Submission Form for a Written Statement to be presented orally during the first session of the Director General’s Consultation on the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010-2011 (35C/5) of National Commissions for UNESCO in Europe and North America All National Commissions of the region are invited to present their opinion on UNESCO’s programme and budget for 2010-2011 (35C/5), concerning themes, programmes, financial matters, procedures, decentralization, One UN, intersectoral platforms and other items, in an oral statement of no longer than 3 minutes, during the first session of the debate on the 35C/5. This oral statement should be put into writing (no longer than 350 words), and has to be sent to the three organizing Commissions no later than 19 May 2008. This written statement may be included as an appendix in the final report of the consultation.

WRITTEN STATEMENT National Commission of ___________THE NETHERLANDS____________________ Spokesperson presenting the statement Mrs. Dr. Els Jacobs Secretary General Netherlands National Commission for UNESCO It is my great pleasure, to share with you the thoughts of the Netherlands Commission on UNESCO Draft Programme and Budget for 2010-2011. The last years the programme development has been improved, resulting in a more concise C4 and C/5 document. We strongly encourage UNESCO to continue this process. We furthermore stimulate the organisation to improve the results based approach as initiated in the 34 C/5. Such an approach will make the Report of the Director General (C/3) more insightful in terms of addressed results, means and relevance of activities and create necessary transparency. The activities of UNESCO in the follow up of the ‘Delivering as One’-report are hopeful and we welcome the top priority DG Matsuura has given to participate in the UN Reform process. We hope this enforces the role of the Organisation in the education sector in developing countries, as EFA is priority of MP I. Sustainable development is a connecting theme for all MPs. In practice UNESCO could point out for each of its programmes in which way it contributes to sustainable development. Special emphasis in this respect may be given on the contribution of capacity building for transformations towards sustainability This meeting is also the place to exchange ideas how Europe and North America can contribute to UNESCO’s work and vice versa. Our Commission thinks arts education should be given proper attention, in the preparatory phase towards UNESCO’s 2 nd Conference on Arts Education in 2010 and afterwards. Education has a role in stimulating creativity and let children be acquainted with different cultures and cultural heritage. Higher education is of great importance for the development of knowledge societies. We can contribute to strengthen the role of Higher Education and Capacity Building in Developing

Countries. In this respect a reinforced UNITWIN and UNESCO chairs network, on basis of redefined criteria, is very much welcomed. Bioethics is a topic where UNESCO, as a standard setter in this field, should continue to play a distinguishing role in the international field. On your journey to this venue you most probably took a glance at our flat country surrounded by water. Water is an issue UNESCO has firmly integrated in its international scientific programmes. We advocate the contribution of the IHP and IOC programmes to knowledge dissemination. The sustainable protection of cultural heritage, tangible, intangible and documentary heritage, is a vital role to play for the Organisation in our region as well and is of great importance for the visibility of UNESCO. Thank you Mrs Chairperson.