Malaysia Borneo Unveiled Exhibition: Harmony of Cultures, Nature, and Adventure

The Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO, together with the Permanent Delegation of Malaysia to UNESCO, the National Heritage Department of Malaysia, and the Sarawak State Forestry Corporation, organised a cultural exhibition titled “Malaysia Borneo Unveiled: Harmony of Cultures, Nature, and Adventure” at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from 25 to 27 March 2024.

The exhibition, attended by approximately 100 participants, was graced by H.E. Fadhlina Sidek, Ministry of Education Malaysia, in her capacity as President of the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO via an online platform. Also present were Mr. Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, and H.E. Datuk Haji Len Talif, Sarawak State Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources & Urban Development.

In her remarks, H.E. Fadhlina Sidek emphasised the significance of cultural appreciation, integration of education and cultural aspects, and conservation measures to safeguard Malaysia’s heritage treasures on an international platform.

She also highlighted the ongoing Malaysia-UNESCO Heritage Programme, which is celebrated at the local level and aims to instil a sense of appreciation for Malaysia’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage recognised by UNESCO. She further emphasised that this programme, which started in February 2024 in the Historical City of Melaka, seeks to actively encourage schoolchildren and teachers to participate in their Learning Outside the Classroom activities.

“Malaysia has also dedicated its resources to exploring the dimensions of cultural appreciation in the educational context. Culture is essential to Humanising Education in Malaysia. This approach promotes human-centred education encompassing knowledge, skills, ethics, and community unity. By integrating culture with education, we celebrate the diverse cultural aspects of society and unite them for the betterment of all,” said H.E. Fadhlina Sidek in her remarks.

The exhibition, held in conjunction with the 219^th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board, showcased Malaysia’s captivating natural wonders, particularly those found within the State of Sarawak. It also highlighted sustainable eco-tourism and the uniqueness of the state’s biodiversity in Borneo.