Paris - Malaysia`s achievements in the field of education could be emulated by others, says UNESCO Executive Board new chairman Olabiyi Babalola Joseph Yai.
"You have made a kind of revolution in education in the last few years, we are very proud... this is something to emulate in Africa," said the top educationist from Benin.
Speaking to Bernama, Yai said Malaysia was playing a leading role in international bodies, defending the interest of culture, heritage and education -- the key areas of UNESCO.
"Not only a leading role but a unifying role across continents... this is very important," said the 66 year-old specialist in African literatures and languages, literacy, oral poetry and the cultures of the African diaspora.
He was Benin Permanent Delegate to UNESCO before being elected as Executive Board chairman by the General Conference last November.
The 58-member board meets twice a year to examine the programme of work for the organisation and corresponding budget estimates. UNESCO has 193 members.
The on-going board meeting which began Monday will end on April 17.
Thai Education Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr Chinnapat Bhumirat agreed that Malaysia, which chairs the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO), provided a strong leadership in the field.
"Thailand is willing to give all kinds of cooperation to Malaysia... we are good friends," said Dr Chinnapat, who is representing Thailand at the meeting.
"Malaysia and Thailand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the area of education and now we have already developed the action plan," he said.
Source: www.bernama.com (11 April 2008)
