Using culture, arts in peace promotion: Visiting UNESCO DG rewards ambassadors, announces project extension.

The visiting UNESECO boss handed out the recognitions and announced the imminent project extension during a ceremony in Yaounde on September 10. 

The event was to hand prizes of the national competition on cultural and artistic initiatives by young people. It took place at the esplanade of the National Museum in Yaounde. 

The event was presided over by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Bidoung Mpkwat. The Minister of Basic Education who also doubles as the President of the UNESCO National Commission, Prof Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa, also attended the ceremony. 

Other members of government at the event were; the Minister of Secondary Education, Prof Nalova Lyonga and the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo.

The event was rich in colour and artistic display. Youths from the Littoral Region emerged as national champions of the Theater Arts and the Dance Categories. The West Region emerged victors of the Musical and Plastic Arts Categories.

The youths won the prizes after a series of final competitions, which took place last Monday, September 9, at the artistic hall of the National Museum in Yaounde. 

UNESCO to trains 500 peace educators 

The visiting UNESCO boss highlighted the critical role arts play, notably amongst youths, to help foster peace, through the universal language of art and dialogue.

“We have seen extraordinary displays of know-how through theater arts and music. Young people from different backgrounds have come together to demonstrate how art can serve as a form of dialogue,” Azoulay stated.

She went further to acknowledge that: “The project has clearly borne fruits”. She added that: “It is my great pleasure to announce that it is being extended”. 

The UNESCO boss explained that the “extension will enable the rehabilitation of a secondary school and a youth centre, as well as the training of an additional 500 peace educators”.

Winners of the challenge of the previous edition would have the opportunity to refine their skills with the UNESCO Peace Artist, Barthélémy Toguo in Bandjoun in the West Region.

The initiative, officials say, will not only promote cultural expression but also provide vital support for the displaced and marginalized youth in Cameroon.

Gov’t pledges continuous support to initiative

Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister of Arts and Culture, Bidoung Mkpatt, on behalf of the government, pledged continuous support in identifying, formulating, and implementing projects that strengthen bonds between peoples and nations.

According to the government official, the goal is to foster unity through education, science, culture, and communication. 

The minister also said the government is bent on ensuring that Cameroonian heritage continues to serve as a bridge between communities.

The culture minister also expressed gratitude to UNESCO’s Director General for encouraging the consolidation of national unity.

This, Bidoung Mkpatt added, has been “through the most representative elements of the creative genius of the ethnic communities across the country’s four cultural areas at the highest level of cultural recognition, the international stage.”

He emphasised Cameroon’s ongoing commitment to a dynamic process of registering elements from other cultural areas, adhering to the strict requirements set by international cultural bodies.

According to the organizers, the event underscored the power of culture and creativity to unite people, heal communities, and pave the way for a more peaceful future.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3227 of Thursday September 12, 2024