Bangladesh and UNESCO on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in education, youth empowerment, culture and sustainable development during a meeting between State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh Dr Susan Vize.

During a courtesy call at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shama thanked UNESCO for its longstanding partnership with Bangladesh and its continued support in education, culture, science, climate resilience, youth development and digital transformation.

She highlighted the strong ties between Bangladesh and UNESCO, citing the proclamation of International Mother Language Day and the recent inscription of the traditional weaving art of the Tangail saree on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Shama reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving quality education, skills development and youth empowerment, and called for enhanced collaboration in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). She stressed the importance of language training and internationally recognised certification programmes to improve the skills and employability of prospective migrant workers.

She also invited UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

Vize reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's national development priorities and commended the country's active engagement with the organisation. She said UNESCO was keen to deepen cooperation in education, culture, youth engagement and sustainable development.

Highlighting the potential of Bangladesh's creative economy, Vize said the sector could harness the talent, innovation and creativity of the country's young people.

Welcoming the focus, Shama underscored the importance of integrating the creative economy into Bangladesh's broader development strategy and national economy.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding Bangladesh-UNESCO partnership in support of inclusive, sustainable and knowledge-based development.