The meeting provided an opportunity for the Director-General to get to know the team and to hear about their work and experience in Ukraine.
In a warm and informal exchange, the Director-General expressed his appreciation for the dedication, courage and commitment of colleagues working in exceptionally difficult conditions. He highlighted the importance UNESCO places on its field presence and the value of the work carried out by teams directly supporting communities and institutions on the ground.
I deeply appreciate the courage, dedication and professionalism of the UNESCO team working in Ukraine. Your presence is essential, and Ukraine remains a priority for UNESCO. The results you achieve under such challenging conditions are truly remarkable.
The Director-General reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to Ukraine and the importance of an intersectoral approach,keeping people at the centre of UNESCO’s action,and noting the strong results achieved by the team across different areas of the Organization’s mandate. Colleagues reflected on how intersectoral approach is particularly important in Ukraine, where different areas of UNESCO’s mandate come together in responding to complex needs.
For colleagues, the meeting was a warm and encouraging moment. The Director-General’s words were inspiring. The visit underscored an important message: Ukraine remains firmly in UNESCO’s focus.
People are the Organization’s greatest asset. Strong field offices, investment in our teams, opportunities for professional growth, and trust in colleagues working on the ground are essential to turning UNESCO’s mandate into meaningful results.
