Elizabeth Longworth Appointed Chair of UNESCO Commission

Associate Minister of Education Jo Luxton today announced the appointment of Elizabeth Longworth to the position of Chair of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO.

The United Nations agency known as UNESCO is in charge of encouraging member states to work together in the fields of communication and information, science, culture, human rights, and peace. The National Commission implements UNESCO priorities and programs domestically as well as represents New Zealand’s interests abroad.

“Elizabeth Longworth has experience working in executive capacities for UNESCO in Paris and Geneva. In her new position as Chair, she will bring her passion and principles. I’m confident that her time on the board of the Financial Markets Authority will also be very beneficial, said Jo Luxton.

“Linda Faulkner has also been named the new Commissioner for Natural Sciences, Vanisa Dhiru MNZM has been reappointed as Commissioner for Communication and Information, and Dr. Dan Hikuroa as Commissioner for Culture.

The Deputy Director of the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge is Linda Faulkner. She has over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of science and Mtauranga Mori, and she brings strong community and scientific connections to the position of Natural Sciences Commissioner.

“I’m happy with the variety of knowledge and expertise among the National Commission members. 

“I want to thank outgoing Chair Robyn Baker ONZM for her steadfast guidance and commitment throughout her tenure with the National Commission. Additionally, I want to thank Dr. Geoff Hicks, Commissioner for Natural Sciences, for his dedication to launching the UNESCO Geoparks program in Aotearoa New Zealand.

So, Elizabeth Longworth has been appointed as Chair of the New Zealand Commission for UNESCO

Elizabeth Longworth has been appointed as Chair of the New Zealand Commission for UNESCO (NZCOM). Elizabeth is a former diplomat and has a deep understanding of the work of UNESCO, having served as New Zealand’s Ambassador to France and Monaco and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO from 2013 to 2017.

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Elizabeth’s appointment coincides with New Zealand’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Cultural Policies, which will be held in Auckland in November 2019.

More About the New, New Zealand Commission for UNESCO- Elizabeth

Elizabeth Longworth has had a long and distinguished career in international diplomacy. For five years she was New Zealand’s Ambassador to France and Monaco and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, a role in which she worked hard to promote international education and cultural cooperation.

Before this role, Elizabeth was the Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) from 2009 to 2013. In this role, she lead New Zealand’s engagement with multilateral organizations related to trade, development, culture, and disaster relief.

Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for the power of education and has always held a strong interest in the development of sustainable development projects. In her role as Chair of the New Zealand Commission for UNESCO, she will be responsible for promoting the values and objectives of the UNESCO agenda in Aotearoa, with a particular focus on the world heritage sites of our nation.

Elizabeth Longworth has always held a firm belief in the ability of art and education to advance understanding and peace. She actively promotes UNESCO’s values and will work to encourage improved international cooperation and respect for one another. Her skills, knowledge, and abilities will help New Zealand establish a solid reputation abroad.