Dar es Salaam, 30 September 2026
Opening
The National Commission for UNESCO of the United Republic of Tanzania (NATCOM) and the UNESCO Dar es Salaam Office have held their second technical meeting to exchange ideas, review ongoing initiatives and explore opportunities for stronger coordination and collaboration in advancing UNESCO programmes in Tanzania.
Held at the UNESCO Dar es Salaam Office, the meeting brought together technical teams from NATCOM and UNESCO for an open exchange on progress made, emerging opportunities, challenges and priorities across key UNESCO programme areas.
The meeting forms part of efforts to resume regular technical engagements between NATCOM and the UNESCO Dar es Salaam Office and to provide a platform where technical teams can share experiences, identify areas of mutual interest and consider ways of working more closely together.
Exchange of Ideas Across UNESCO Programme Areas
During the meeting, NATCOM technical teams shared updates from Education, Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture, World Heritage, and Communication and Information.
In the Education area, discussions covered initiatives related to the translation of UNESCO declarations and materials, peace education, engagement with UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) schools, culture and education toolkits, Open Educational Resources, digital literacy and lifelong learning.
The discussions also highlighted the potential for stronger cooperation in lifelong learning, including the aspiration to develop a dedicated national strategy or policy framework and to explore opportunities for joint engagement with relevant institutions, including the Open University of Tanzania.
Under Natural Sciences, the exchange covered initiatives related to Blue Schools, Biosphere Reserves, the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, STEM and Artificial Intelligence, including progress on the RUMAKI Biosphere Reserve and the proposed Tanga-Pemba Seascape Biosphere Reserve.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, particularly the need to strengthen national coordination mechanisms and improve stakeholders' understanding of opportunities to participate in Decade Actions.
The importance of strengthening the functionality of relevant national committees and building technical capacity among stakeholders was also highlighted, alongside the need for clearer information and guidance on participation in UNESCO-related initiatives.
Youth, Digital Transformation and Emerging Opportunities
Under Social and Human Sciences, NATCOM shared updates on the UNESCO Youth Desk, including the development of a youth database and meetings addressing youth-related issues.
Tanzania's participation in international discussions on Artificial Intelligence was also highlighted, with emphasis on the importance of strengthening the country's capacity to engage with emerging technologies.
The discussions further touched on possible initiatives involving young people, including assessment of young people returning to school and other areas of social development.
Culture and World Heritage
In Culture and World Heritage, the discussions covered ongoing preparations for UNESCO-related activities, as well as initiatives concerning Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The meeting highlighted work related to documentation and inventorying of cultural expressions, including Singeli and Kanga, and continued cooperation with the Ministry responsible for culture and other stakeholders.
The discussions also covered World Heritage matters, including monitoring of World Heritage sites, periodic reporting and preparations related to the 49th Session of the World Heritage Committee.
Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining communication and coordination on activities and opportunities related to cultural and natural heritage.
Communication and Information: Strengthening Kiswahili in the Digital Space
Communication and Information featured prominently in the exchange, with discussions focusing on multilingualism, indigenous communities, digitalisation and access to information.
UNESCO highlighted opportunities to strengthen the presence of Kiswahili and indigenous languages in digital platforms, alongside initiatives addressing digital inclusion of indigenous communities.
The meeting also discussed community media, media sustainability, Media and Information Literacy among young people, digital skills, responsible media use and digital citizenship.
Other areas of discussion included ethical reporting, media development and activities related to the implementation of the 2003 UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Promotion and Use of Multilingualism and Universal Access to Cyberspace.
Strengthening Partnership and Visibility
A cross-cutting theme emerging from the meeting was the importance of strengthening partnerships, communication and visibility around UNESCO programmes in Tanzania.
The discussions explored the need to make information about UNESCO programmes and opportunities more accessible to stakeholders and to strengthen communication products that can improve public understanding of UNESCO's contribution in areas including education, science, culture, heritage, youth and communication.
The Memory of the World Programme was also highlighted as an area where greater awareness could support appreciation and safeguarding of documentary heritage.
A Platform for Continued Technical Engagement
The meeting provided a platform for NATCOM and UNESCO technical teams to openly exchange ideas, identify areas of mutual interest and consider opportunities for closer collaboration.
Rather than being a decision-making forum, the technical meeting served as an important space for information sharing, reflection, coordination and identification of possible areas for joint action.
The engagement reflects the shared interest of NATCOM and the UNESCO Dar es Salaam Office in maintaining regular technical dialogue and strengthening cooperation to support the implementation and visibility of UNESCO programmes and initiatives in Tanzania.
