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BY ABUSATAR IDOWU HAMED
Silicon Valley Chief of Protocol, Deanna Tryon has said that major Silicon Valley corporations, such as Facebook and Twitter are already working to help “level the playing field” for developing nations through improved educational opportunities.
Deanna Tryon made this observation recently at the United Nations Headquarters in New York where she speaks on behalf of a resolution proclaiming January 24th as “International Day of Education”.
She explained that many Silicon Valley corporations are making efforts worldwide to increase educational opportunities, but wish to expand their outreach where it will do the most good, saying ‘‘Tryon’s office is “serving as a bridge” between Silicon Valley and developing nations.
Tryon also referenced local initiatives that support the UN’s goals. Her comments received a round of applause from the audience, as she noted: “where there is a will, there is a way.”
She stated further that there has never been a UN formal recognition of the importance of education in the global community, and she applauded the UN’s efforts in this regard.
All 193 member nations later voted unanimously to support the resolution, which was introduced by Nigeria and co-sponsored by Ireland, Qatar, and Singapore.
Other sponsors included the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Children’s Fund, UN Women, the Collegiate Congress, and others.
The resolution also called on the UN Member States, organizations of the UN system, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, individuals and others to observe the International Day of Education.
UNESCO, the specialized United Nations agency for education, will facilitate the annual observance of the Day in collaboration with the education community worldwide.
The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Mr. Tijjani Muhammad Bande introduced the resolution to the General Assembly, promoting education as a critical aspect of sustainable development.
Chief Temitope Ajayi of Silicon Valley Nigerian Economic Development, Inc., (SV-NED) on her own advocated for the adoption of the resolution and worked with supporters from many nations to achieve the unanimous vote.
The worldwide “Day of Education” promotes numerous existing and proposed programmes, and addresses United Nations priorities, including the “need for achieving sustainable development”.
The Nigerian mission referenced the UN’s Millennium Development Goal #4, recognizing that “education plays a key role in building sustainable and resilient societies.”
According to the sponsors, the international celebration every January 24th will help “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education in all world nations,”
In her comment, the President and Co-founder of SV-NED, Denise Williams said; “While my absence at the United Nations was indeed felt by both by the delegates and myself. I do want to stress my commitment to moving #SVNED agendas ahead, and a true leader makes necessary sacrifices to assure all basis are covered at all times.
‘‘However, I am extremely proud of the Ajayi #Women in my life, (Chief Temitope Ajayi & Lilian Ajayi-Ore) that showed up and out, united us all stands.”
Other speakers at the event included New York State Assembly member Jaime R. Williams, Ms. Katherine Elizabeth Fleming, Provost, New York University, Ms. Kalindi Doshi, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Jennifer Dooley Neumaier, LinkedIn, and Lillian Ajayi-Ore, founder and Executive Director of Global Connections for Women Foundation #GC4W, who spoke on The Need For Strengthening Public/Private Partnerships.
Lillian Ajayi-Ore pointed to Microsoft Education/Skype in the classroom providing access to digital learning resources for over 5 million teachers worldwide.
