Ms Kylie Walker, CEO of Science & Technology Australia, has been named the Chair of the Australian National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Taking up the four-year role from today, Ms Walker will work with the National Commission to advance Australia’s priorities and interests as a UNESCO member state, providing advice and recommendations to government and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and acting as a point of contact for the Australian community on UNESCO matters.
Ms Walker said she was looking forward to working with the National Commission to further Australia’s commitment to and international reputation in education, science, culture and communications.
“Australia plays an important role in global scientific research and discovery,” Ms Walker said.
“We also have strong educational and cultural institutions and organisations that work hard to make the community healthier, happier and more productive.”
Ms Walker said she was honoured to have been appointed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon. Julie Bishop, and looked forward to working to UNESCO’s mission of building peace; eradicating poverty; sustainable development; and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information.
“I look forward to working with other members of the Australian National Commission for UNESCO towards improved access to education, promoting gender equality and diversity, achieving well supported science and technology, and ensuring freedom of cultural expression.”
Ms Walker will join the Australian delegation to the 39th UNESCO General Conference in Paris at the end of October.
Click here to read the official announcement and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop’s media release.
Media contact: Dion Pretorius | dion.pretorius@sta.org.au | 0418 281 777
