PHL joins Group of Friends for solidarity, inclusion
PARIS—THE Philippines became a member of the Group of Friends for Solidarity and Inclusion with Global Citizenship Education (GCED), which was virtually launched on May 26 at the initiative of the Republic of Korea (South Korea).
The group aims to promote solidarity and inclusion to address the challenges of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and beyond through GCED. In a joint statement, the group reaffirmed that closer global cooperation is crucial in eradicating the pandemic.
The GCED is composed of 11 countries: Armenia, Austria, Bangladesh, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Senegal, Serbia and South Korea. The latter’s foreign minister, Kang Kyung-wha,
delivered a video message in the virtual meeting.
Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro affirmed the Philippines’s support and encouraged the development of concrete action-oriented measures for those most in need “to turn this crisis into a catalyst for enhanced solidarity and inclusion, both at the national and international levels through the vision and application of GCED.”
Lazaro also took the opportunity to commend South Korea for the effective manner in which its government has countered the spread of Covid-19.
For Unesco’s part, Directorgeneral Audrey Azoulay pledged to support the “Group…” and its initiatives. The group said it will actively engage in the upcoming sessions of the Unesco executive board.