ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain on Tuesday directed the management to expedite the completion of ongoing projects of Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO (PNCU).
He said all the vacant posts of the organization should be filled on urgent basis so that the organization can work on full capacity. He said there is a dire need for the organization to work proactively so that it may deliver on its mandate. Earlier, the Federal Minister was briefed by senior officials of the ministry on the working of Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO (PNCU).
He was told that Pakistan joined UNESCO in 1949 and it has been a member of the executive board since 1951. He was informed that PNCU coordinates with UNESCO, Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), provincial governments, federal departments, INGOs and NGOs in order to fulfill its mandate.
The Minister was apprised of the working and accomplishments of the organization. He was told that PNCU is leading numerous projects which include UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network and Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Pakistan on UNESCO World Heritage list and ICESCO list etc.
Rana Tanveer Hussain was informed of successful projects undertaken by PNCU which include Capacity Building Workshop for School Teachers on Climate Change Education through Inquiry based science Education (IBSE), pedagogy at Sukkur IBA, University, Poverty Alleviation through Health Improvement of Rural Female Involved in Cotton Picking at Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Promoting Adult Literacy through ICT and Distance Learning at National Commission for Human Development, Strengthening of PNCU by developing e-office and Capacity Building of PNCU staff through NITB, PNCU, and Capacity Building in Science and Technology COMSAT, Islamabad COMSATs.
The Minister was further informed about the ongoing projects that include UNESCO emergency funding program – finalized with Government of GB in October 2022 for rehabilitation of damaged schools in Diamer district, Malala Funds – Trust for Girls’ Right to Education Program in Pakistan, “Rehabilitation of Street Children through Football” ICESCO, Training of non-formal basic education community schools teachers, ICESCO and WASH Program awareness of cleanliness in school children, health hygiene and ICESCO.