One Year in Conflict: UNESCO’s Continued Commitment to Sudan

As Sudan marks one year since the outbreak of conflict, the UNESCO Regional Office for Egypt and Sudan reiterates its dedication to fostering resilience and prosperity amidst these challenging times. Over the past year, UNESCO has vigorously championed peace initiatives, preserved cultural heritage, and supported sustainable livelihoods in Sudan.

Through its web and social media platforms, UNESCO has been highlighting the resilience of Sudanese communities and their progress towards stability and development despite the adversities of displacement and instability. The upcoming posts will showcase their endeavors in sustainability and peace-building projects.

The situation in Sudan remains dire, with over 7.4 million internally displaced persons struggling amidst a health crisis exacerbated by disease outbreaks. The conflict has severely disrupted the education sector, leading to the closure of more than 10,400 schools and leaving 19 million children without educational opportunities. The safety and freedom of journalists continue to be threatened, with many facing psychological threats and violence.

In response to these challenges, UNESCO has launched several key initiatives:

• Advocacy for Journalists: Supporting the relocation of journalists to safer areas and advocating for their right to report independently.

• Educational Initiatives: Spearheading efforts to rejuvenate education through national and international collaborations aimed at reopening schools and enhancing educational infrastructure.

• Cultural Heritage Preservation: Collaborating with national bodies to protect important cultural sites from threats.

• Scientific and Professional Empowerment: Initiatives like the UNESCO Arab Women in Science Platform and TVET workshops to bolster professional skills and economic resilience.

Looking forward, UNESCO aligns its efforts with the UN's 2024 Action Plan for Sudan, focusing on peacebuilding, social cohesion, and sustainable development. An example is the upcoming three-day meeting at UNESCO's Cairo office from April 16th to 18th will involve 40 national specialists assessing the damage to Sudan's cultural heritage.

For the first year mark of the conflict, UNESCO remains unwavering in its commitment to aiding Sudan's path to recovery and prosperity, standing in solidarity with its people and international partners.