New cooperation between the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning and the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA)

During his visit at UIL on 6 July, Mr Arnaldo Nhavoto, Director of IICBA, met with Mr Arne Carlsen, Director of UIL, Ms Carolyn Medel-Añonuevo, Deputy Director of UIL, and some researchers to explore possibilities of a collaboration between both institutes. IICBA, which is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was created as a UNESCO category I institute in 1999 with the mandate to build and strengthen the capacities of teacher education institutions in Africa. Mr Nhavoto emphasised that IICBA’s activities encompass the strengthening of teacher development for formal and non-formal education. To address this task effectively, synergies are to be sought and created and holistic approaches to be used. During the various meetings that Mr Nhavoto had at UIL, several areas for future cooperation were identified such as the follow-up on the implementation of the Belém Framework for Action (CONFINTEA VI) in the Africa Region, with a special focus on vulnerable youth, as well as the joint implementation of a policy development and capacity building programme, particularly with regard to the non-formal component of teacher education. In a final meeting to sum up the results of the consultative meetings, both Directors expressed their strong interest to make closer cooperation between both institutes a reality.