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Tanzania said "karibu" to the UNESCO Director-General
During her visit, she met High government officials, engaged with local communities, and highlighted UNESCO鈥檚 commitment to cultural heritage, sustainable development, and environmental conservation.
On March 4, the Director-General visited Mafia Island, where she met women entrepreneurs in Chole. These women are using marine products to create innovative items, showcasing how sustainable practices can support local economies and empower communities.
Here, the knowledge and traditions of local communities, particularly women's cooperatives, have made it possible to develop activities such as seaweed farming, better protection of marine life and boosting ecotourism. It's a model that deserves to be duplicated elsewhere
On March 5, the Director-General met with Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Government at the State house, where they held significant discussions on culture, environmental conservation and heritage.
She also toured Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that celebrates the 25th anniversary of its inscription on UNESCO's World Heritage List, to visit historic landmarks such as the Palace Museum, the House of Wonders (Beit al Ajaib), the Old Fort, and the Majestic Cinema. These buildings hold significant historical value, and she praised ongoing efforts to restore them. She reaffirmed UNESCO鈥檚 commitment to supporting their rehabilitation and preservation.
Together with the Zanzibar authorities, our aim is to complete the renovation of the Majestic within the next year, so that by 2027 it can host major events such as the Sauti za Busara festival and the International Film Festival
On March 6, the Director-General visited Dar es Salaam and met with Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania at the State House, to discuss areas of mutual interest for cooperation. One of the important topics raised during the meeting was the promotion of the Kiswahili language. The President shared Tanzania鈥檚 vision to establish a dedicated institute for Kiswahili, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance. In response, the Director-General assured UNESCO鈥檚 support in this effort by offering expertise in training language professionals, connecting the institute with global language centers, and developing educational content, including resources linked to the General History of Africa.
Later, she joined the Tanzanian Minister of Water and the Kenyan Minister of Water and Irrigation to announce the project 鈥淯nlocking the Potential of the Kilimanjaro Water Tower.鈥 This initiative aims to enhance water security and climate resilience by providing safe drinking water to over 100,000 people, improving access for 500,000 more, and restoring critical ecosystems in the Kilimanjaro region.
On March 7, the Director-General visited Kilimanjaro National Park, where she toured the Londorosi and Lemesho routes in western Kilimanjaro. She observed conservation efforts and emphasized the importance of protecting the park鈥檚 unique environment.
Through her visit, the Director-General reinforced UNESCO鈥檚 commitment to supporting Tanzania in preserving its cultural heritage, empowering communities, and promoting sustainable development.
