National Commission for UNESCO Pays Courtesy Visit to MoHERST Permanent Secretary

• June 18, 2026
• MoHERST

The Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM), Mrs. Mainuna Sidibeh, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), Mrs. Isatou Auber, to reaffirm the longstanding partnership between the two institutions.

Mrs. Sidibeh was accompanied by Programme Officers Mr. Lamin Jarju and Ms. Fatou Jallow during the visit, which served as an opportunity to formally introduce the Commission’s leadership and discuss areas of continued collaboration.

During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the Commission’s mandate in advancing UNESCO programmes in education, science, technology, culture, and communication. They also outlined the Commission’s longstanding collaboration with MoHERST and its satellite institutions, particularly in higher education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), science, technology and innovation, research, and capacity building.

The delegation reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Ministry and supporting national development priorities. They further appealed for greater involvement in Ministry activities and programmes, while requesting that NATCOM staff be considered for short- and long-term capacity-building opportunities to enhance institutional effectiveness.

Welcoming the delegation, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Isatou Auber expressed appreciation for the Commission’s continued contribution to the development of education, research, science, and technology in The Gambia. She reaffirmed MoHERST’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Commission and assured the delegation that their requests would be given due consideration.

Deputy Permanent Secretary (Technical), Dr. Samba Sowe also welcomed the delegation, acknowledging the Commission’s valuable partnership with the Ministry and reiterating that the issues raised would be carefully considered.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation and fostering partnerships that advance higher education, research, science, technology, and innovation in The Gambia.