The 9th Pan-African Congress of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations, ended in Yaounde recently.

Given the current fragile security situation in some parts of Africa, the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, and partner structures on the continent have been discussing how to contribute to a more durable peace through sustainable development initiatives.

Meeting from May 15-16, 2015 at the Mbankolo, Yaounde Deo Gracia Centre in their 9th Pan-African Congress of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations, delegates from 14 African countries, China and the United States of America, talked on the theme, “Training teachers for sustainable development and quality education for peace.”

Explaining the choice of the theme, Desiré Aroga, President of the African Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations – and Vice President at the world level – recalled that UNESCO’s role since World War II has been to promote peace. He said instead of merely preventing war, they wanted to instil a culture of peace in their members.

Elat Sylvére, the newly elected President of Cameroon UNESCO clubs, said his tenure will focus on training young members on solidarity and citizenship awareness and the need for all young people to rally behind the government in defending the State against Boko Haram insurgents.

On his part, Guy Djoken, Cameroonian-born President of the American Federation of UNESCO Clubs, said the movement is beginning to take roots after government’s return to UNESCO in 2003. Efforts are now focused on raising awareness on the value of peace among members.

Opening the congress, Mballa Jean Claude, representing Youssouf Adidja Alim, President of the National UNESCO Commission and Minister of Basic Education, said its holding in Cameroon was recognition of the country’s immense contributions to the work of UNESCO.

He recalled that President Paul Biya last January signed a decree clarifying relations between the National UNESCO Commission and the International Federation of UNESCO Clubs.

Lectures and focused group discussions at the two-day gathering dealt with the objectives and stakes of sustainable development, quality education, peace education, and social entrepreneurship in an evolving world.