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UNESCO Strengthens Support for Ten Countries to Face Natural Disasters and Emergencies
In response to the increasing frequency of natural disasters and extreme weather events, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced enhanced support for ten countries facing emergencies across the globe.
UNESCO stated in a press release that the fall of 2025 witnessed several crises linked to natural disasters, impacting key sectors within the organization’s mandate, including education, culture, media, and science. The organization has allocated over one million dollars for targeted technical and financial assistance.
In the Caribbean, Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage to cultural sites, schools, and media infrastructure. In Vietnam, heavy rainfall damaged UNESCO World Heritage sites, particularly in the cities of Hue and Hoi An. In Nigeria, students were subjected to violence and abductions by armed groups.
Since November 2025, UNESCO’s Director-General, Khaled Enani, has approved several forms of support for these ten countries, aiming to bolster immediate crisis response, build foundations for sustainable recovery, and enhance the resilience of affected communities.
Enani emphasized that “culture, education, and science are not burdens, but essential pillars enabling people to rebuild their lives,” highlighting the importance of being present alongside populations from the very first hours of a crisis.
In Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, funds will be used to ensure the continuity of education, assess damages, test well water quality, and create platforms for news verification. In Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Honduras, damage assessments will be conducted for cultural sites and educational institutions, along with urgent measures to protect heritage from further loss.
In Nigeria, UNESCO plans to provide psychological and social support for teachers and students after their release, while enhancing teachers’ capabilities to detect early signs of vulnerability in learners. In Sudan, educational initiatives will be implemented to support displaced communities and facilitate access to higher education, alongside boosting vocational and technical training for youth.
In Madagascar, support will focus on protecting freedom of expression, ensuring the continuity of education, and encouraging youth participation in public life. Notably, since 2015, UNESCO has been working to enhance its emergency strategy by integrating preparedness measures, immediate response, and long-term recovery to ensure that culture, education, and science remain at the core of community resilience.
