Burundi and the UNESCO strengthen their Cooperation

On the sidelines of the 61st ministerial meeting of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC), the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, Édouard Bizimana, received a delegation led by Mputu Hilaire, UNESCO Regional Director for Central Africa, on Thursday, 28 May 2026 in Bujumbura, as part of a courtesy visit.

The discussions focused on strengthening the excellent friendly and cooperative relations that have long existed between Burundi and UNESCO. Mr. Hilaire welcomed this collaboration and expressed the desire to further consolidate it.

Among the topics addressed were the monitoring and coordination of ongoing UNESCO projects in Burundi, as well as the state of progress in preparations for the Regional Forum on Peace and Security scheduled for September 2026. According to Mr. Hilaire, the choice of Burundi to host this forum is no coincidence:
• The country hosts a UNESCO office,
• It currently holds the presidency of the African Union,
• And it has played a major role in restoring peace and security in the region, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Minister Bizimana expressed his satisfaction with the quality of relations with UNESCO, noting that reports on Burundi coming from Paris are very positive. He recalled the importance of UNESCO’s action in key sectors such as education, youth, culture and the arts.

The Minister also mentioned Burundi’s wish to have certain natural and tourist sites inscribed as cultural heritage, notably the Rusizi Park and the Kibira Park.

Regarding ongoing projects and the regional forum, Édouard Bizimana assured that bilateral exchanges would continue. He reaffirmed Burundi’s commitment to working closely with UNESCO to strengthen cooperation and promote peace and security in the region.