UNESCO Official Anne Lemaistre (L) and Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez (R), June 16, 2026.
Discussions centered on post-earthquake reconstruction efforts, humanitarian aid, and ongoing cooperation.
Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez held a meeting on Thursday with Anne Lemaistre, who directs UNESCO’s Regional Office for Culture, to coordinate strategies for addressing the consequences of the June earthquakes.
A joint technical roadmap was established to guide the development of a comprehensive assistance plan, ensuring its execution adheres strictly to Venezuela’s national sovereignty and legal framework.
Key goals for this collaboration include maintaining educational services and rebuilding schools, in conjunction with the Ministry of Territorial Socialism.
Additionally, the initiative incorporates significant accords with scientific and environmental bodies, alongside providing specialized support for temporary shelters.
Other attendees at the discussion included Oliver Blanco, Vice Minister for Europe and North America; Alexander Yanez, Vice Minister for Multilateral Affairs; and Ernesto Villegas, Venezuela’s ambassador to UNESCO.
Lemaistre’s arrival in Venezuela on July 13 marked the beginning of a broad work schedule, featuring engagements with government officials, business executives, and diverse social groups.
Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez met with Hadja Lahbib, the European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, on Thursday to assess advancements in post-earthquake collaboration with the European Union.
At the gathering, Rodriguez conveyed appreciation for the prompt activation of the “European Civil Protection Mechanism,” which facilitated the rapid deployment of search and rescue personnel.
She further addressed the ongoing aid from the European bloc during the phases of recovery, rebuilding, and support for impacted individuals.
Previously, the Bolivarian government bestowed the nation’s highest distinction, the “Hero of Venezuela” decoration, upon each European Union rescuer, acknowledging their life-saving contributions.
European officials also present at the discussion with Lahbib included Pierre-Henri Helleput, charge d’affaires in Venezuela; Jan Joog-Martens, head of the commissioner’s Cabinet; Andrea Kouraiman, director for Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the South, the East, Southeast Asia and the Pacific; Pelayo Castro, director for the Americas; and Loya Borissova, Cabinet expert.
This fruitful technical agenda saw both parties reiterate their commitment to coordinating humanitarian initiatives and enhancing international collaboration in emergency situations.
