12 October 2026
Last update:6 November 2026
Abuja, October 9, 2026 – The UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Isaías Barreto da Rosa, paid a visit today to the President of the Economic Community of West <a href="https://absafricatv.com/sundowns-seek-to-break-north-african-stranglehold-on-caf-super-cup/” title=”Sundowns seek to break North African stranglehold on CAF Super Cup”>African States (ECOWAS) Commission, H.E. General Birame Diop, at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, to discuss opportunities for enhanced cooperation in advancing peace, regional stability and sustainable development across West Africa.
The discussions focused on shared priorities, including combating misinformation, disinformation and hate speech; promoting a culture of peace through UNESCO’s Education for Peace initiative; safeguarding cultural heritage sites; and addressing the opportunities and challenges associated with artificial intelligence (AI).
Recognising the implications of information manipulation and hate speech for peace, security and social cohesion, both leaders underscored the importance of coordinated action. Dr. Barreto da Rosa highlighted UNESCO’s work in media and information literacy, including the International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja, as a potential platform for strengthening regional efforts to promote information integrity.
The exchange also explored opportunities to advance peacebuilding through education and strengthen cooperation in protecting cultural heritage, including the application of relevant international frameworks for safeguarding heritage during armed conflict. The discussions reflected the complementary roles of UNESCO and ECOWAS in promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
A key outcome of the meeting was the shared commitment to advancing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ECOWAS and UNESCO, which would establish a strategic framework for translating common priorities into concrete actions and impactful cooperation. The President of the ECOWAS Commission underscored the importance of building strong, reliable partnerships that deliver tangible results and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
The proposed collaboration offers an opportunity to connect UNESCO’s expertise in education, science, culture, and communication and information with ECOWAS’s regional mandate to advance sustainable development, peace, security, and regional integration.
As West Africa navigates evolving information, technological, and security challenges, stronger institutional partnerships will be essential to building informed communities, protecting cultural heritage, and fostering peaceful, inclusive, andresilient societies.
Related items
This article is related to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
SDG 4 – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
SDG 1 – End poverty in all its forms everywhere
SDG 17 – Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
