The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Adviser for Education, Primary and Mass Education and Cultural Affairs Ayub Quadri said though the significant progress has been made in achieving E-9 goals, eradication of illiteracy remains a major challenge in Bangladesh.

"At the same time, technical literacy, vocational training and quality of education are also pressing priorities, the adviser said while addressing the 34th general conference of the UNESCO in Paris yesterday, according to a message received here.

He said the UNESCO needs to make itself relevant to these basic needs through a concrete action. The adviser underscored the need for more effective involvement of the UNESCO in common country assessment, UN development assistance framework and poverty reeducation strategy processes from a developing country perspective.

"The UN's common country programmes should include UNESCO both in programming exercise and funding," he added.

Quadri noted with satisfaction the emphasis given to 'best practices' throughout the draft programme and budget for the biennium. He said every member state has something to offer others in terms of expertise, experience, innovations and successful models and institutions.

"It seems to us that without proper institutional support, collection, collation and dissemination of best practices in different areas of UNESCO's competence may not be carried out effectively," the adviser said.