MALAYSIA Kuala Lumpur and UNESCO celebrate 10 years of cooperation program

The MUCP, which entered into force in 2013, aims to promote sustainable development, preserve cultural heritage, and promote knowledge and innovation.

Kuala Lumpur () – “In a world where collaboration is the engine of sustainable development, both in the economy and in culture, the Malaysia-UNESCO Cooperation Program (MUCP) is a shining example of what can be achieved when we come together to pursue a common goal”, says a note from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after a meeting that was held at the end of June in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the first 10 years collaboration between the international agency and the Southeast Asian country.

Malaysia has been collaborating with UNESCO since 1958, but in the last ten years the cooperation has mainly focused on promoting and supporting various educational, scientific and cultural activities in the less developed localities of the archipelago, also putting Malaysia in contact with several developing countries in Asia, the Pacific and Africa. Indeed, the MUCP serves as a platform for international collaboration with the aim of promoting sustainable development, preserving cultural heritage and promoting knowledge and innovation.

During the days of celebration, which had the theme “Progressing together: contributions of the MUCP to a sustainable future” as the theme of the meetings, debates and conferences, they also talked about the reform of education in Malaysia, the management without waste of water resources, the preparation of the population to face possible tsunamis, the future of sustainable tourism and social inclusion in the country.

In her remarks, Minister of Education and Chairperson of the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO, Fadhlina Sidek, said: “MUCP is a true testament to Malaysia’s commitment to a sustainable future in all UNESCO fields of action. “.

On the occasion of this anniversary, a commemorative book was also presented attesting to the results achieved by the MUCP in the 30 countries associated with its contributions to the specific activities carried out through the cooperation program. These activities began in Malaysia in 2013 following the recognition as a World Heritage Site (in 2012) of the Lenggong Valley area, where there are four archaeological sites dating back 2 million years, making it one of the most ancient ones that have been found on Earth outside the African continent. Inside there are caves with Paleolithic utensil workshops, evidence of the first human technologies.

Last May, UNESCO also recognized the status of a global geopark for the Kinabalu site, in the eastern state of Sabah, in Borneo.

Photo: UNESCO