Erbil: UNESCO and the Kurdistan Regional Government are working together to implement international recommendations and bolster support for education, cultural heritage, and freedom of expression. Alexandros K. Makarikakis, UNESCO Representative in Iraq, and Dindar Zebari, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Coordinator of International Recommendations, have discussed strengthening coordination to follow up on recent recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review, aligning with UNESCO’s priorities in Iraq.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting focused on several key areas of mutual interest, including the Erbil Citadel Support Program, enhancing cooperation in education, and strengthening institutional capacities in freedom of expression and opinion. The discussions centered on aligning policies and practices with international standards and indicators, highlighting the importance of UNESCO’s continued support for the Kurdistan Regional Government’s efforts in education, cultural heritage preservation, and human rights.

To facilitate effective coordination, UNESCO has appointed Diaa Subhi, Head of the Communication and Information Sector at UNESCO Iraq, as the Coordinator for Cooperation and Follow-up with the Kurdistan Region. Subhi will work collaboratively with regional authorities and various UNESCO sectors to streamline communication and technical follow-up on relevant priorities.

UNESCO plans to provide the Kurdistan Regional Government with technical observations and an implementation roadmap. This roadmap will outline priorities and procedures to monitor the Region’s adherence to international reporting requirements related to UNESCO’s core sectors, including education, culture, communication, and information. The aim is to translate international recommendations into actionable plans with measurable outcomes.

This effort underscores UNESCO’s commitment to enhancing the capability of national and regional institutions in Iraq to meet international obligations through practical, indicator-based approaches, contributing to sustainable development in the areas under the UN organization’s mandate.