESCO Addis Ababa Director’s visit to Commissioner for PAPS

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n 21st May 2021, the A.g Director of UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office, Dr Yumiko Yokozeki, accompanied by Mr Rodney Ondjika, met with H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission. The courtesy visit was an opportunity for Dr Yumiko Yokozeki to congratulate Amb. Bankole Adeoye for his outstanding election and to discuss the “culture of peace” imperative and the protection of cultural sites on the continent.

On the protection of cultural property, Dr Yumiko Yokozeki stated that UNESCO stands ready to support the African Union in its efforts to work on the protection of cultural sites during conflicts. The Commissioner acknowledged the support and mentioned that the two organizations should work together to develop training for AU Peace Missions.

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A further discussion was carried out on Biennale of Luanda, with Dr Yumiko making a brief presentation and concluded by mentioning that it constitutes a platform to create a movement for the promotion of the Culture of Peace in Africa. H.E. Amb Bankole, appreciated Dr Yumiko’s presentation and noted that the Biennale of Luanda reitarates the AU Theme of the year as well as the African Union initiative on Silencing the Guns. The Commissioner appreciated UNESCO’s contribution to promote peace in Africa and affirmed his full support to the Biennale. As previously proposed by UNESCO Liaison Office, the Commissioner agreed to have a presentation of the 2nd Edition of the Biennale of Luanda during a PSC meeting and will advocate for at least ten Heads of State and Government (2 per region) to be physically present in Luanda in October.

The meeting ended by both personalities recognizing that indeed, through culture and heritage we can promote peace in Africa.

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EDUCATION UNESCO-Huawei Funds-in-Trust Project Technology- A consultative workshop on ‘enabled Open Schools for All Project Inception phase

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he UNESCO-Huawei-Fundsin-Trust Project, “Technologyenabled Open Schools for All” is a 3-year project, with a total amount of USD 3 million, aiming to support Egypt, Ethiopia and Ghana to design, pilot test, and scale up Technology-enabled Open School Systems (TOESS) that can connect school-based and home-based learning to ensure the continuity and quality of learning no matter under normal or crises situations. By building a more crisisresilient technology, content, and human infrastructure for school education and making it equitably accessible, the techenabled open schools will serve as digital learning hubs to underpin the following strategic objectives in the context of achieving SDGs: (1) promoting digital inclusion, (2) mainstreaming digital skills development, including skills required by the adoption of emerging technologies and Artificial Intelligence, and (3) fostering digital-pedagogical transformation needed for ensuring the quality of learning.

A consultative workshop was organized by the Ministry of Education in April 2021 at Ethiopian Management Institute (EMI) hall. The aim of the workshop was on finalizing the deliverables of the project at its inception phase, that is, the Needs Assessment Report and Country Specific Project Document. The number of participants physically present in the workshop was 8, with 7 men and 1 Female comprising of representatives from Ministry of Education from different departments. One was a local expert/consultant from UNESCO-FO. A female admin assistant from UNESCO FO played an important role in organizing and supporting the team for a smooth, comfortable and successful completion of the workshop.

The overall purpose of the project is to empower Member States to transform schools to be technology-enabled inclusive and crisis-resilient open schools that can ensure the continuity and quality of learning for all learners no matter under the normal situation or in the context of education disruptions caused

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by crises. This is most highly relevant to the reflection on lessons learned from the education responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, this project will help Member States to rethink and build the new generation of digital schools and digital learners in the face of more frequent global pandemics and crises.

On the first day, Mr. Yalew Zeleke, a local expert, welcomed the participants and gave opening remarks by briefing them on the overall progress made since the project started in Ethiopia. He introduced them.

Mr. Sebsib Lemma presented on the progresses made on the need’s assessment report due to his availability throughout the development process from its inception. As a result, this background gave inside to the participants and led to the formation of 2 groups to tackle the finalization of the project, according to their interest and specialty.

The first group, formed of ICT specialists, was in charge of reviewing the ICT part while the second group, focused and reviewed the general parts of the drafted template. At the end of the first day, the areas reviewed by the two groups were discussed and merged before sharing to all the participants.

As per the schedule, the 2nd and 3rd day of the workshops, saw the two groups carrying out different activities and came up with a merged preliminary draft of Country Specific Project Document having basic components crafted along with the formulated budget by identifying the major activities categorically and detailing them. This would help in changing it into monetary form for proper allocation and implementation of the project.

The budgeting part was proposed and drafted by taking into consideration the allocated budget of the project which significantly determines the target and scope of implementation. This actually requires careful attention and serious revision from all perspectives.

On the 3rd and final day of the afternoon session, a webinar was organized by UNESCO HQ, in care of Laicia, aiming to connect all actors and exchange ideas on areas of support, status update and the way forward. This was successfully completed amidst powers supply and technological hitches.

Additionally, HUAWEI Ethiopia Country representatives, Mr. Bowen and Mr. Behailu, were physically present and addressed the participants of the workshop on renewing their team commitment to support anything possible at his capacity for the realization of the project in Ethiopia. He particularly thanked all those involved and participated in this particular project.

During the three days stay at EMI workshop, daily reports, email and document exchanges was conducted among the participants and relevant stakeholders of the project, both locally and internationally, in view of informing and updating them on the status and progress made in meeting the intended objectives of the workshop.

However, their feedbacks, comments and suggestions were noted down by the working team in order to enhance and improve the production of the efforts made. The feedbacks proved to result satisfactory outputs.

The finalized Needs Assessment Report and The drafted Country Specific Project document, as an output of the workshop, derived from the respective templates, was shared to all stakeholders and partners for their further review, comments, suggestions and refinement

Participants in the workshop

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“UNESCO-Huawei Funds-in-Trust Project Technology- A consultative workshop on ‘enabled Open Schools for All Project Inception phase”

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he inception phase of the project has been completed by finalizing “The Country Specific Needs Assessment Report and Project document”. As a result, the implementation phase has been already started. The official project Launch event was organized by the UNESCO HQ, Huawei Team in Ethiopia and in close collaboration with field offices of the respective beneficiary countries and was held virtually on 25th November 2021 at Hayat Regency hotel in Addis Ababa. The workshop was oIn physical attendance was UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office Director, Dr. Yumiko Yokozeki, some of the organization’s staff members, Huawei team, Ethiopia Ministry of

Education representatives, the Media and other invited guests.

Remarks and facilitation of activities were done in accordance with the schedule. By The Director of UNESCO Addis Ababa Laison Office, Dr. Yumiko Yokozeki, and, the State Minister of Education, His Excellency Dr. Fanta Mandfro, represented His Excellency the Minister of Education of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The main contents of the project document were nicely presented to the audience by the focal point to the Project, Mr. Kedir Urji, and ICT Expert from Ministry of Education.

Article on the Workshop held to Prepare TTLM and Curriculum on Agro-food Processing Occupations The TTLM modules prepared were, Fruit and Vegetable Agro-food Processing, Cereal Agro--food Processing, Edible oil and fat Products Food Processing, Dairy Products Food Processing and Meat and Meat Product Food Processing. All the five agro-food processing occupations consist of 167 units of competencies.

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he Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR) II project is a joint initiative between UNESCO and the Republic of Korea to support the improvement of Technical and Vocational education and Training (TVET) systems in five beneficiary countries of Eastern Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, the United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda) over 2017–21. The Federal Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (FTVET) Agency in collaboration with UNESCO organized a workshop in form of a retreat to prepare Curriculum and Teaching, Training and Learning Materials (TTLM) for Level III Agro-food processing occupation which is the continuation of Level I and Level II agro-food processing curriculum and TTLM preparation. The workshop participants were drawn from 20 colleges with a total of 44 participants in attendance.

The workshop was officially opened by Ms. Sewasewu Assefa, Director for Trainees Development, Industry Extension and Technology Transfer Service from Federal TVET, which is under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. In her opening remarks, she emphasized that the workshop is organized for the development of Curriculum, Teaching, Training and Learning Material (TTLM) for agro-food processing occupation through the financial and technical support of UNESCO in collaboration with

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the Republic of Korea. She expressed her gratitude to the two organizations.

During the workshop, for ease of access of materials, the participants mainly used internet to download them. Hard copy materials were available according to the respective areas of expertise.

In addition, field visits was scheduled to six industries to enable the development and strengthening of a sound and viable technological and scientific base, knowledge transfer, practical observation and collaborative activities of agro-food processing industries which made the theoretical instruction practical for the attainment of the objectives of agrofood processing curriculum and learning modules development. The industries visited were Mamuya Macaroni factory, Addis Food Complex Factory Africa Juice Tibila factory, Holland Diary processing industry and Liyos Edible oil factory. This visits were scheduled due to the nature of TVET teaching and learning activities which is expected to take place in the different learning arenas; colleges and workplaces in industries; to help them gain basic knowledge, principles and skills and integrate to their respective TTLM modules. Presentation of the draft TTLM was done by each of the five groups and comments were given to be incorporated to all the learning module.

At the closer of the workshop, Ato Habtamu Kibret, Deputy Director General from Federal TVET was expected to make closing remark but due to another urgent meeting, Mr Demissew Lemma the focal person for BEAR II Project from UNESCO Liaison Office and Mr Tigist Kebede, Team Leader for Curriculum and Training Material Development from Federal TVET, were delegated on behalf of him and attended the closing ceremony.

Mr Tigist Kebede presented briefly on the activities accomplished, problems encountered and, on the way, forward to be implemented by each and every participant. Mr Demissew Lemma in his part appreciated the participants for their dedication to prepare TTLM for agro-processing occupations which is a new area of intervention to create job opportunities to the trainees, and for the provision of trained and skilled man power to industries.

In general, the workshop was objectivedriven and practical since the theoretical analysis made during the development of the TTLM modules was enriched through field visit in agro-processing industries and considered the national and international context into account.

The modules were customized to suit the specific needs of agro-food processing industries. Besides this, the participants were encouraged to constantly work on improving their profession.

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Certificate of appreciation presented to UNESCO

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NESCO has collaborated with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health over the years to ensure that children, adolescent and youth, that are in and out of schools in Ethiopia get the health and wellbeing information and education they need to live a healthy and productive lives.

The Federal Ministry of Health presented a certificate of Appreciation to UNESCO specifically for their support during the Second Annual Ethiopian Adolescent and Youth Health Forum organized by the Ministry of Health from 19th to 24th of September 2021.

This appreciation will strengthen and revitalize the collaboration between UNESCO and the MOH in the future

Certificate of appreciation presented to UNESCO

Muluwork Ameya, Education National Project Officer, UNESCO Addis Ababa, receiving the certificate

STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL EDUCATION INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR DATA-DRIVEN EiE AND RESILIENCE TO CRISES PROJECT Context With educaon systems worldwide under growing threat from conflict, disasters, pandemic, and other crises, it’s crical that we understand the complex and changing needs of learners, teachers, educaonal instuons, and communies to respond to them effecvely. To do so, having reliable and mely data is very crucial. Although substanal data and evidence exist in many EiE sengs, it is oen not harmonized and widely available, with efforts to collect, manage and analyze it lacking coordinaon.

Furthermore, naonal educaon data systems and tools, such as educaon management informaon systems (EMIS), cannot often adapt to the evolving nature of crises, which leads to a substanal gap in data in addressing educaon in emergencies.

Ethiopia’s education system is also undergoing the same challenges of natural disasters (floods and drought), conflict, epidemics, pandemic (COVID-19) and other crises. It is estimated that about 4 million people are internally displaced across the country, while 1.4 million IDPs are returning.

Moreover, Ethiopia is the second-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, with more than 799,751 refugees, of which significant proportions are school-age children.

About the project UNESCO collaborates with the Ministry of Educaon (MoE) and partners to strengthen instuonal informaon systems for datadriven Educaon in Emergencies (EiE) and resilience to crises.

At the initial stage of the project, a case study was conducted in Ethiopia to evaluate the current status of the educational institutional information system concerning EiE and resilience to crises. The case study evidenced specific challenges regarding: • Duplicaon and fragmentaon of data • Weak coordinaon around data sharing and use UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

• •

Confusion and fague among providers of data Inefficient use of resources, both human and financial

Based on these findings, the project focus areas were idenfied, and a roadmap developed.

Areas of focus: The project focuses on three themac areas: 1. Strengthening the institutional environment (policy, legal frameworks etc.) to lay a solid foundation for sustainable EiE data production, sharing and use.

2. Harmonizing relevant, timely, and quality data to inform EiE planning and management.

3. Enhance systematic EiE data coordination through the leadership of MoE and other EiE data producers and users.

These thematic areas are in alignment with the national Education Sector Development Plan VI and other related partners’ programmes and strategies, including the Education Cluster and ECW’s Multi Year Resilience Programme 20202022 Highlights Acvies to be conducted/achieved in the next six months include the following: Outcome 1 Supporting enabling environment Raise awareness on the link between enhanced EiE dat initiatives and the commitments made through the ESDPVI. Support MoE and education cluster in better using currently existing EMIS data for increased internal and external EiE advocacy. Strengthen MoE and Partners’ capacities on EiE planning and management (with a focus on optimizing and using EiE data).

Outcome 2 Supporting data production

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Conduct a thorough EiE data needs assessment to identify and address EiE data gaps between partners and EMIS. Revise existing tools and processes related to EiE data collection to ensure harmonization between partners and EMIS. Adapt/develop and deploy relevant EiE tools considering the identified data needs, comparative advantages/leadership and sustainability.

Outcome 3 Supporting data dissemination and use Support the establishment of National EiE data working group under the Education Cluster. Support the MoE in coordination activities to promote dialogue, definition of priorities and workplan on EiE data. Support MoE and partners to jointly conduct EiE assessments and report findings that will help in planning, implementation and monitoring EiE interventions among partners and EMIS.

PROJECT TIME LINE FOR ETHIOPIA 2021 TO 2022

PROJECT PRESENTATION

STRENGTHENING EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR DATA DRIVEN EDUCATION IN EMERGENCY AND RESILIENCE TO CRISES PROJECT WORKSHOP WITH EMIS AND PARTNERS 27-28TH AUGUST 2021 IN ADAMA

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School-Related Gender Based Violence Code of Conduct Revision workshop 2nd round Taskforce workshop

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he international conventions and declarations enshrined on FDRE constitution and other International Human Rights documents specify that protection of people’s equality, respect and freedom are obligatory. Therefore, these rights should be respected and protected at any time and place. In line with these rights, children should have the freedom to learn and the right to safe learning environment. Likewise, genderbased violence is the violation of human rights, and in particular, school-based gender-based violence leads to diverse problems which affect the learners in different ways. This may include self-harm and risk-taking, infected with HIV virus, exposure to unintended pregnancy, low self-esteem and depression, losing of selfconfidence and economic dependency.

This violence may in turn negatively affect the students’ school participation, learning levels and completion rates

and raises barriers to gender equality in education and the wider society at large.

On the other hand, even though male and females are exposed to genderbased violence, the magnitude of the violence is much higher among female than male. Female students who are exposed to the challenge don’t attend their education properly thereby their academic performance and school attendance highly decline. Therefore, it is quite essential to avert and reduce sexual, physical, psychological genderbased violence upon learners and create safe learning environment for them.

UN- agencies and partners to revise the existing School Related Gender Based Violence. In view of this, as a follow up of the previous SRGBV revision taskforce workshop, the second code of conduct revision taskforce workshop was held from the 19th to 22nd August 2021 at Adama, Addis Ababa. The objective of the workshop was to deliver the first revised zero draft SRGBV document. Nearly 34 participants drawn from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education representing different directorates, Federal Supreme and High Court, Federal Police, Regional and one City Administration Education Bureaus, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women, Child and Youth, Teachers, CSO representatives, UN –agencies and partners were in attendance.

In response to this, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education, Women Child and Youth Directorate has been working in collaboration with UNESCO, some

Validation Workshop on the Evaluation of Behavioral Change brought by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education interventions in Prevent ion of HIV infections in Education Sector

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ccording to World Health Organization (WHO) report, HIV/AIDS is one of the greatest causes of illness and mortality in the world, with approximately 36.7 million people living with the disease worldwide, majority of whom being adults and 1.5 million children.

HIV is still the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub–Saharan countries including Ethiopia. Moreover, about 15,000 new infections are reported annually despite the interventions.

The disease is a common public health problem. Due to several physiological and environmental factors, school adolescents are highly vulnerable to HIV infections and other sexual and reproductive health problems. The research conducted in secondary schools in Ethiopia reveals that sexual and reproductive health problems such as unwanted pregnancy, early initiation to sexual intercourse and multiple sexual partners are some of the problems leading to HIV infections among adolescents in schools in Ethiopia.

On 17th August 2021, at Capital Hotel, Addis Ababa, UNESCO carried out a

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validation workshop on the Evaluation of Behavioral Change experienced from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education interventions on Prevention of HIV infections in schools. The main objective of the validation workshop was to review and enrich the draft evaluation document and made ready for future implementation.

The workshop garnered about 50 participants drawn from Ministry of Education, various directorate directors and experts, Regional Education Bureaus , Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women ,Child and Youth, Federal HAPCO, UN agencies, and other partner organizations.

To reduce the prevalence of HIV infections in schools in Ethiopia, the Ministry of Education HIV and SRH

Issues Directorate in Ethiopia has implemented a number of activities including, establishment of sexual and reproductive health clubs, incorporated HIV and sexual and reproductive health in primary and secondary schools’ curriculum.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the different interventions the Ministry of Education has implemented, the Ministry of Education HIV and SRH Issues Directorate in collaboration with UNESCO conducted an evaluation of behavioral change in secondary schools in selected regions in Ethiopia.

The evaluation was conducted with UNESCO’s financial and technical support by recruiting experienced consultancy firm, with the evaluation draft report completed and presented for validation.

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UNESCO Supports Ethiopia in the implementation of the Technical and Vocational Education Policy and Strategy

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NESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office in collaboration with the Federal Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) Agency and Ethiopian Technical University organized stakeholders meeting from 20th – 21st May 2021 at Adama Executive Hotel where concerned line Ministries, partners, stakeholders, and donors participated. The main objectives of the meeting were to present all outputs of the Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR) II project achievements in Ethiopia; and agree on how to align the output of the project in line with the new Ethiopian Technical and Vocational Education Policy and Strategy.

Ato Teshlae Berecha, President of Ethiopian Technical University, officially opened the Stakeholders meeting and underlined the importance of aligning the implementation of TVET in the new TVET policy and strategy. He appreciated UNESCO for hosting the meeting and thanked partners and stakeholders for their financial and technical support in the TVET System.

The Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR) II project is a joint initiative between UNESCO and the Republic of Korea to support the improvement of Technical and Vocational Education

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and Training (TVET) systems in Ethiopia. The improvement is on three result areas: TVET Relevance, TVET Quality and Perception of TVET, focusing on Agro-processing occupations.

The project coordinator of BEAR II project from UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office presented the aims of the BEAR II project by mentioning how the project promotes TVET by showcasing the results and benefits of investing in TVET systems in alleviating poverty, empowering individuals through employment and entrepreneurship, and contributing to sustainable economic growth.

Thus, the project is one of the front actors in supporting the TVET System both technically and financially.

Further, the UNESCO representative presented the main successes of the project in the three result areas i.e., Relevance, quality and perception of TVET.

Strategy. The representative from the Ethiopian Technical University stated that the new TVET policy and strategy emphases on: Ethiopian TVET relevance, quality, Equity and Access; Ethiopian TVET Research ,Innovation and Technology Transfer; Ethiopian Science Culture Development and Community Engagement and Ethiopian TVET Infrastructure and Facility Equipment.

In conclusion of the Stakeholders meeting, Ato Habtamu Kibret, mentioned that, BEAR II project is the Pioneer in collaborating and working together with stakeholders according to the agreed action plan of the project. He emphasized that all projects and programmes need to align with the new TVET policy and strategy. He further advised other TVET stakeholders and partners to follow BEARII project implementation strategy to realize the outputs of the project. Additionally, he mentioned

The stakeholders and partners’ awareness creation workshop was conducted to enhance collaboration and the creation of partnerships in line with policy reform activities.

Moreover, the second main agenda of the stakeholders meeting was to present the new Ethiopian Technical and Vocational Education Policy and UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

UNESCO Supports the 2nd National Skills Competition in Ethiopia

Participants performing a cultural song

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NESCO Liaison Office Addis Ababa provided financial support for the Ethiopian National Skills Competition, held, for the second time, from 20th to 26th April, 2021 in Addis Ababa. The competitions fall under the Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR) II project which is a joint initiative between UNESCO and the Republic of Korea, to support the improvement of Technical and Vocational education and Training (TVET) systems in Ethiopia in three result areas: TVET Relevance, TVET Quality and Perception of TVET, focusing on Agro-processing occupations. One of the planned activities in result area three was skills competition.

The 2021 National Skills Competition, Technology and Practical Research Symposium and Exhibition Motto was “Skilled Citizen for Ethiopian Prosperity”. The main objectives of the skills competition were to enable young people to engage in skills training and be able to change and counter the wrong perceptions of the community regarding TVET in Ethiopia.

The National Skills competition was held in three competition teams and three competition skills. The three teams were;

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Trainers, Trainees and Small Scale Enterprises, while the three competition skills were; Skills, Technology and Practical Research and Development. The skills competition was held in 18 fields, which were: Automotive Engine Servicing, Automotive Electrical/Electronic Servicing, Instrumentation and Control Servicing, Masonry, Building and Electrical Installation, Sanitary Installation Work, Tilling, Food and Beverage Service, Foreign Dish Cooking, Welding, Mechanics, Machining, Conventional and CNC, Advanced Apparel, Textile Chemical Processing, Advanced Leather Production, Data Base Administration, Hardware and Network Servicing.

All TVET institutions, Trainers and Small-Scale Operators, from the various regions of the country, participated in the skills competition in the different levels. The winners from the various regions were selected to participate at the National level. Currently, Ethiopia has more than 766 government institutions and more than 890 private TVET institutions.

With a total of 313,000 trainees in the government training institutions, as of 2021. The winners nominated for the National Skills Competition and Skills Show were trainees from the government institutions. After a massive nomination, the best three performers from the 18 fields were awarded and rewarded, in the presence of government officials, regional representatives, representative stakeholders and partners.

Finally, after the finalization of competitions in the mentioned skills, the competition was officially closed in the presence on April 26, 2021 by rewarding for the best three performers from the above 18 fields.

In the conclusion of the competition and rewarding of winners, H.E Samuel Urkato, Minister for Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Ethiopia, mentioned that, the platform will allow the respective stakeholders to look at the current and future Ethiopian job market and examine the direction of the existing middle and low level human development in the country while positively enabling TVET skills to receive the appreciation it deserves among the community, professionals, policy makers, partners, stakeholders and young people. The platform will encourage young people to train according to their interest.

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Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) held in Ethiopia on Agro Processing methodologies was utilized throughout the training in order to make sure all the participants understand the whole concept, share experiences and practice what they learn. Towards the end of the training, there was a site visit to Kolfe Industrial College to see practical agro processing activities. The visit took place on December 4, 2020 to observe the laboratory standard and to get practical experience on what the trainees theoretically trained.

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echnical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop on Agro Processing (BEAR II Project) was held at Management Institute from November 25 to December 6, 2020. The workshop was organized by UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office in collaboration with Federal TVET Agency. 10 Trainers ( 8 males and 2 females ) and 54 trainees ( 37 males and 7 Females) drawn from the regions i.e Amhara, Oromia, Addis Ababa, Sidama and SNNP participated in the training programme. Ato Habtamu Kibret, Vice Directorate Director of Federal TVET from Ministry of Science and Higher Education, officially opened the workshop. In his opening remark, he underlined that these days there is a significant emphasis on agro processing to provide trained work force to the different parts of the country. He thanked UNESCO Liaison Office in Addis Ababa organizing this essential workshop that is a crucial capacity development activity for the agency. The workshop was organized through UNESCO’s Better Education for Africa’s Rise II (BEAR II) project that is a joint initiative of UNESCO and the Republic of Korea (RoK), to be implemented in five Eastern African countries in improving the relevance, quality and perception of their TVET systems.

The 12 day training ended on December 6, 2020.

Ato Habtamu Kibret, Vice Directorate Director, Ato Demissew Lemma focal person from UNESCO Liaison Office and Ato Ebissa Assefa Director from Federal TVET took part in the closing ceremonly. In his closing speech, Ato Habitamu mentioned that TVET may be seen both as a vehicle for the development of marketable and entrepreneurial skills and as an engine for development.

He said that, we all have to develop demand-based curriculum and implementing competence-based training in TVET colleges for graduates to move to the labour market through creating a competent, motivated, adaptable and innovative workforce. It is planned that there will be similar ToT workshops for level III and level IV in 2021

The ToT program consisted four different groups depending on their area of expertise. i.e., dairy products processing and meat product processing, coffee and tea processing, spice and herbs processing, bee product processing, fruit and vegetable processing and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage processing and the last group was focusing on cereal processing, oil seed and pulse processing and confectionary processing. In addition, a multitude of training

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CULTURE

Group Photo of Participant: Copy Right: Selamawit Getachew @ARCCH

Capacity Building Workshop for the 1954 Hague Convention organized by UNESCO and ARCCH

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NESCO Liaison Office in Addis Ababa in partnership with the Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural heritages (ARCCH), organized capacity building workshop on the implementation of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two protocols (1954 and 1999). The workshop was held on 16th and 17th, November 2021 in Adama town, Ethiopia.

The workshop brought together over forty participants (seven women) from Police, Custom, attorney general including from Bureaus of Culture and Tourism of the Regional States of Ethiopia. The trainees benefited from presentations given about the Convention with its two protocols. The workshop discussed the current and timely country context and the need for urgent protection of cultural properties from ongoing conflict.

Ms Selamawit Getachew, Director of Heritage Conservation Directorate, representing Dr Mulugeta Fiseha, General Director

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of the ARCCH, officially opened the workshop by expressing the importance and timeliness of the workshop, which strengthen the implementation capacity of the 1954 Hague Convention, Ethiopia ratified in 2005. In line with Agenda-2063 and UNESCO Priority Africa, the workshop promoted the contribution of heritages for peace building and continental integration, fostering the rich cultural heritage for sustainable development.

The participants expressed strongly the need for advocating strongly among policy and decision makers for the ratification of the 2nd protocol, which is for the enhanced protection of the heritage properties in the current conflict situation.

UNESCO message delivered to the participants also stressed the importance of observing and implementing the Convention and the 1st Protocol, Ethiopia ratified while the country needs to proceed in ratifying the 2nd Protocol. UNESCO Regional Office for East Africa in Nairobi and Addis Ababa Office provided financial and technical support for the success of the workshop.

UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

Ethiopian Culture and Environment Ministries strengthen synergies for World Heritage protection

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NESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office in collaboration with the World Heritage Centre in Paris and the Ethiopian National Commission for UNESCO organized a national training workshop on “Enhancing the Implementation Capacity of the 1972 World Heritage Convention in Ethiopia,” which took place from 3 to 5 August 2021 in Adama Town, Ethiopia.

The workshop, financed by the Government of China Funds for Capacity Building and Cooperation for World Heritage sites in Africa, brought together more than 40 participants from different Ministries, Non-Governmental institutions and stakeholders in order to strengthen their synergies for the protection and promotion of World Heritage sites in Ethiopia.

The opening remarks, delivered by Mr Workeneh Aklilu on behalf of H.E. Dr Hirut Kassaw, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sport (MoCTS), stated that, ‘’This workshop is an important step to develop a roadmap for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention and to create an opportunity to tap into the advantages that our cultural and natural heritage can offer towards sustainable development and peacebuilding in Ethiopia.” H.E. Mrs Bizunesh Meseret, the State Minister of MoCTS also expressed the need to have a strong Ethiopian National Commission for UNESCO in order to maximize the benefit from heritage resources and enhance collaboration among Ethiopian stakeholders and UNESCO. Dr. Yumiko Yokozeki, Director and Representative of UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office, in her welcoming remarks noted that, “With nine World Heritage sites, Ethiopia is rich in outstanding cultural and natural heritages. The diversity of the Ethiopian heritage is essential and can be a foundation for growth, innovation and living in peace.” She further expressed that the workshop is an opportunity to create an Ethiopian National Heritage Committee (ENHC) that brings together both natural and cultural World Heritage stakeholders to compliment and implement national strategies and action plans.

H.E. Dr Tilaye Gete, from the Permanent Delegation of Ethiopia to UNESCO gave a presentation on UNESCO and its role in peacebuilding processes through Education, Science, Culture, Communication, Social and Human Sciences. Mr Girma Timer and Ms Tsehay Eshetie, representing natural and cultural sites respectively, gave presentations on the Ethiopian perspective

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of site management and protection with examples of the World Heritage Committee Decisions concerning factors affecting the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of Ethiopia’s World Heritage sites. They also provided examples of successful implementation of World Heritage Committee Decisions on conservation and governance especially addressing threats that could lead to Danger listing of the properties.

“In this respect, balancing heritage conservation and development needs is one of the most challenging tasks for World Heritage conservation in Africa,” said Ms. Enathe Hasabwamariya, Associate Programme Specialist in the Africa Unit of the World Heritage Centre. She shared information on resources developed by the World Heritage Centre and Advisory Bodies to support management effectiveness, including monitoring and evaluation of OUV, as well as existing mechanisms that can support the protection of World Heritage properties, such as technical advice from Advisory Bodies and financial support from the World Heritage Fund (International Assistance).”

Mr. Muhammad Juma Muhammad, Chief of the Africa Unit of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, highlighted that, “there is urgency for African States Parties to integrate World Heritage in their agenda for national development and the importance of having a high-level National Committee or Board, which will bring together both cultural and natural heritage institutions to discuss issues affecting the country’s World Heritage sites”.

The workshop was facilitated by a UNESCO consultant from the United Republic of Tanzania, Mr. Donatius Kamamba, who led the participants through important steps in the establishment of Ethiopian National Heritage Committee. He also offered suggestions for decision makers regarding the composition, functions and status of a national World Heritage Committee.

Participants agreed that Ethiopia’s National World Heritage Committee should aim to strengthen the management and protection of heritage sites in Ethiopia, update nomination files for natural and cultural sites, follow-up on requirements for World Heritage management, and ensure implementation of decisions by the World Heritage Committee concerning conservation and protection of OUV of the sites as well as increasing stakeholders and community participation and empowerment for sustainable development.

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UNESCO and ARCCH organized a Technical Workshop on Enhancing National Capacities for the 1954 Convention

Participants of the meeting

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he UNESCO Liaison Office in Addis Ababa in partnership with the Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural heritages (ARCCH), organized an awareness creation and capacity building workshop on participatory policy monitoring of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two protocols (1954 and 1999). The workshop was held on 31st May and 1st June 2021 in Adama town, Ethiopia.

protocols and the statutory requirements that will contribute to the preparation of the Quadrennial Periodic Reporting.

UNESCO Regional Office for East Africa in Nairobi and Addis Ababa Office provided financial and technical support for raising awareness and for the comprehensive and timely submission of the national periodic reporting questionnaire for the State Party of Ethiopia, which is due on 30 June 2021.

The workshop was officially opened by Dr Mulugeta Fiseha, General Director of the ARCCH, who expressed the importance and timely of having this workshop to enhance knowledge of the 1954 Hague Convention and its two protocols, which Ethiopia ratified in 2005. The important stakeholders participating in the meeting need to understand and help the implementation of the protection of cultural properties as stipulated on the Convention and its two protocols.

Mr. Getu Assefa, National Professional Officer for Culture conveyed a message from Dr Yumiko Yokozeki, Director and representative of UNESCO, Addis Ababa Liaison Office to AUC and ECA, about the importance of timely submission of the Quadrennial Periodic Report on the implementation of the Convention, which is a requirement and important mechanism allowing State Parties to assess and disseminate information on measures taken, prepared or contemplated by the respective authorities in the fulfilment of the Convention and its protocols.

The workshop brought together over thirty-five participants including multi‐stakeholder national team, composed of representatives from various ministries, institutions including from Ministry of Peace (Military Personnel), Ministry of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, INTERPOL Ethiopia and heritage professionals from ARCCH. The trainees benefited from presentations given about the Convention with the two

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Dr Mulugeta Fiseha, General Manager of ARCCH©UNESCO/Getu Assefa

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UNESCO Launched Project to Support Ethiopian Film Industry

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he UNESCO Liaison Office in Addis Ababa in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia (MoST) organized a virtual meeting on 29th April 2021 to launch a project on “Strengthening Ethiopia’s film industry through sound institutional and structural frameworks”. With financial support from the European Union (EU), the project provided international and national expert facilities for designing a structural and institutional framework which would enable the country to start the implementation of its film policy.

Dr. Yumiko Yokozeki, Director of UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office to AUC and ECA and Representative to Ethiopia, on her opening remarks, expressed that the project will enable the Ethiopian film industry to play a monumental role in promoting the cultural diversity of the country. In consultation with MoCT, UNESCO identified, from its global pool of expertise, Ms. Yoonhyung Jeon, to guide and support the national experts and

the Task Force, established for this purpose.

A message delivered on behalf of Dr. Hirut Kassaw, Minister of Culture and Tourism Ethiopia (MoCT), noted that the implementation of the film policy project is timely and important.

The Ethiopian film policy was endorsed by the Council of Ministers in 2017, by considering the importance of the film industry for the socio-economic development, job creation and promotion of the Ethiopian culture globally.

Mr. Tadios Odissu, the National Expert, made a presentation to the participants about the project objectives and expected outcomes. Under the coordination of MoCT, a working ‘Task Force’ having twelve members has been established from the relevant government ministries, professional associations and private film professionals for the effective execution of the project.

Participants at the virtual meeting

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UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

NATURAL SCIENCES The Ethiopian National Science Fair

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NESCO Liaison Office supported the Mathematics and Science Improvement Center (MSIC), under Ministry of Education of Ethiopia to organize the National Science Fair in commemoration of the World Science Day for Peace and Development - a day proclaimed by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2001 (UNESCO 31 C/ Resolution 20) to highlight the significant role of science in society.

The event was held from 29 November to 3 December 2021 at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; under the theme “Science for and with Society in dealing with the global pandemic”. 114 projects were presented during the fair, with 50 projects presented by general education students from 9 regional states of Ethiopia, 52 projects presented by STEM centers (42 in Engineering and 10 on Robotics) and 12 projects presented

by High School Teachers. The Science fair inspired and encouraged

students and teachers to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and Art (STEAM) education. Different scientific innovations and projects were showcased (exhibitions) by students and teachers and further provided a forum to nurture science and inventive interest in science, technology and innovation among young people. The 3 top ranking projects from each category and one best female students’ project were awarded with laptops and tablet computers.

Supporting to the African Continental Platform for Data Management on Science, Technology and Innovation

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NESCO Liaison Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia supported The African Observatory for Science, Technology and Innovation (AOSTI) in the design of an African continental platform for data management on Science, Technology and Innovation—an interactive and digitally user-friendly platform for STI data collection, aggregation, analysis and dissemination.

The African Observatory for Science, Technology and Innovation (AOSTI) was established to serve as a continental repository for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) statistics and a source of policy analysis in support of evidencebased policy making in Africa. Since its establishment, there has been an increased availability of STI data, particularly in R&D (inputs and outputs data), innovation and in policy instruments.

However, the data collected by countries have not found decent homes. The designed Africa STI platform, therefore, serves as a continental web-based repository for STI data and statistics which facilitates the reporting processes and improve evidencebased policy making. It specifically provides: a comprehensive up to date information on the national STI indicators; information on the STI policy instruments, legislation and regulations and related control requirements for the African countries; as well as a direct access to AOSTI and individual countries STI statistics that may be downloaded for statistical research and study. The STI platform can be accessed through https://estitest.testaristarc.com/.

The STI Data platform includes a user interface (front-end),

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servers, applications and database management system (back-end). It also contains statistics and indicator reports, confidentiality features, users guide manual, country reports and any other useful tools related to STI policies and indicators.

UNESCO Liaison Office in Addis Ababa is delighted to be part of this initiative which enables African countries to monitor and evaluate their state of STI. The work of the Platform will be further enhanced by the recently approved Recommendation on Open Science by the 41st General Conference of UNESCO. The Recommendation on Open Science acknowledges that ‘in order to take advantage of the opportunities offered by open science, research projects, research institutions and civil society initiatives need to call on advanced data science skills including analysis, statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, visualization and the ability to write code and use algorithms with scientific and ethical responsibility’. The full report of the recommendation can be accessed from these links: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ ark:/48223/pf0000379949 and https://www.unesco.org/en/ natural-sciences/open-science

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African Regional Centre for Eco-hydrology

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NESCO Liaison Office provided financial and technical support to the African Regional Centre for Ecohydrology (ARCE), under the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy for a capacity development activity for the technical staff in the manipulation and use of the environment laboratory equipment based in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Over eight (8) selected experts from the ARCE and the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy Ethiopia are to receive training on how to use the various installed sophisticated laboratory equipment in carrying out various biological and physico-chemical analyses. The trained experts are expected to use their acquired skills and expertise to train other experts both in Ethiopia and from the region on the use of the laboratory equipment in undertaking various water analyses. The training is anticipated to be held in late December 2021 and will improve knowledge and skills of ARCE/Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy Experts in Ethiopia in the use of Environment Laboratory to undertake various biological and physico-chemical analyses of water, wastewater and soil samples, etc.; and generate reliable analytical data on inorganic and organic pollutants and other relevant environmental matrices. This will further enhance the centre’s capacity to provide a platform for Africa where joint studies by specialists of different fields allow for mutual cooperation, cross exchange of information and identification of synergies among different systems in the understanding of the patterns of water/biota interplays, and their importance for societies. This is in addition to positioning the centre as a key institution, not only for dissemination and enhancement of understanding of the eco-hydrology concept, but also for the implementation, and substantial contribution to sustainable use of water resources by African societies

Africa Regional Consultation on the first draft of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science

Participants at the virtual meeting

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NESCO in collaboration with the African Union and the South African Department of Science and Innovation the organization of the Africa Regional Consultation on the first draft of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science meeting.

The meeting was held virtually on 15 December 2020 and attracted over 100 participants where it was stressed that open science is fundamental and a game changer in leaving no one behind towards

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achieving the UN Sustainable Development Agenda as well as the Africa’s Agenda 2063. The meeting brought together key stakeholders in Africa such as scientists, researchers, publishers, policy makers etc. who shared experiences and good practices and provided comments to the first draft of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science.

Member states as well as other actors have a chance to provide comments by end of December 2020. A revised draft of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science will then be sent to member states by end of March 2021 and thereafter they will meet in a special committee meeting in May 2021 to negotiate the text of the recommendation which will then be presented to the 41st session of the General Conference for consideration and hopefully adoption.

The Guerlain Bee Keeping Project:

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he project is implemented in the context of UNESCO’s MAB Programme and aims at building capacities in beekeeping around 5 Biosphere reserves among which 2 in Africa (Kafa BR in Ethiopia and Volcans BR in Rwanda). An Ethiopian consultant was hired and carried out the first preliminary baseline survey in Kafa BR—with the first draft of the assessment report already availed by the consultant and its hoped that, if the situation allows, in early next year (January 2021) the consultant will go to Rwanda for the same exercise. A broader continental beekeeping project is also under development (inter-sectoral SC/ED). The early first draft is available for comments and further improvement. Once approved and funds secured, the Project will be implemented in about 15 Sub-Saharan African Countries. In addition to strengthening further implementation of UNESCO MAB programme activities in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) selected Majang Forest BR in Ethiopia for inclusion in the pilot survey with respect to the creation of a new platform for UNESCO biosphere reserves, with an interactive map by of all UNESCO biosphere reserves

by HQ, which provides and visualizes quantitative information about UNESCO’s biosphere reserves. A first version of the new platform should be ready for the MAB 50th anniversary next year and the online survey with all biosphere reserves, in this regard, will enable a systematic quantitative digital data collection

UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES 2nd Edition of the Biennale of Luanda: Pan-African forum for the Culture of Peace

From left to right: -H.E. Commissioner Josefa Sacko (AUC), H.E. Nangolo Mbumba, Vice-President of the Republic of Namibia, H.E. Marcelo Rebelo De Sousa, President of Portugal, H.E. Felix Tshisekedi, President of DRC, H.E. João Lourenço, President of Angola, H.E. Dénis Sassou Nguesso, President of Congo, H.E. Carlos Vila Nova, President of São Tomé and Príncipe, H.E. Epsy Campbell Barr, Vice-President of Costa Rica, Mr Xing Qu, UNESCO Deputy Director-General, H.E. Hannah Tetteh, SRSG to the AU

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rganized in partnership between UNESCO, the African Union Commission and the Government of Angola, the second edition of the Biennale of Luanda – “Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace” took place from 27 November to 2 December 2021.

The Presidents of Angola, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sao Tome and Principe and Portugal, the VicePresidents of Namibia and Costa Rica, the Ministers of Defence of Mozambique and Kenya, representing their Presidents, as well as the Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to the African Union, the Minister of State for Social Affairs of Angola and UNESCO Special Envoy Forest Whitaker all attended the opening ceremony both physically and virtually.

As a space for reflection and dissemination of artistic works, ideas and best practices related to the culture of peace, it was a privileged meeting that brought together representatives of governments, civil societies, the artistic and scientific community, actors and partners involved in the prevention of violence and conflicts and the consolidation of peace for a sustainable and inclusive development of Africa. The forum started with an inaugural lesson on the State of Peace and security in Africa by the Director of the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) in Addis Ababa and the Director-General of the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA).

Under the leadership of Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, His Excellency Joao Laurenço, President of the Republic of Angola, and His Excellency Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the 2nd Edition of the Biennale was an opportunity to renew and strengthen the partnership between UNESCO and the African Union in the field of the Culture of Peace.

The aim of the Biennale is to work towards a daily and sustainable individual and collective appropriation and implementation, on the continent, of the culture of peace which consists of “values, attitudes and behaviors that reflect and promote conviviality

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and sharing based on the principles of freedom, justice and democracy, all human rights, tolerance and solidarity, which reject violence and are inclined to prevent conflicts by addressing the root causes and to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation, and which guarantee to all people the full enjoyment of all rights and the means to participate fully in the development process of their society”.

This initiative reinforces the implementation of goals 16 and 17 of the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable. Development and the 7 Aspiration of the African Union Agenda 2063, particularly it’s strategic initiative: “Silencing the Guns”.

The 2nd Edition of the Biennale of Luanda was a major opportunity to celebrate the African Union’s theme of the year, “Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want”. For this edition, the programme was organized around 4 axes: • Intergenerational Dialogue of Leaders and Youth; • Thematic and Best Practices Forums; • Festival of Cultures; • Launch of the Alliance of Partners for a Culture of Peace.

The closing ceremony was marked by the adoption of a Declaration of the Regional Economic Communities and the official launch of the Alliance of Partners for a Culture of Peace and Non- Violence in Africa.

The replay of the 2nd Edition of the Biennale of Luanda is available from the Biennale’s website: https://www.unesco.org/ biennaleluanda/2021/en

Prof. Isidor Ndaywel, Vice-President of DRC Panel -Rodney Ondjika, UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

The Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

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n 24th November 2021, the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence was adopted by UNESCO’s General Conference at its 41st session.

UNESCO embarked on a two-year process to elaborate this first global standard-setting instrument on the ethics of artificial intelligence in the form of a Recommendation, following the decision of its General Conference at its 40th session in November 2019.

In 2020, the focus was on preparing the draft text for the Recommendation with the assistance of an Ad Hoc Expert Group (AHEG). This phase included inclusive and multidisciplinary consultations with a wide range of stakeholders. These broad consultations were extremely important to ensure that the text would be as inclusive as possible.

Towards the end of 2020 and in 2021, the focus was on an intergovernmental process and negotiations on the draft text to produce a final version of the Recommendation for possible adoption by UNESCO’s General Conference at its 41st session at the end of 2021.

UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

UNESCO’s work on the Recommendation is building on the preliminary study on ethics of artificial intelligence of UNESCO’s World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST). This study emphasizes that currently no global instrument covers all the fields that guide the development and application of AI in a human-centred approach.

UNESCO wishes to acknowledge the partners who have contributed and supported the process of elaboration of the Recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence.

Text of the Recommendation After months of constructive dialogue and negotiation, representatives from UNESCO’s member states agreed on the text of an ambitious and wide-ranging instrument for the ethical development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence.

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Second Meeting of the Scientific Committee

They also spoke about the current state of security and peace in the continent, as well as about the existing African traditional mechanisms to address conflict root causes, which are going to be addressed during the inaugural lesson.

The group reaffirmed their profound commitment to continue contributing to the promotion of the culture of peace in the continent which should be defined as a continental approach which is essentially an African concept. Through its vision and insights, the group will make a significant contribution to the opening of the Biennale.

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n 19 August, the Scientific Committee of the Biennale of the Luanda gathered for a second time to discuss and prepare for the 2021’s Biennale of Luanda.

This meeting aimed at discussing and contributing to the 2021 Biennale programme and more broadly to continue their intellectual contribution on the priority issues affecting the African continent.

During this discussion the directors of the Institute for Peace and Security Studies of Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia (IPSS) and of the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA) briefed the group and shared the outline of the Inaugural lesson on The State of Peace and Security in Africa in relation to cultural and identity diversity, which both institutes will be presenting during the Biennale.

As result of its reflection, the committee also encouraged the organizational committee to highlight the role of social media in conflict prevention, the question of infodemic and misinformation and the need for peace communication in the Biennale programme.

The Committee agreed to continue its advisory work to the Biennale governing bodies and to launch a publication about “identities, cultures, science and shared values, towards an African Epistemology of Peace” during a dedicated session at the Biennale.

Youth2030 Online Toolkit Consultation

Participants at the virtual meeting

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n the development of the Youth 2030 Toolkit (https://www. unyouth2030.com/toolkit), an online consultation was carried out on 26th April, 2021spearheaded by the UN Youth2030 Secretariat in partnership with UNESCO LO Addis Ababa among other UN entities and stakeholders. The main aim of the consultation forum is to test the online Toolkit with representatives from selected UNCTs, Government and Youth Organizations.

The Youth2030 Online Toolkit was Launched in 2018, Youth 2030, the United Nations’ system-wide Youth Strategy acts as an umbrella framework that guides the UN’s efforts to strengthen its work with and for young people across the three pillars - peace and security, human rights and sustainable development - in all contexts. It is an online collection of resources and tools, including good practices, across Youth2030 priority and foundational areas.

It seeks to significantly step up the UN’s capacity to engage young people and taken into account their views, insights and ideas towards the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the achievement of a more just, equal, and peaceful future for all. It seeks to ensure the UN’s work on youth

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issues is pursued in a coordinated, coherence and holistic manner. The Youth2030 UNCT Scorecard serves as a strategic planning, performance measurement, and accountability tools for joint action UNESCO took part in the facilitation of the consultative online meeting as well as being a collaborative member in the advancement of the action guide, online Toolkit, and a catalogue of programmes and multi-stakeholder initiatives. UNESCO LO office was represented by Ms. Malebogo Bowe, in her capacity as the co-chair of UN youth taskforce for Ethiopia. She was accompanied

by Mr. Rodney Ondjika and Ms. Faith Manthi, from UNESCO LO Addis Ethiopia. UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa was represented by Ngandeu Ngatta, Hugue Charnie while Kristina Balalovska and Maria Kypriotou represented UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Ms. Sudha Balakrishnan, Youth2030 Secretariat, and Hanna Elisabeth Schmitt, RCO Ethiopia, officially UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

opened the forum by briefly summarizing Youth2030 Toolkit and particularly on its usability, relevance and potential gaps.

Ms. Gracia Romeral, Youth2030 Secretariat, took over to expound on the purpose of the meeting by showcasing an overview of the online toolkit before handing over the session to Henrick Dale, Youth2030 Secretariat, to create the breakout session for participants to provide their feedback in the final version of the toolkit which will be part of the Youth2030 Online knowledge platform/microsite.

The breakout sessions deliberated on four areas which included; 1. Navigation and accessibility: How were your experience navigating the toolkit platform? Was it easy, intuitive, clear?

2. Sections of the toolkit: The toolkit is composed of different sections (such as policy alignment, public finance, innovation, etc.) that are organized under different user profiles (UNCT, youth, government): how clear were the descriptions of these sections? Was it evident what tools could be found under each section?

3. Government/Youth/UNCT User experience: How likely are you, as a member of the Government/Youth/UNCT to

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use this toolkit? Why? 4. Gaps: What did you expect to find in this toolkit that you could not find?

In conclusion of the consultative meeting, a number of recommendations were outlined for consideration on the online Toolkit, which included; 1. The Toolkit to be youth friendly 2. User experience of the toolkit on the phone to be less crumped 3. Edit all the language to be in English 4. Ensure ease of access to thematic documents 5. Search and Filter tabs to be well placed for ease of use 6. For Person’s with Disability user friendly, ensure dark mode is available, enlarging of texts, braille accessibility, and simplification of texts The Youth2030 Secretariat together with all the UN stakeholders agreed to carry out another consultative meeting on 17th May 2021 to deliberate on the way forward.

UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION UNESCO Supporting Countering Disinformation and Disinfodemic in Ethiopia

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NESCO supports Ethiopia to counter disinformation and the provision of reliable information to the public concerning most important public issues. The main area of support is strengthening the local fact checking capacities by empowering local institutions to fact check in local languages and share verified information to the media and citizen regularly.

With financial support from the European Union (EU), under the project #CoronavirusFacts: Addressing the ‘Disinfodemic’ on Covid-19 in conflict-prone environments, the UNESCO support enabled regular information verification and access to the media and citizens in four major local languages of Ethiopia.

the disinformation trends in Ethiopia weekly and monthly.

The local fact checker is regularly debunking and providing verified fact-checked reports directly for journalists and for the citizens through publishing it on different platforms including on the dedicated Information Hub- Ethio Info hub - developed for the same purpose. The fact checking institution is monitoring disinformation claims in four local languages and English, and debunks on average seven stories every month since June 2021.

The reports are both shared to the media directly through email to journalists and published in four languages (Amharic, Oromo, Tigrigna, Somali and Afar) to citizens.

Ethiopia is experiencing a flux of disinformation and hate speech mostly circulated by social media platforms in relation to the country’s major events and activities including ongoing conflict in the north and COVID 19. UNESCO’s support aims to help the country counter disinformation and disinfodemic through strengthening local capacities fact checking and citizens in media and information literacy.

Journalists and citizen also received a weekly disinformation trend summary to raise awareness on the prevalence of disinformation on key topics of national interest. The weekly summary is also supported by media and information literacy tips shared that help empower citizen to be resilient towards disinformation and disinfodemic.

In partnership with the Africa Check, UNESCO Addis provided capacity strengthening trainings and monitoring to the Ethiopian local fact checking institution – Haq Check- to enable them do an in depth monitoring and fact checking and strengthening their institutional capacity. This enabled the local fact checkerHack Check- to do a regular fact checking, provide analysis on

UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

An in-depth analysis of the disinformation trend is also provided every month to further strengthen the media and information literacy of citizens and journalists to help them analyze the consequences of disinformation in the fight against COVID 19 and other issues such as conflicts and peace building.

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UNESCO supports capacity building of African journalists in fact checking and communicating health science stories on COVID-19 Pandemic “This pandemic has made it obvious that whether it is researchers, common citizens, vaccine manufacturer or policy makers, scientific knowledge needs to be communicated in a simple, accurate, captivating and understandable way to its end users and beneficiaries”. Prof. Hubert Gijzen, Director, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa

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he International Service for the Acquisition of Agribiotech Applications (ISAAA) AfriCenter, The African Editors Forum and AfricaCheck have continued to join efforts with UNESCO in enhancing Media Information Literacy as a crucial intervention addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic, with a series of training on “Strengthening Journalists’ Capacity to Fact-check and Communicating Health Sciences in Africa”.

This Third Training Session focused on “Using captivating visuals/ infographics to communicate complex science stories” and was held on 28 July 2021. It built on the first and second sessions which enhanced the skills of journalists on how to translate health science into simple language in the case of COVID-19 and the importance of going beyond the traditional tenets of balanced reporting to a more interpretive and investigative approach.

This is necessary when covering complex and contentious issues around COVID-19 and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), as a key in countering mis/disinformation through using credible scientific evidence, for accurate reporting.

Over 300 science journalists in Africa in need of more capacity building to enhance their skills in use of visuals and infographics were in attendance for this Third Session.

“In order to improve COVID-19 and NCDs information visuals, there is need to target and visualize the public that is most affected by use of motion pictures to illustrate the situation on the ground and the solutions needed in a simple yet clear way” decried Mr. Ibrahim Usman, a Ghanaian Journalist.

In welcoming the participants, Dr Margaret Karembu, Director ISAAA AfriCenter stressed the consequences of the visuals used in communicating about the relationship between COVID-19 and Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and possible misinterpretations, when put out of context.

AfricaCheck. She further challenged participants to distinguish themselves from ordinary social media users, arguing that information from the journalists should be verified, attributed and should consult various sources. She insisted that this is what brings the balance and sets apart science journalists from other social media journalists, particularly in an era of information overload and with increased infodemic.

Dr Tessa Marcus, Emeritus Professor at the Department of Family Medicine at University of Pretoria, also echoed this view in her keynote presentation. She articulated on the need to visualize science in order to empower people. “Healthcare communication and audio visuals need to talk to the psychological wellbeing of a person in order for them to act and make a decision”, she argued.

The objective of this course to enhance journalists’ capacity to improve visuals in science stories were fully met, confirming the relevance of this regional activity that falls within the framework of the EU-funded project #CoronavirusFacts, Addressing the ‘Disinfodemic on COVID-19 and UNESCO Multi-donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists. It reaffirms the need for strengthening joint efforts between UNESCO, science, fact-checkers and media partners in Africa, to enhance capacities of media professionals to report on COVID-19. The training also aims at improving their access to verified information on COVID-19 as well as empowering African citizens to debunk misinformation, stop being agents of the spreading of rumors on the epidemic and to counter discrimination and hate speech against those affected

by COVID-19.

Strengthening Journalists’ Capacity to Fact-check and Communicate Health Sciences in Africa MEDIA COURSES ON HEALTH REPORTING | UNESCO, in collaboration with the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) AfriCenter, Afri Check and The African Editors’ Forum, is offering capacitybuilding courses on health media reporting| African journalists in both mainstream and community media who have been reporting on health issues on the continent.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Dates: Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th July 2021 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

SESSION 3

“It is easier to send a visual than it is to send a written word, it is even more attractive to the readers, however, some of this visual information contain content that put the facts out of context”. emphasized Dr. Karembu.

Date: Wednesday 28th July 2021

While delivering opening remarks on this occasion, Prof. Hubert Gijzen informed the audience that UNESCO, in cooperation with the European Commission, Twitter and the World Jewish Congress, has produced very many visuals, graphic and social media messages, to counter disinformation and COVID-19 conspiracy theories, and all available to support open science communication and data journalism.

SESSION 4

Prof. Hubert Gijzen Regional Director and Representative, UNESCO, Nairobi

Time: 11.00am – 01.00pm EAT (GMT +3) Topic: Using captivating visuals to communicate complex science stories

Tessa Marcus Emeritus Professor, Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria Dr. Margaret Karembu

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

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Director, ISAAA AfriCenter, & Chair, Africa Life Science Knowledge (ALSK) Hub

Date: Thursday 29th July 2021 Dr. Benjamin Djoudalbaye

Time: 11.00am – 01.00pm EAT (GMT +3)

Head, Division of Policy, Health Diplomacy and Communication, Africa CDC

Topic: Reporting controversial and emerging technologies: A case of COVID-19 novel vaccines

Use this link below to join the two sessions: Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88192090356?pw d=QTZlMWVCNmx6WWdFZXJjenQ2QjhNQT09

Meeting ID: 881 9209 0356

“Experience of uncertainty and fear makes people hold onto information that is false yet simplified. However, we can meet people where they are by opening room for discussion with the public and journalists’ themselves, in a collaborative and clear way” stressed Juliane Hoss, Managing Director of Tri-Facts at

HOST

Passcode:

951699

Language:

English and French

Time:

11.00am – 01.00pm EAT (GMT +3) #CoronavirusFacts

To access audio or video recordings from the previous sessions, get in touch with Bibiana Iraki at biraki@isaaa.org (for English) or Brigitte Bitta at brigittebitta@gmail.com (for French).

Access course flyer at https://alskhub.com #AfricaScienceDialogue

GET IN TOUCH The Secretariat, Africa Life Science Knowledge Hub, Phone: +254-20-4223618 | E-mail: biraki@isaaa.org | Website: www.africenter.isaaa.org | Facebook: Isaaa AfriCenter | Twitter: @afri_isaaa, @AfriSciDialogue

UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

African Science Journalists emphasize the need to simplify COVID-19 jargon

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frican Journalists have called on the simplification of jargons and data related to COVID-19 and vaccination and termed medical terminologies as a major hindrance to effective media reporting on COVID-19 and NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs).

“African Science Journalists raised concerns about some terms and phrases used by scientists and experts, as being incomprehensible to journalists and much less the common public. This was during an ongoing series of regional training for journalists on science reporting and fact-checking health information organised by UNESCO Addis Liaison Office to the AU and UNECA, the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) Africa Centre, the fact-checking organisation Africacheck/Trifacts and the African Editors Forum.

Speaking during the training sessions which aims at strengthening journalists’ capabilities to unpack COVID-19 and NCDs terminology into easier-to-understand context specific terms, Hope Mfarang, the Assistant Regional Director at the New Vison Uganda, highlighted the need for simplified terminologies.

“In addressing COVID-19 and Non-Communicable Diseases, instead of telling the audience about positivity rate, you could perhaps tell them of the number that have turned positive.

Rather than say cardio arrest, just tell them heart attack and stroke, instead of saying cataract we can say is the process of one losing their eyesight and finally not being able to see. This is what journalists understand and are able to report”, said

UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

Mfarang.

In the breakout sessions that are part of the training, the groups of journalists were unanimous in recommending the following: Simplification of terminology used to publicly communicate information about COVID-19, vaccination and non-communicable diseases. They further called on the health experts in Africa and other stakeholders to put in place a glossary of COVID-19 and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) terminologies, stressing the need for an African glossary of terminologies, which will be useful for the different subregions, communities and policy makers, to ensure journalists comprehend what is communicated, and in a much-simplified language.

Other challenges faced by journalists in some African countries that were highlighted includes lack of information on how to access institutional information relevant to COVID-19 and NCD by community media. to the effective management and cure of these adverse health conditions and makes more people vulnerable to COVID-19. This was also noted by Ms Emebet Wuhib- Mutungi, Senior Advisor, Health and Gender, BBC Media Action while speaking at the opening session. “Media and health professionals should work together to provide timely, clear and consistent information with prior learning of the basics about COVID-19 and its link with NCDs” said Ms Mutungi.

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Capacity of the African Media enhanced in communicating the Inter-relatedness of Covid-19, Nutrition and Wellness “In a system approach, COVID-19, Nutrition and Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) are interrelated. COVID-19 is a disruptor of Agriculture and food security and this leads to malnutrition therefore predisposing someone to NCD”. Say Dr Deoraj Caussy, Epidemiologist at the Integrated Epidemiology Solutions in Mauritius. owever, even though fact-checked mass media-based information plays a critical role in strengthening citizens’ resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health challenges, there exists major information gaps in communicating about the inter- relatedness between the covid-19 pandemic, nutrition and wellness in Africa.

In her opening remarks, Dr Margaret Karembu, Director ISAAA AfriCenter, underscored the importance of communities being cautious of the food they eat, its methods of production and handling, in order to promote good health and wellness. She further noted the increase in incidences of NCDs and called upon journalists and media practitioners to get to the root cause of these NCD and communicate how they exacerbate COVID-19 pandemic. This was reinforced by renown journalists Hope Mfaranga, assistant regional director New Vison Uganda and Kemu Cham Politico newspaper editor from Sierra Leone, who shared sharing their wealth of experience on health reporting in Africa.

In repose to this need and as part of a 7 session’s course to strengthen the capacity of African journalists in effectively communicating about the relationship between COVID-19, nutrition, wellness and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a second training was organised on July 1st 2021 by ISAAA AfriCenter, UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office to AU and UNECA, Africacheck/Trifacts. The 2 months course targets African journalists in both mainstream and community media who have been reporting on health issues.

UNESCO’s strategy in response to COVID 19 in Africa encourages partnerships, building coalitions and creating synergy. “It is impossible for any single institution to attempt single-handedly to address the daunting challenges facing the continent in relation to the current health crisis and moving into the future” said Dr Yumiko Yokozeki, Director, UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office to AU and UNECA. She further spoke on how Scientific community is at the heart of UNESCO’s response to the pandemic

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UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

Pan-African partnership launches journalism training series to tackle health misinformation in Africa

Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary of Health of Kenya

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isinformation & disinformation are dangerously impacting the health sector in Africa. “This is a monstrous enemy that threatens to erode progress made in the health sector in Africa” said Kenyan Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe during the launch of a series of regional trainings on the impact of COVID-19 on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Africa. He further called for concerted efforts among the different stakeholders to hold structured dialogues and have vibrant media-and-expert engagements, welcoming the launch of a journalism training series to tackle health misinformation in Africa.

The continent-wide trainings aim to strengthen the capacity of African journalists to effectively report about the pandemic and NCDs in a sustainable, factual and accurate manner, based on evidence. They will be conducted as a series of webinars touching on issues that were identified as gaps by respondents in an information and needs assessment among the journalists and the public in East, West, South, North and Central African regions, supported by UNESCO and carried out by ISAAAfrica.

The trainings are coordinated by UNESCO Addis Liaison Office to the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, in partnership with ISAAAAfrica, within the framework of the EU-funded project “#CoronavirusFacts, Addressing the ‘Disinfodemic on COVID-19” and the UNESCO Multi-donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists.

Bringing together science experts, journalists and media development partners, discussions at the launch focused on the impact of COVID-19 on the fight against NCDs and the need to build journalists’ understanding of and capacity to communicate information on COVID-19 and NCDs in the ‘disinfodemic era’.

“I applaud efforts by UNESCO, ISAAA, Kenya National Academy of Sciences and partners geared towards combating misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 and NCDs.”

UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

Speaking at the launch, Josephine Kalinauckas, the European Union Head of the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments Regional Team in East and Southern Africa, appreciated the initiative and called on creating more linkages with civic education work of civil society organisations working to address COVID-19 disinformation. She also echoed Kenya Health Cabinet Secretary Kagwe’s appreciation for UNESCO, ISAAAAfrica and partners, for taking actions geared towards combating misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 and NCDs in Africa.

Yumiko Yokozeki, the Director of UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison office to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, highlighted some of the additional resources that the project has developed. “So far, and within this framework, UNESCO has supported a regional assessment by ISAAAAfrica on Knowledge and Information Needs Assessment in Africa. We have also collaborated with AfricaCheck in developing fact-checking tool kits and training resources for media on health-related information. Currently and in partnership with the African Union Pan African Virtual and E-Learning University (AU PAVEU), ISAAAAfrica and AfricaCheck, are developing manuals for the courses on communicating health sciences and fact-checking health information that will be delivered through the AU PAVEU training platforms.

ISAAAfrica center in partnership with the National Academies of Science have also launched the African life science hub. “The objective of this hub is to bridge the widening gap between science and society by timely intervening to correct any misinformation about NCDs and COVID-19 pandemic as relates to agricultural innovations” said Dr. Margaret Karembu, Director, ISAAA AfriCenter, & Chair, Africa Life Science Knowledge Hub

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Eastern Africa Consultations on +30 Windhoek Declaration

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s we look forward to the celebration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2021, journalists, media practitioners, academia’s’, duty bearers and other parties interested in the advancement of freedom of the media and freedom of expression in Eastern Africa, have today, 6th April 2021, commenced their consultation meetings with special focus on +30 Windhoek Declaration.

The consultations will work on reviewing the Windhoek Declaration which was promulgated in 1991 with media viability, transparency of online platforms, and citizen’s capacity on media and information literacy being the main focus of the review process.

In addition, the Eastern Africa consultations will contribute to shaping the Africa Regional Forum’s programme, to be held virtually and through physical presence in Windhoek, Namibia, on 30th April 2021. Emanating from these discussions, the Eastern African Editors Society (EAES) which is spearheading these sub-regional consultations, will also publish the second edition of the Eastern African Journalism Review Journal.

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UNESCO ADDIS ADABA NEWSLETTER 2021

Training to representatives of Government, Civil Society and media on Monitoring and Addressing Hate Speech in Ethiopia Dr Yumiko Yokozeki, Director, UNESCO LO Addis Ababa, in her opening remarks during the Media Representatives’ Training noted that “the media has an indispensable role to play in combatting hate speech and fostering freedom of speech and pluralism in the country. The media can provide education on ethics, multiculturalism and societal cohesion. The media can empower citizens by enhancing their literacy of freedom of expression, media and information”.

Participants at the virtual meeting

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he UN Ethiopia provided trainings for representatives of the Government, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Media on monitoring and addressing hate speech. The trainings took place from 6th to 21st April 2021. The United Nations Country Team in Ethiopia organized the training with the support of the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and UNESCO Liaison Office - Addis Ababa.

The two-day training, organized separately for representatives of each of the three actors, aimed at supporting the institutions to monitor and report as well as address hate speech and incitement to violence within communities. UNESCO played a key role in the coordination of media representatives in attendance o the meeting and facilitation throughout the trainings.

The training came at a time when Ethiopia has been on a path to significant political, legal and institutional reforms that have profound and far-reaching implications for its future. The transition has, however, been challenged by heightened instability, violence and insecurity. The spike in hate speech, in both online and offline platforms, in Ethiopia has prompted the Ethiopian parliament to adopt the Hate Speech and Disinformation Prevention and Suppression Proclamation in February 2020.

Dr. Catherine Sozi, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia officially opened the training by stating that “Hate speech undermines social cohesion, erodes shared values and can lay the foundation for violence, undermining peace, stability, sustainable development and the fulfilment of human rights for all. The United Nations has a long history of mobilizing the world against hatred of all kinds through wide-ranging action to defend human rights and advance the rule of law. Indeed, the very identity and establishment of our Organization are rooted in the nightmare that ensues when virulent hatred is left unopposed for too long.”

Building on Ethiopia’s Hate Speech and Disinformation Prevention and Suppression Proclamation and the UN system-wide commitment to combat hate speech, the United Nations in Ethiopia together with its partners have also developed a strategy and action plan to tackle hate speech in a coordinated and system-wide manner in Ethiopia.

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She further emphasized that Journalists must always exercise professional standards in reporting conflicts.

You can push society to harmony by focussing on the shared values and strengthening unity and prosperity.

In response to current alarming trends of growing xenophobia, racism and intolerance, violent misogyny, anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hatred around the world, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the United Nations Strategy and Plan on Hate Speech in May 2019.

Mr. Henry Maina, the Hate Speech trainer, took through the various representatives on a session of defining hate speech, typology of hate speech, responding to hate speech, restricting ‘hate speech’, policies and laws on hate speech and a number of interactive case studies, from various countries, for participants to understand, integrate and learn ways to monitor and address it.

As new channels for hate speech are reaching wider audiences than ever at lightning speed, it is evident that no single entity can address and counter hate speech on its own. The United Nations, governments, technology companies, educational institutions – need to step up our response. This does not mean limiting or prohibiting freedom of speech, which is a fundamental human right. It means keeping hate speech from escalating into something more dangerous, particularly incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence, which is prohibited under international law.

Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the United Nations Special Adviser on Prevention of Genocide noted that, “Hate speech could be an indicator of the risk of atrocity crimes. We must vehemently work together to guard against such a vice – which unfortunately is leading to loss of lives in many places,” she further expressed the United Nation’s commitment to support Ethiopia to address and counter hate speech.

Representatives from the Civil Society Organizations, Government and Media expressed their commitment in playing their roles in monitoring, addressing and tackling hate speech in the country.

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AUYV sponsored by UNESCO UNESCO ADDIS Ababa Welcomes its New African Union Youth Volunteers!

Yudathadei Kway

Joshua Quay

Chritian Ndoradoumngue

from TANZANIA

from Ghana

from Chad

African Observatory in Science , Technology and Innovation (AOSTI) Statistician “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to AU for selecting me to be part of a great team of youths who dedicate their knowledge, skills and time in volunteering. My gratitude still extends to other stakeholders including UNESCO for making me participate in this golden and historical opportunity. Working as a volunteer in the Statistics career at AU-AOSTI will expose me to participating in solving various solvable challenges engulfing our continent aligned to Science, Technology and Innovations (STI).

It is a doubtless fact that relevant and updated data is the foundation to evidence-based policies that can impact the continent positively leading to the prosperous Africa we want.

UNESCO Liaison Office

African Observatory in Science , Technology and Innovation (AOSTI)

Communication and Information Associate I am excited for this great opportunity to contribute to the development of Africa and the world.

Beyond coming in with my own skills set, I am confident that the challenge of working in an international environment and learning from colleagues will sharpen my skills, learn new ones and expose me to global opportunities.

If you are a young person, who wants to develop and harness your potential for the endless possibilities and opportunities on the continent of Africa and the world, then start preparing to be a part of the next cohort.”

Communication and Publishing Specialist I was so thrilled to be selected for the AUYVC program after months of waiting. I expect to work, with my supervisor, on programs that will impact the lives of young people on the continent by helping them create solutions that will solve their problems and those of their communities. I encourage young people to take an interest in this program which will open their eyes to the challenges of the continent and to what is being done to solve them. This program is also a good springboard to get your career off the ground.”

Africa being the youngest continent, it opens up the gates for the young generation to play a vital role of volunteerism in accelerating the transformation of green, inclusive and sustainable economy especially during the current historic humanitarian crisis resulting from COVID-19.

My appeal to the youths in Africa is that, through our dedicated volunteering spirit, mother Africa can achieve the targets and goals of both African Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the current and coming generations’ prosperity.

Together we can make the difference “

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