Malawi National Commission for UNESCO

23/10/2026

Are you are a female scientist ? Were you carrying out any scientific work or research between 2019 and August 2026? Did you encounter any emergency, disease outbreak, floods, drought or similar emergences that affected your work? Or was your scientific work or research on any of that? UNESCO and Data-Pop Alliance (DPA) would like to hear from you though your participation in a global study on women scientists in crisis and emergency contexts. Sharing your experiences, perspectives, or insights through a survey using this link
https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/QWDwMZPc by Sunday, 22 November 2026. Your contributions will help inform UNESCO’s recommendations to strengthen the participation, protection, and resilience of women scientists in crisis and emergency contexts.

20/10/2026

On 19th October 2026 Malawi National commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the Zambia National Commission for UNESCO and the Unesco Regional Office for Southern Africa hosted a hybrid Regional Mental Health Validation Workshop. In Malawi, the workshop brought together representatives from different government ministries, departments, agencies, actors in the mental health space and young people to deliberate and engage on bringing awareness and solutions to mental health issues that affect young people. Participants reviewed the findings of a study on Youth Mental Health in Times of Crises which was done in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Executive Secretary for Malawi National Commission for UNESCO Dr Limbani Nsapato in his opening remarks highlighted the need for inter-ministerial collaboration on issues of mental health. He called for institutions and stakeholders to take matters of mental health amongst young people with keen interest by strategically providing solutions to combat causes of mental health challenges such as high youth unemployment rates and inadequate access to financial resources among others. Supporting mental health allows young people to develop the resilience needed to confront the various issues that affect them.

19/10/2026

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13/10/2026

Congratulations and a warm welcome to Dr Limbani Eliya Nsapato who has been appointed as the Executive Secretary for the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO. Prior to joining the Commission, Dr Nsapato worked as the Executive Director - Link for Education Governance and Country Director - Edukans Foundation in Malawi among others. He has extensive work experience both locally and internationally in educational governance, research and advocacy. The Commission looks forward to effectively fulfilling its mandate and rising to greater heights under his leadership. Congratulations.

13/10/2026

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is commemorated every year on 13th October to raise awareness about reducing disaster risks and protecting communities from natural hazards.
Disasters can cause loss of lives, damage infrastructure and disrupt livelihoods. Proper planning, early warning systems, disaster education and community preparedness help to reduce the impact of disasters.
UNESCO supports efforts to strengthen disaster prevention, build community resilience and improve the management of disaster and climate risks.
As we commemorate this day, let us turn disaster risk awareness into action. Governments, organisations and communities must work together to build safer, more resilient communities. Preparing today can help protect lives tomorrow.
Refer to the link to read UNESCO's report on Post-Disaster Needs Assessment of Malawi’s Culture and Heritage Sectors. This was published in 2023 taking into account how Cyclone Freddy affected the arts, cultural and creative industries.

programme and meeting document

17/09/2026

Malawi Commemorates International Literacy Day in Karonga

Malawi joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Literacy Day on 8 September 2026 at Uliwa Primary School ground in Senior Chief Wasambo, Karonga District, under the localised theme “Enhancing Literacy for Malawians, the Planet and Prosperity.”

International Literacy Day (ILD) was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966, and is observed annually on 8 September to highlight literacy as a fundamental human right and its importance in promoting inclusive education, lifelong learning and sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, the Guest of Honour, Honourable Mary Navicha MP, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, described literacy as a fundamental right and a driver of national development. She called for stronger partnerships and investment in literacy initiatives to ensure all Malawians have access to quality literacy opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, the Assistant Deputy Executive Secretary of MNCU, Mr David Mulera, highlighted that literacy goes beyond reading, writing and numeracy. It is a foundation for empowerment, lifelong learning and sustainable development. He emphasised the need for partnerships, inclusive and equitable education, stronger non-formal education systems and approaches that respond to the needs of marginalised communities.

The event brought together various adult learning, education and community development stakeholders. Participating organisations included the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU), National Library Service, FDH Bank, NBS Bank, BEFIT Programme, Bridge Malawi Project, Mzuzu Community Development Training Centre and COMSIP among others, which showcased their programmes and initiatives supporting education, literacy and community development.

A key highlight of the commemoration was the presentation of certificates by Honourable Mary Navicha to adult literacy learners who successfully completed adult literacy classes in the area of Senior Chief Wasambo.

23/07/2026

From the media

23/07/2026

23/07/2026

From the media

23/07/2026

UNESCO is seeking emerging leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to dialogue, inclusion, and positive social change to apply for the Second Edition Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme
Applicants must:
1. Be between 25 and 45 years old as of 22 October 2026
2. Have a demonstrated record of leadership in their field
3. Show commitment to intercultural dialogue and social impact
4. Demonstrate openness to self-reflection, dialogue across differences, and collaborative learning
5. Have the potential to influence and create positive change in their communities
6. Be available to participate fully in all programme components
For more information, use this link