UNESCO ROSA meets Mayor of Bulawayo to discuss disability and social inclusion programme

The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Regional Office for Southern Africa (UNESCO ROSA) Team met the Mayor of Bulawayo, Solomon Mguni, to discuss potential areas of collaboration under the disability and social inclusion programme on 08 June 2022, in Bulawayo.

The meeting saw the UNESCO ROSA Social and Human Sciences (SHS) representative, Phinith Chanthalangsy, and the Municipality of Bulawayo team sharing ideas and exploring areas of collaboration to expand and systematise the City of Bulawayo's god track record in advancing the rights and participation of persons with disabilities.

The Mayor of Bulawayo, Solomon Mguni, expressed strong interest and welcomed UNESCO's support in taking this Agenda forward and in integrating the UNESCO's Global Network of Inclusive Cities (ICCAR) that champion Social inclusion and Non-discrimination. He stressed that the City of Bulawayo has historically championed disability inclusion, and that the City is now ready to step up such an approach by making the access to basic services accessible, mainstream disability across all the Municipality's department, and increase networks and partnership with all stakeholders including the United Nations and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities.

Also explored in the meeting's discussions was the possibility of Bulawayo collaborating with UNESCO to promote the Cultural Creative Industries, and sustainable tourism, in line with the Bulawayo Municipality's ongoing programmes on empowering artists and creatives, and youth.