United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines

ASIA PACIFIC NATIONAL COMMISSIONS FOR UNESCO 14th Quadrennial Conference and Director-General’s Consultation on the Preparation of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010- 2011 (35 C/5)

Manila, Philippines Ι 19-23 May 2008

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Final Report 14th Quadrennial Conference of National Commissions for UNESCO of Asia and the Pacific Region Manila, Philippines Ι 19-20 May 2008

Introduction Delegations of National Commissions for UNESCO of the following 39 Member States of Asia and the Pacific have participated in the 14th Quadrennial Conference as well as representatives of Australia, India, Timor-Leste and Macau (China). Also present at the meeting were 11 UNESCO HQ representatives, 12 Heads of Field Offices and 16 ObserverInstitutions (Annex I): Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Fiji, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, and Viet Nam. Opening Ceremony The official opening was carried out with the presence of H.E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines. It started with a cultural performance entitled “Sayaw sa Pamlang” by Ballet Manila, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by baritone Mr. Nonon Baang. Amb. Preciosa S. Soliven, Secretary-General of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, welcomed the participants to the Philippines and to the Conference. She mentioned a brief historical background of the Philippines, an archipelago with 7,107 islands, which as Mr. Maximo Soliven, an internationally-known journalist metaphorically describes, “the Philippines was for 300 years in a Spanish convent and for 70 years in Hollywood.” She also stated that in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, the Member States and the National Commissions are tasked to promote Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), within the decade of 2005-2014, to form a system that will develop the full potential of mankind from birth to adulthood. She also mentioned that this Conference is historical as this is the first time in the history of UNESCO that the head of a nation has addressed this honorable assembly. (Annex II) On behalf of Dame Silvia Cartwright, Chairperson of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, host of the 13th Quadrennial Conference, Dr. Edna Tait delivered the opening message. She thanked the Philippine National Commission for the warm welcome and excellent preparations. She recalled with sorrow the natural disasters in Northern Philippines, Myanmar and the earthquake in China. She defined the regional challenges and priorities that this meeting will discuss for UNESCO for the 20102

2011 biennium (Annex III). Mr. Ahmed Sayyad, Assistant Director General for External Relations and Cooperation and Representative of the Director-General of UNESCO, expressed the profound gratitude to the Philippines for hosting this conference. He particularly thanked H. E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, for her presence and strong support to UNESCO and the National Commissions in the region and congratulated the official launching of the Singapore National Commission for UNESCO next week. While recording major challenges and opportunities facing UNESCO in the years to come, Mr. Sayyad, stressed the important role that the National Commissions could play in UN Reform and reach its strategic objectives (Annex IV). Keynote Address Honorable Franklin M. Ebdalin, the Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Representative of Hon. Alberto G. Romulo, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary and Chairperson of the Philippine National Commission introduced H. E. Gloria MacapagalArroyo to render the keynote speech (The full text of H. E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s speech is enclosed as Addendum 1). The President thanked UNESCO for its continued support to the country’s priority programs which dovetail with the organization’s mandates and its five overarching objectives under the Medium-Term Strategy for 2008 and 2013. She highlighted the five objectives, which are: (I) “attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning”; (II) “mobilizing science knowledge and policy for sustainable development”, (III) “addressing social and ethical challenges such as poverty, biotechnology, and human rights”; (IV) “fostering cultural diversity, inter-cultural dialogue and a culture of peace”; and (V) “building inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication”. She stated that the Philippines has incorporated these objectives in the Government’s ongoing programs. She said that through a stronger partnership between UNESCO and the Philippines, as well as with other Member-States in the region, efforts and resources will greatly contribute to attain UNESCO’s thrusts. Following the Opening Ceremony, the Provisional Rules of Procedures, as well as the Provisional Agenda and Timetable were unanimously adopted. The following countryrepresentatives were elected as members of the Bureau (Annexes V and VI): Chairperson: Ambassador Preciosa S. Soliven (Philippines) Vice Chair: Dame Silvia Cartwright (New Zealand) Mr. San Chau Pham (Vietnam) Rapporteur of the Quadrennial Conference: Ms. Hasnah Gasim (Indonesia) Rapporteur of the DG’s Consultation:

Co-Rapporteur: Ms. Elnura Korchueva (Kyrgyzstan) Co-Rapporteur: 3

Mr. Rohan Perrera (Sri Lanka)

Mr. Dwight Alexander (Palau)

Monday, 19 May 2008 Review of Progress on Wellington Recommendations 1. Ms Elizabeth Rose, Secretary-General of New Zealand National Commission presented a video on the organization of the13th Quadrennial Conference of National Commission held in Wellington from 23 to 27 May 2004. She went on to review progress in the three aspects covered by the Conference, namely, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Information Societies, Creativity and Sustainability and Capacity building for National Commissions in the context of decentralization and UN Reform, as well as follow-up to the specific recommendation on the provision of the budget for regional consultation of National Commissions under regular programme rather than the Participation Programme (Annex VII). 2. Mr. Xiaolin Cheng, Chief of National Commissions Section, UNESCO, reviewed the progress in the enhancement of National Commission since June 2004, including the increase in the number of National Commissions in Asia and the Pacific, training seminars organized for new Secretaries-General and Pacific-Asian National Commissions, the work in progress of the Coordinating Group of National Commissions, the networking among National Commissions, the development of information tools (database, website) and publications for National Commissions, the increased allocation of fund for National Commissions activities from regular budget, the PP and extrabudgetary sources. He also mentioned tasks and challenges ahead notably in the current UN country level reform (Annex VIII). Overall Theme: “Strengthening Partnerships and Collaboration in Asia and the Pacific Region” Theme I: Building on regional initiatives and cooperation with sectoral and intersectoral approaches Topics under Theme I related to the existing regional programmes and forthcoming activities under the intersectoral platforms were presented by Directors/Advisors of Regional Offices in Asia-Pacific as follows: Education 3. Dr. Nyet Ngo Molly Lee, APEID Coordinator from the UNESCO Office Bangkok, presented the education programmes and activities covered by this Office, including the trends and challenges facing it. She stressed the importance of the Education for All (EFA) covering 6 programmes, ICT in education, the policy on ESD, as well as the importance of Secondary Education and Higher Education for preparing young people to have access to the world of work (Annex IX).

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Natural Sciences 4. Mr. Hubert Gijzen, Director of UNESCO Office Jakarta, stated that the programme for natural sciences needs a strong partnership to achieve its strategic objectives, and he stressed the importance of programmes on disaster preparedness which are already included in the Main Line of Action (MLA) 3. He also stressed the importance of intersectoral programmes, DESD, networking on science through e– learning such as the one implemented within universities in Indonesia. Finally he recommended a strong regional programme on natural science and a strong regional partnership (Annex X). Social and Human Sciences 5. Dr. Darryl Macer, Regional Advisor on Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO Office Bangkok emphasized the importance of social and human sciences to the region by presenting programs of 2008-2009 and gave examples of partnerships in areas including ethics of energy and bioethics. The strengthening of the networking of social sciences and collaboration among member states such as the Asia- Pacific School of Ethics was highlighted (Annex XI). Culture 6. Dr. Richard Engelhardt, Regional Advisor for Culture, explained the continuity between Medium Term Strategies 31C/4 and 34C/4. He underscored the importance of culture, underpinning development, the synergies between tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and mainstreaming cultural diversity through program partnership and platforms in particular with UN country teams (Annex XII). Communication and Information 7. Dr Susanne Ornager, Regional Advisor for Communication and Information, presented on the programmes on Communication and Information which stressed the importance of MOW ( Memory of the World ), IPDC and IFAP as well as the role of media in the implementation of the programmes (Annex XIII). Following the sectoral presentations, representatives of Malaysia and Sri Lanka reported on the regional projects implemented under Participation Programme for 2006-2007. (Annexes XIV and XV). 8. Ms Haslinda Alias, Executive Secretary of the Malaysian National Commission presented a case study on Training Curriculum for Education Program on Managing School Curriculum for Excellence. The training is comprised of a month course conducted in Aminudin Baki Institute, Malaysia and was attended by Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam and Sri Lanka with a study visit to Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos for comparative study from 29 July to 24 August 2008.

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9. Mr. Rohan Perrera, Secretary-General of the Sri Lanka National Commission, presented the regional project “Humid Tropics in the Future” related to science and education, which brought out the importance of biodiversity programmes for humid tropics and the need to use Biodiversity Reserves as learning centers for Education for Sustainable Development. Many recommendations had been made at this Conference but follow up action has been lacking. 10. Representatives of Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Japan, Uzbekistan and Tonga commented on the regional programmes and initiatives and stressed the importance of areas which need greater attention and effort in Asia and the Pacific region, such as EFA, peace education, inclusive education, science education, education for environmental science, teaching of science with fun, education for sustainable development, including DESD International Forum which will be held in December 2008 in Tokyo, Japan, bioethics and climate change. 11. Intersectorality, as an important approach to dealing with the above subjects, was emphasized. It should be strengthened jointly by each of the sector and field offices as well as through implementing the regional requests under the Participation Programme. Promoting partnerships and visibility through the media at the country level was also proposed. It was agreed that field offices should be equipped with sufficient human and financial resources to implement these activities. Theme II: Enhancing networking and partnerships with the broader UNESCO family and partners 12. Representatives of the following centres and institutions shared their experiences in forging partnership with UNESCO and National Commissions: •

Dr. Vilma Labrador, Chairperson of the Education Committee of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, representing the Southeast Asian Centre for Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development (SEA-CLLSD), a proposed UNESCO category 2 centre (Annex XVI)

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Mr. Kang Dai-Geun, Director of APCEIU (UNESCO category 2 centre) (Annex XVII)

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Mr.Wang Li, Deputy Director of INRULED (UNESCO category 2 centre) (Annex XVIII)

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Mr. Yoshimori Suzuki, Director, Programme Department, ACCU (Annex XIX)

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Mr. Diego Gradis, Representative of the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee (Annex XX)

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Dr. Florangel Rosario-Braid – Chairperson of the Communication Committee of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines and Advisor of IFAP Philippines National Committee (Annex XXI) 6

13. The ensuing discussions focused on ways of mobilizing partners and cooperating with National Commissions, notably NGOs and Category II Institutes and Centers in Asia-Pacific Region. The following comments and suggestions were made by representatives of Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Indonesia, China, Republic of Korea, Palau, Uzbekistan and Viet Nam: •

Regional centres such as APCEIU, INRULED and ACCU should cooperate more closely with UNESCO for a common approach and greater synergy and effectiveness;

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National Commissions should be well informed of activities of these networks which contribute to the visibility of UNESCO;

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The longstanding and well organized ASP network and UNESCO Chairs are important partners of UNESCO with which National Commissions can better cooperate;

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UNESCO Category 2 institutions should ensure their regional nature and design their programmes in line with consultation and in liaison with other institutes concerned;

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The Pacific sub-region should be served by these Category 2 institutes due to lack of them in this part of the world;

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Centres like SEA-CLLSD could gradually develop their capacity and impact to provide wider service when conditions are allowed.

Tuesday, 20 May 2008 Theme III: UN “Delivering as One” reform at country level and UNESCO’s decentralization strategy: Role and Strengthening of National Commissions 14. In his introductory presentation, Mr. Hans d’Orville, Assistant Director-General for Strategic Planning (ADG/BSP), described the current UN reform as a quest for coherence, efficiency and quality of delivery. He recalled recent milestones since October 2006 in “Delivering as One” reform and its guiding principles, such as, 1) Government ownership and leadership, 2) inclusiveness, 3) attainment of and alignment with the international development goals, 4) diversity of approaches, 5) normative-operational linkage, 6) One plan/programme, 7) One budgetary framework, 8) One leader, 9) programming and implementation of the thematic programmes by specialized agencies, 10) One office where appropriate, 11) respect for sectoral competences of specialized agencies, 12) technical expertise and relevance, 13) integration of regional and global programmes into national programming documents. Based in the above principles, this reform is currently in progress. (Annex XXII) 15. While engaging in this process, UNESCO is faced with both opportunities and 7

challenges. Among issues to be addressed are: what is the financial implication for current and future C/5? How to plough back programmes in using efficiency/administrative savings? How to reconcile national with regional priorities? How to move towards joint assistance strategies? 16. Mr. Etienne Clement, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Field Coordination (BFC) and Mr. Jim Kulikowski, Deputy Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Cooperation (ERC) summarized the first phase and on-going second phase of UNESCO’s Decentralization Review Task Force (DRTF) and its future work schedule as well as its discussions on the possible role of National Commissions in the UN country programming exercise (Annex XXIII). 17. The following functions of National Commissions notably in countries benefiting from UN joint country programming were mentioned in their presentations: • • • • • • • • • • •

Source of information Advisory body Assisting Field Offices (FO’s) in consultations with Ministries Advocacy for involvement of Ministries working with UNESCO Participation in the country programming Participation in joint monitoring mechanism Implementing joint programmes Aligning the PP requests with UNESCO priority activities Disseminating UNESCO’s role and programmes Liaison with broader UNESCO family and other national partners Assisting in the mobilization of resources

18. In order to allow National Commissions to effectively participate in this process and play their role, their capacities in UN Country Team issues should be strengthened via training and exchange of information. In consultation with Member States, UNESCO will work out a specific approach for this and advocate for the acceptance of National Commissions in UNCT technical groups by UN joint team. It was recalled that 8 countries were selected as pilots for UN country approach, including Viet Nam and Pakistan and 15 others are considered as 2008 UNDAF countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Philippines, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. 19. Mrs. Nileema Noble, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Coordinator to the Philippines, made a presentation named “UNDAF as a tool for development and UN system effectiveness”. In the case of the Philippines, she confirmed that as UNESCO engages on the CCA/UNDAF a non-resident agency, its technical skills at critical stages of UNDAF process and National Commission of the Philippines participates in the UN Country Team. (Annex XXIV) 20. Mr. Saqib Aleem, Secretary-General of Pakistan National Commission, Mr. Pham Viet Anh, Specialist of Viet Nam National Commission, and Mr. Alisher Ikramov, Secretary-General of Uzbek National Commission, from pilot 2008 UNDAF 8

countries, shared their knowledge and practical experiences in this respect. (Annexes XXV, XXVI and XXVII) 21. The Pakistan National Commission confirmed its coordination role in the field of education within the Country Team and participation in the High Level Commission (HLC) in Pakistan. The delegate of the Viet Nam National Commission saw both advantages and disadvantages in involvement in this process: as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and an inter-ministerial agency, it assists the Government and collaborates with UNESCO Hanoi Office, but it faces hurdles as the Ministry of Investment and Planning is the line Ministry within the Government structure. The Uzbekistan Delegate thought that the status of the Commission within the Government and its competence are important factors which will determine the level of its participation. The capacity-building through training and information exchange is the key word. The Participation Programme should be used to enhance awareness and capacities. Field Offices and National Commissions should collaborate on the basis of the clearly defined and updated guidelines. 22. Delegates of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Korea, Kiribati, Mongolia, Nepal, Singapore, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Palau, Indonesia, Philippines, Iran and DPR Korea sought clarifications and/or made comments on this item. 23. It was generally agreed that National Commissions should not compete with other Ministries and agencies for resources but have to complement and work with them, using their advantages; training, information sharing and networking are essential part for National Commissions to participate in this process, notably for Pacific island states where UN resident coordinators are often far from the capital as well as for non-resident countries; field offices should advocate to the Government for the Commissions, help develop communication between them and enhance their capacities; the PP should be used to strengthen the networking and partnerships; UNESCO’s decentralization policy and field structure should be adapted and strengthened. 24. The Secretariat informed the participants that a workshop will be organized later this year for UNDAF countries to review best practices; the preliminary proposals on UNESCO’s reviewed decentralization strategy will be submitted to 180th session of the Executive Board for consideration. The final result of the DRTF will be examined at the 181st Executive Board in spring 2009. Theme IV: Additional programme of targeted/ projected extrabudgetary activities in further reinforcement of 34 C/5, and Budget Management and Cost Recovery Policy: contribution of National Commissions 25. Mr. Shantha Retnasingam, Chief of Section for Multilateral and Private Sector Funding Sources, UNESCO, made a presentation on Additional programme of targeted/ projected extrabudgetary activities in further reinforcement of 34 C/5. He also informed the body of the role his Section can play for the mobilization of 9

resources from the private sector. 26. Ms. Yolande Valle, Director of Bureau of Budget, UNESCO, while presenting UNESCO’s Budget Management and Cost Recovery Policy, stressed the importance of the extrabudgetary funding which represents nearly 50% of UNESCO’s resources. Following a common consensus among all UN Organizations, all variable costs (direct and indirect) incurred by extrabudgetary projects should be charged directly or through a Programme Support Costs Rate (PSC rate). Heading towards Enhanced Results-Based Management (RBM)/ Results-Based Budgetting (RBB) means also that costs should be adequately charged to the Regular Programme (RP) and Extrabudgetary (XB) projects. (Annex XXVIII) 27. The ultimate goals of the Cost Recovery Policy are to allow the Organization to improve results delivery, ensure adequate and sustainable funding to implement UNESCO’s programme of work (RP & XB) and enhance RBB. UNESCO is working at two levels: 1) to develop internally the ability to correctly estimate and charge the costs to XB projects budget; 2) to pursue within the UN system the harmonization of Cost Recovery Policies. 28. With Delivering as One approach, there is a high pressure on UN organization to lower PSC rates. The harmonization of PSC rates at lower levels for multi-agency projects has been agreed upon on the condition that more costs are charged directly. Nevertheless, for all other projects, current standard rates are kept (up to 13%) as it is still less costly to manage and appropriate investments still need to be made. 29. National Commissions could help UNESCO to succeed in its Cost Recovery Policy, because of their advocacy role at the national and regional levels, and their liaison with the Government, partners and UNESCO Secretariat. 30. During the discussion, delegates of Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Japan, Republic of Korea, Philippines and Tonga sought clarifications and made comments. Exchange of information and views on this issue proved useful. The Commissions were further informed that: •

In the context of “Delivery as One”, UNESCO will strive for better efficiency savings in implementing projects or in running its Field Offices. In the long run, there will be cost savings through economies of scale and efficiency for better and effective delivery of service, although in the short term the costs could still increase.

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UNESCO’s guidelines are available for National Commissions’ work with the private sector, which need to be updated taking into account new context.

•

Coupons Programme is a tripartite programme for UNESCO, UNDP and the Member States; at the official UN exchange rate on the date of deposit without any transaction charge. In future if such demands are made by local UNDP Offices then the National Commissions should get in touch with the 10

UNESCO Coupons Unit which will resolve the matter directly with the local UNDP Office or via UNDP treasurer’s Office in New York. •

The Additional programme is an upfront programming of extra-budgetary funding intended as an extension of the Approved 34 C/5. The requests for the outlines were made after approval of the C/5.

•

This year’s Additional programme was launched a bit late because of its new nature. In the future, the Secretariat will get the proposal to the Member States much more quickly once the C/5 is approved.

Briefing on the current work of the Coordinating Group of National Commissions 31. In his presentation, Mr. Luis Ramallo, Chairperson of the Group recalled the informal nature of this body as a forum for advocacy for and follow-up to UNESCO cooperation with National Commissions. He also emphasized the need to raise the voice of National Commissions and exert influence on decision-making of the Organization. In the context of reform and faced with challenges, they should move from agonizing to organizing. It is up to the National Commissions to identify themselves, capitalize on their advantages and find appropriate solutions. They could act as the real focal point to mobilize the broader UNESCO family and work with various networks, promote ideals, and enhance the visibility. Adoption of the Final Report and Recommendations 32. The above Final Report and two Recommendations (Addendums 2 and 3) were adopted on 23 May 2008, as amended. 33. One delegate expressed the wish to see UNESCO’s two working languages (English and French) be used in future regional meetings of National Commissions.

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List of Annexes Annexes I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII XIV XV XVI

XVII XVIII XIX XX XXI XXII

Title List of participants Opening and Welcoming Message, by Ambassador Preciosa S. Soliven, Secretary-General, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Opening Message, by Dr. Edna Tait, Education Specialist, New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO Welcoming Address, by Mr. Ahmed Sayyad, Representative of the DirectorGeneral, Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Cooperation, UNESCO Rules of Procedure Agenda and Timetable Review of Progress on Wellington Recommendations, by Ms. Elizabeth Rose, Secretary-General, New Zealand National Commission Review of Progress on Wellington Recommendations, by Mr. Xiaolin Cheng, Chief, National Commissions Section, ERC, UNESCO Presentation on Education Sector, by Dr. Nyet Ngo Molly Lee, APEID Coordinator, Bangkok Office* Presentation on Natural Sciences Sector, by Dr. Hubert Gijzen, Director, Jakarta Office* Presentation on Social and Human Sciences Sector, by Dr. Darryl Macer, Regional Advisor, Bangkok Office* Presentation on Culture Sector, by Dr. Richard Engelhardt, Regional Advisor, Bangkok Office* Presentation on Communication Sector, Dr. Susanne Ornager, Regional Advisor, Bangkok Office* Presentation on Regional PP projects for 2006-2007, by Mrs. Haslinda Alias, Executive Secretary, Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO* Presentation on Regional PP projects for 2006-2007, by Mr. Rohan Perera, Secretary-General, Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO* Presentation on good practices of networking, by Dr. Vilma Labrador, Chairperson, UNACOM Education Committee, Proposed Category 2 Centre Southeast Asian Center for Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development (SEA CLLSD)* Presentation on good practices of networking, by Mr. Kang Dai-Geun, Director, APCEIU* Presentation on good practices of networking, by Mr. Wang Li, Deputy Director, INRULED* Presentation on good practices of networking, by Mr. Yoshimori Suzuki, Director, ACCU* Presentation on good practices of networking, by Mr. Diego Gradis, Representative, NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee* Presentation on good practices of networking, by Dr. Florangel RosarioBraid, Chairperson, UNACOM Communication Committee, Adviser, IFAP Philippines National Committee* Presentation on UN coherence reform and the work of UNESCO’s Decentralization Review Task Force (DRTF), by Mr. Hans d’Orville, Assistant 12

XXIII XXIV XXV XXVI XXVII XXVIII

Director-General for Strategic Planning (ADG/BSP)* Presentation on UN coherence reform and the work of UNESCO’s Decentralization Review Task Force (DRTF), by Mr Etienne Clement, Dep. Director, Bureau of Field Coordination (BFC) and Secretary of DRTF* Presentation on UNDAF as a Tool for Development and UN System Effectiveness, by Mrs. Nileema Noble, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative to the Philippines* Presentation on Case studies: National Commission’s involvement in UNDAF programming exercise, by Mr. Saqib Aleem, Secretary-General, Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO* Presentation on Case studies: National Commission’s involvement in UNDAF programming exercise, by Mr. Pham Viet Anh, Specialist, Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO* Presentation on Case studies: National Commission’s involvement in UNDAF programming exercise, by Mr. Alisher Ikramov, Secretary-General, Uzbekistan National Commission for UNESCO* Presentation on Additional programme of targeted/projected extrabudgetary activities in further reinforcement of 34 C/5, and Budget Management and Cost Recovery Policy: contribution of National Commissions, by Ms Yolande Valle, Director of Bureau of Budget (BB)*

* available on the CD-ROM provided during the Conference/Consultation in Manila; will also be made available through the final report’s publication

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Addendum I Keynote Speech by H. E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Thank you very much, Acting Secretary Ebdalin for your introduction. Ambassador Soliven, Secretary Lapus and the other officials of the Philippine Government, Mr. Sayyad, Dr. Tait, National Commissions from the member nation of the Asia and the Pacific Region, ladies and gentlemen. First of all, welcome to our partners in Asia and the Pacific Region! We’re honored to host this conference of UNESCO of the National Commissions and the Director Generals Consultation on your new program and budget. It’s a great opportunity to have you here and to be able to speak with you and to thank UNESCO for supporting our country’s priority programs which dovetail with the mandates of UNESCO and the overarching objectives of UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy for 2008 to 2013. This is a very informative experience because, as Mr. Sayyad said, you have just recently approved the Medium-Term Strategy and it is important for us the national officials to be aware of your five overarching objectives and see how our own programs dovetail with UNESCO and where we can work together. UNESCO’s first medium-term overarching objective is attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning. And we are very proud that our own Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan for 2004 and 2010 gives high priority to education for all. In fact, we have used that term as one of the ten points of our administration’s ten-point agenda. We hear and heed the U.N.’s advice to expedite the implementation of the basic education sector reform agenda in order to achieve the U.N. Millennium Development Goal of universal primary education by 2015. Our education services to the poor have vastly improved though we have a long way to go. We’re expanding early childhood education. We’re paying cash to the poorest of the poor who send their children to school. We’re providing food-for-school programs in food-poor areas in the elementary school. We’re abolishing all fees collected in public primary schools. And as Ambassador Soliven has said earlier in her speech in support of UNESCO, we have issued an Executive Order establishing a Center for Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development of the Philippines. We are also proud to be in tune with UNESCO’s second overarching objective in its Medium-Term Strategy which is mobilizing science knowledge and policy for sustainable development. We are investing billions in Science and Technology Research and Development including scholarships for Masters and Doctoral degrees in Engineering. Sustainable development is one of our top priorities. We have began the ‘Green Philippines Program,’ and I am glad we have some environmentalists here in our audience with us. Our Green Philippines plan is a blueprint for mapping our environment and economic policies that allow for 14

sustainable development that doesn’t fall on the backs of the poor or erode our environment. In this regard, we thank UNESCO for re-nominating the expanded Tubbatahha Reef Marine Park to the UNESCO World Heritage list and for encouraging the nomination of Mt. Apo Natural Park as the first site in Mindanao to be inscribed in the World Heritage list. We also thank UNESCO for facilitating the establishment of an efficient emergency communication infrastructure network and communication system for the Department of Health in Eastern Visayas in Central Philippines which is quite disaster-prone. So, we thank UNESCO for helping us achieve UNESCO’s second overarching objective. The third overarching objective of UNESCO in the Medium-Term Strategy is addressing social and ethical challenges such as poverty, biotechnology, human rights. Our improved fiscal position is allowing us to invest in job creation, better healthcare and more educational opportunities. These are the keys to lifting the poor up. We have the support of UNESCO here and therefore we are optimistic. We also count on UNESCO to help us work out the safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology and its products as one of several means to achieve and sustain food security, equitable access to health services, sustainable and safe environment, and industry development. And on the issue of human rights, since the formation of a special commission to tackle our unfortunate history of political violence, extrajudicial killings are down and prosecutions are up. Of course, we will not be satisfied until we are at zero and we count on UNESCO’s support for this. The fourth overarching objective of the UNESCO Medium-Term Strategy is fostering cultural diversity, inter-cultural dialogue and a culture of peace. And so, we thank UNESCO for including the Jose Maceda Music Collection in the International Memory of the World Register. This attests to the universal significance of preserving the traditional music of the Philippines which are very important part of our culture. Our society is a multi-ethnic society and multi-cultural. It should be founded on social justice for all and the institutionalized accommodation of ethnic traditions. So, we have adopted inter-faith dialogue as an official policy of our Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan. The role of inter-faith dialogue in restoring peace in Southern Philippines is an experience we would like to share with the world through UNESCO. Finally, the fifth overarching objective of the strategy is building inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication. Our information structure is costcompetitive and we have a highly trainable English Proficient, I.T-enabled management and manpower. That is why we are a leader in the outsourcing space. And even more than that, we are deeply committed to press freedom and its role in building inclusive societies. Well, I might not always like what the media writes about me, I respect their right to say it because we live in a vibrant and robust democracy. 15

As we improve security in the parts of the country that have known some degree of violence, with the support of UNESCO, we’re able to move quickly to build inclusive societies and develop the economy of those areas. And as a neighbor and friend in an inclusive regional society, we all I’m sure share the anguish of the Chinese and the Burmese in their current moment of tragedy. Together, we will rise above catastrophe with the support of UNESCO. So, it is fitting that this conference highlights 'Strengthening Partnerships and Collaboration in Asia and the Pacific Region.' By working together, we can combine efforts and resources toward the mission of UNESCO to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and inter-cultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. I understand that by next week, the UNESCO Secretariat will start to draft UNESCO’s program and budget for the next biennium. So, I wish all of you a fruitful and productive discussion as you plan the region’s strategic programs to bring about a culture of peace and to deepen and develop mutual understanding, reconciliation and dialogue. Once more, to all of you, welcome, Mabuhay and thank you.

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Addendum 2 Recommendations The Participants of the Conference, Bearing in mind the overarching and strategic programme objectives of the MediumTerm Strategy of UNESCO for 2008-2013 (34 C/4) and practical implementation of the Results Based Management (RBM); Recalling UNESCO’s Constitution which emphasizes commitment to peace as a main role of UNESCO; Taking into account on-going reforms in the UN system and in particular the gradual introduction of the “Delivering as One” approach in every country, which will require more flexible C/5 document in order to meet local needs (country ownership) and coherence with programmes of other UN agencies; Invites the Director-General, 1. to increase budget allocation in the 35 C/5 to the Participation Programme projects, which are key elements of country based initiatives through appropriate measures; 2. to stress the importance of the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD); and 3. to favor intersectoral platforms and identify specific budget line.

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Addendum 3 Recommendations The Participants of the Conference, Bearing in mind the overarching and strategic programme objectives, of the MediumTerm Strategy of UNESCO for 2008-2013 (34 C/4) and practical implementation of the Results Based Management (RBM); Recalling UNESCO’s Constitution which emphasizes commitment to peace as a main role of UNESCO; Taking into account on-going reforms in the UN system and in particular the gradual introduction of the “Delivering as One” approach in every country, which will require more flexible C/5 document in order to meet local needs (country ownership) and coherence with programmes of other UN agencies; Invites the Director-General, 1. to promote close working relationships between National Commissions and UNESCO Category II Institutes and Centres; 2. to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of the programmes and outcomes; and 3. to encourage the Category II Centres to serve and collaborate with all Member States of the Asia-Pacific region.

18

Annex I List of Participants Delegation Leaders 1. AFGHANISTAN Mr. Minawi Khalil Secretary-General Afghan National Commission for UNESCO and ISESCO P.O. Box 517 Kabul, Ministry of Communication Tel: +9320 2103848 Fax: +93 777 52 92 92 E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] 2. BANGLADESH Mr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan Secretary-General Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO Ministry of Education Banbeis Bhaban, 3rd floor, 01 Asian Highway, Palassy, Nilkhet Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh Tel: +88 02 8627968 9; +88 01 915730440 Fax : +88 029662007; +88 028613420 E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] 3. BHUTAN Ms. Jamyang Choeden Secretary Bhutan National Commission for UNESCO Ministry of Education, 1-7 Wogmin Lam, Namgyechholing Thimphu, Bhutan Tel: +975 2 322912 Mobile : +975 17611333 Fax: +975 2 325069 E-mail : [email protected]; [email protected] 4. BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Mr. Aminudin Mohd. Yaakub Education Officer International Affairs Unit Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam Tel: +673 2381846 Mobile: +673 8763199 Fax: +673 2381846 Email: [email protected]

5. CAMBODIA Mr. Eang Yos Deputy Secretary-General Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO No. 74, Preah Sihanouk Avenue, Sangkat Boeng Keng Kang I Khan Chamcar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel: +855 23 210 369 Mobile: +855 12725622 Fax: +855 23210 369 E-mail : [email protected] 6. CHINA Mr. Yue DU Deputy Secretary-General Chinese National Commission for UNESCO 37 Damucang Hutong, Xidan Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China Tel: +8610 66096649 Fax: +86 10 66017912 Email: [email protected] 7. COOK ISLANDS Mr. Makiuti Tongia Unuia Secretary Tauranga Vananga: Ministry Development Box 8, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Tel: +682 20725 Fax : +682 23726 Email: [email protected] 8. DEMOCRATIC KOREA

PEOPLE’S

of

Cultural

REPUBLIC

OF

Mr. Jae Hon KIM Acting Secretary-General National Commission of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for UNESCO Jungsong-dong, Central District, Pyongyang, DPRK, P. O. Box 44, Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Fax: +850 2 381 4660 Email: [email protected] 9. FIJI Mrs. Viniana Kunabuli Curriculum Development Unit Ministry of Education Marela House, Suva, Fiji Email: [email protected] Tel : +679 3306077

19

Fax : +679 3305953

15. KYRGYZSTAN

10. INDONESIA

Ms. Elnura Korchueva Deputy Secretary-General National Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic for UNESCO 54 Erkindik Avenue, 720040 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Tel: +996 312 626636 Mobile: +996 555 999849 Fax: +996 312 626636 E-mail : [email protected]; [email protected]

Prof. H. Arief Rachman Executive Chairman Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO Depdiknas, Gedung C Lantai 17 Jl Jenderal Sudirman, Senayan 10270 Jakarta, Indonesia Tel: +62 21 570 9425 Fax: +62 21 570 9425 Mobile: +8129343075 E-mail : [email protected] 11. IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF) Dr. Mohammad Reza Saeidabadi Secretary-General Iranian National Commission for UNESCO No. 17 1st Alley, Shahid Hesari St., Mirdamad Blvd., 15489, Tehran, Iran Tel: +98 21 2222 78 25 Fax: +98 21 2225 25 36 E-mail : [email protected]; 12. JAPAN Mr. Isao KISO Secretary-General Japanese National Commission for UNESCO 3-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8959 Japan Tel: +813 6734 2603 Fax: +81 3 6734 3679 Email: [email protected] 13. KAZAKHSTAN

16. LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Ms. Philany PHISSAMAY Programme Officer Ministry of Education, Lanexang Avenue, PO Box 67 Vientiane Capital Lao PDR Tel: +856 21 212108 Mobile : +856 20 7825698 Fax: +856 21 212108 E-mail : [email protected]; [email protected] 17. MACAU (CHINA) (OBSERVER) Dr. Zhiliang WU Member of Administrative Council of Macao Foundation Edif. World Trade Centre, 15 Andar, Av. Amizade, N 918, Macau Tel: +853 872978551 Fax: +853 87978553 Email: [email protected] 18. MALAYSIA

Mr. Dussanbay Kasseinov Secretary-General Kazakhstan National Commission for UNESCO Ministry of Foreign Affairs Astana Left coast of Esil River Street 1, Building 35 010000, Astana, Kazakhstan Tel: +77172 720326 Mobile: +77017204444 Fax: +77172720386 E-mail : [email protected]

Mdm. Haslinda Alias Executive Secretary Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO Policy and International Relations Division Ministry of Education, Malaysia Level 7, Block E8, Complex E 62604 Putrajaya, Malaysia Tel: +603 8884 6120 Fax: +603 8889 5473 Email: [email protected]

14. KIRIBATI

19. MALDIVES

Ms. Akka Rimon Senior Assistant Secretary Ministry of Education P.O. Box 263, Bikenibeu, Republic of Kiribati Tel: +686 28091 Mobile: +686 99433 Fax:+686 28222 Email: [email protected]

Mr. Ahmed Yasir Secretary-General Maldives National Commission for UNESCO Ministry of Education Ghazee Building Malé 20-05 Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 333 32 62; +960 331 13 16

20

Fax: +960 331 52 54 Email: [email protected] 20. MONGOLIA Mr. Urtnasan Norov Secretary-General Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO Government Building XI, Post Office 38, Revolution Avenue, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Tel: +976 11 315652 Mobile: +976 11 99110163 Fax: +976 11 322612 E-mail: [email protected] 21. NAURU Mr. John T. Aremwa Secretary-General Nauru National Commission for UNESCO Boe District, Republic of Nauru PO Box 120 Tel: +674 444 31 33 ext. 274 Email : [email protected] 22. NEPAL Mr. Raju Babu Pudasaini Section Officer Nepal National Commission for UNESCO Ministry of Education and Sports Keshar Mahal, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977 1 44 18 782 Mobile: +9841440338 Fax: +977 1 44 12 460 Email : [email protected]; [email protected] 23. NEW ZEALAND Dame Silvia Cartwright Chairperson New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO 195A Gillies Avenue Epsom, Auckland 1023 New Zealand Tel: +64 9 6303912 Mobile: +64 21808064 Email: [email protected] 24. NIUE Ms. Desiree Tohovaka Officer Niue National Commission for UNESCO PO Box 40 Fale Fono, Alofi, Niue Tel: +683 4200 Fax: +684 4206/ 4151 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

25. PAKISTAN Mr. Saqib Aleem Secretary-General Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO 30, Sector, H-81, Islamabad, Pakistan Tel: +92 51 9257225 Mobile: +333 5504385 Fax : +92 51 925 75 19 Email:[email protected] 26. PALAU Mr. Dwight G. Alexander Secretary-General Palau National Commission for UNESCO P.O Box 1526, Koror, Palau, 96940 Tel: +680 767 1464 Mobile: +680 779 1873 Fax: +680 767 1465 E-mail:[email protected]; [email protected] 27. PAPUA NEW GUINEA Mr. Yori Yei Acting Secretary-General Papua New Guinea National Commission for UNESCO P.O. Box 446, Waigani, Papua New Guinea Tel: +675 329663; +675 3253718 Mobile: +678 2005 Fax: +675 3259663 Email: [email protected] 28. PHILIPPINES Chair Amb. Preciosa S. Soliven Secretary-General UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Vice-Chair Dr. Florangel Rosario-Braid Chairperson Communication Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

21

29. REPUBLIC OF KOREA

34. SRI LANKA

Dr. Samuel LEE Secretary-General Korean National Commission for UNESCO 50-14, Myeong-dong 2 ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea Tel: +82 2 755 0068 Fax: +82 2 755 6667 Email: [email protected]

Mr. Rohan Perera Secretary-General Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO National Institute of Education Complex High Level Road, Maharagama, Sri Lanka Tel: +94 11 274 5180 Mobile : +94 773601947 Fax : +94 11 2848998 E-mail: [email protected];

30. RUSSIAN FEDERATION Mr. Amir Bilalitdinov Deputy Secretary-General Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO 119200, Russia, 32/ 34 Smolenskaya-Sennaya sqr, Moscow Tel: +495 244 2315 Mobile: +495 9209254 Fax: +495 244 24 75 Email: [email protected] 31. SAMOA

35. TAJIKISTAN Ms. Sadbarg Ganieva Secretary-General Tajikistan National Commission for UNESCO Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Tajikistan, 42 Rudaki Avenue Dushanbe, Tajikistan Tel: +992 732 21 1750 Mobile: +992 9351 00051 Fax: +992 372 21 0259 E-mail: [email protected] 36. THAILAND

Mr. Poese Alapati To'omata Minister Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture P.O. Box 1869 Apia, Samoa Tel: +685 22958 Mobile: +685 7785118 Fax: +685 22958 E-mail: [email protected] 32. SINGAPORE

Dr. Chinnapat Bhumirat Secretary-General Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Secretary-General, Thai National Commission for UNESCO Ministry of Education Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand Tel: +66 2628 5646-9 ext. 116, 118 Fax: +66 2281 0953 Email: [email protected]

Ms. Wan Yong LIM Director, Planning Ministry of Education and Secretary-General, Singaporean National Commission for UNESCO Ministry of Education 1 North Buona Vista Drive Singapore 138675 Tel: +65 6879 6022 Fax: +65 67763160 Email: [email protected]

Mr. Apolinario Magno Director- General Ministry of Education Vila Verde, Timor-Leste Tel : +670 333 9661 Mobile : +670 736 3583 Email : [email protected]

33. SOLOMON ISLANDS

38. TONGA

Mr. Matthew Timothy Ngele Secretary-General Solomon Islands National Commission UNESCO P.O. Box G-28, Honiara, Solomon Islands Tel: +677 28504 Mobile: +677 94135 Fax : +677 22042 or 28805 E-mail : [email protected]

Mrs. Lucy Moala-Mafi Secretary-General Tonga National Commission for UNESCO c/o Ministry of Education, Women Affairs and Culture P.O. Box 61, Nuku’Alofa, Tonga Tel: +676 23 511 Mobile: +676 57206 Fax: +676 23596 or 24105 Email: [email protected]

for

37. TIMOR LESTE (OBSERVER)

22

39. TUVALU

Delegates

Mrs. Lanuola Faisai Secretary Tuvalu National Commission for UNESCO Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Private Mail Bag Vaiaku Funafuti, Tuvalu Tel: +688 20 249; +688 20834 Fax : +688 20 324 E-mail : [email protected]; [email protected]

1. BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

40. UZBEKISTAN

2. CAMBODIA

Mr. Alisher Ikramov Secretary-General National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO 54, Buyuk Ipak Yuli Street Tashkent, 100077, Republic of Uzbekistan c/o University of World Economy and Diplomacy Building “B”, Room 316 Tel: +998 71 267 05 61; +998 71 267 05 42 Mobile: +998 90 187 8591 Fax: +998 71 267 05 38 E-mail : [email protected]

Mr. Sowath Muong Member, Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO No. 74, Preah Sihanouk Avenue, Sangkat Boeng Keng Kang I Khan Chamcar Mon, Phnom Penh- Cambodia Tel: +855 23 210 369 Mobile: +855 12 83 5056 Fax: +855 23210 369 E-mail : [email protected]

41. VIET NAM Mr. Sanh Chau Pham Secretary-General Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO 8, Khuc Hao Str., Hanoi, Viet Nam Tel: +84 4 7993510 Mobile: +84 904999945

Ms. Hajah Azizan Dato Paduka Haji Othman Education Officer International Affairs Unit Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam Tel: +673 2381133 ext. 1405 Mobile: +673 8716799 Fax: +673 2384019 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

3. CHINA Mr. Jian HOU Programme Officer Chinese National Commission for UNESCO 37 Damucang Hutong, Xidan Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China Tel: +8610 66096649 Fax: +86 10 66017912 Email: [email protected] 4. DEMOCRATIC KOREA

PEOPLE’S

REPUBLIC

OF

Mr. Song Ho SO Secretary National Commission of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for UNESCO Jung-dong, Central District, Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Jungsong-dong, Central District, Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea P. O. Box 44, Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Fax: +850 2 381 4660 Email: [email protected] 5. INDONESIA Ms. Hasnah Gasim National Coordinator of ASP Net Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO Depdiknas, Gedung C Lantai 17 Jl Jenderal Sudirman, Senayan

23

10270 Jakarta, Indonesia Tel: +62 21 570 9425 Fax: +62 21 570 9425 Mobile: +818154227 E-mail : [email protected] Mr. Sri Hargyanto Suryoprayudo Head of Secretariat Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO Depdiknas, Gedung C Lantai 17 Jl Jenderal Sudirman, Senayan 10270 Jakarta, Indonesia Tel: +62 21 570 9425 Fax: +62 21 570 9425; +62 21 5709425 Mobile: +8129343075 E-mail : [email protected] Mr. Andi Wibowo Staff of Treasurer of Center of Information and Public Relation Center of Information and Public Relation Depdiknas, Gedung C Lantai 17 JI Jenderai Sudirman, Senayan, Jakarta Tel: +6221 573 6189 Mobile: +81 8164714 Fax: +6221 5736189 Email: [email protected] 6. JAPAN Mr. Kazuo AKIYAMA Assistant Secretary-General Japanese National Commission for UNESCO 3-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8959 Japan Tel: +813 6734 2595 Fax: +81 3 6734 3679 Email: [email protected] Mr. Yoshihisa KANEKO Official Japanese National Commission for UNESCO 3-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8959 Japan Tel: +813 6734 2603 Fax: +81 3 6734 3679 Email: [email protected] 7. MACAU (CHINA) (OBSERVER) Ms. Weng Fan LEI Técnica do Centro UNESCO de Macau, Macao Foundation Alameda Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção, Macau Tel: +853 87950938; 28727066 Mobile: +853-66888074 Fax: +853-28727057 Email: [email protected]

8. MALAYSIA Dr. Yahaya Ahmad Deputy Commissioner of Heritage Department of National Heritage, Malaysia Ministry of Unity, Cultural, Arts and Heritage 16th floor, Th Perdana 1001 Jalan Sultan Ismail 50694 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +603 2612 8202 Fax: +603 2697 5161 Email: [email protected] Ms. Sahara Ahmad Assistant Director Educational Planning and Research Division Ministry of Education, Malaysia Level 1-4, Block E8, Complex E 62604 Putrajaya, Malaysia Tel: +603 8884 6303 Fax: +603 8889 6308 Email: [email protected] Dr. Badariah Salleh Director South-South Information Gateway Ministry of Information Malaysia Level 10 B, PKNS building No. 17 Jalan Yong Shook Lin 46050 Petaling Jaya Selangor, Malaysia Tel : 603-7968-3201 Fax : 603-7968-3202 Email: [email protected] Mr. Fairul Hafifi Kasim Assistant Director International Relations Division Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Level 6, Block C4, Complex C 62662 Putrajaya, Malaysia Tel: +603 8885 8364 Fax: +603 8889 2977 Email: [email protected] 9. NEW ZEALAND Ms. Elizabeth Louise Rose Secretary-General New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO c/o- Ministry of Education P. O. Box 1666, Wellington Tel: +64 4 4473 5536; +64 4 473 5523 Mobile: +64 21 1037469 Fax: +64 4 473 5518 Email: [email protected] Dr. Edna Tait Education Specialist New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO 20 Wolfe Street, Regent, Whangarei, New

24

Zealand 0112 Tel: +649 4300 548 Fax : +649 4300 549 E-mail:[email protected] 10. NIUE Mr. Justin Kamupala Deputy Secretary to Government Niue National Commission for UNESCO PO Box 40 Fale Fono, Alofi, Niue Tel: +683 4200 Fax: +684 4206/ 4151 Email: [email protected]; dsog.niue.nu

Dr. Taha Basman Commissioner, Education Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected]

11. PALAU

Dr. Mariquita Mendoza Commissioner, Education Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected]

Mr. Masa-aki Emesiochl Chairman Palau National Commission for UNESCO P.O Box 1526, Koror, Palau, 96940 Koror, Palau Tel: +680 488 1006 Mobile: +680 779 1942 Fax : +680 767 1465 E-mail : [email protected]

Dr. Ethel Agnes Valenzuela Commissioner, Education Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected]/ [email protected]

12. PHILIPPINES

Ms. Emerita Garon Commissioner, Education Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected]

Dr. Vilma Labrador Chairperson, Education Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Mr. Mel Velarde Chairperson, Science and Technology Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Ms. Carmen Padilla Chairperson, Culture Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

Dr. Leonarda Camacho Commissioner, Science and Technology Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected] Dr. Virginia Cariño Commissioner, Science and Technology Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected] Dr. Rainier Ibana Commissioner, Social and Human Sciences Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines

25

Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 [email protected]/ Email: [email protected] Atty. Jose Sison Commissioner, Social and Human Sciences Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected]/ [email protected] Dr. Mona Dumlao-Valisno Commissioner, Social and Human Sciences Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected]/ [email protected] Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta Commissioner, Social and Human Sciences Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected]/ [email protected] Mr. Gabriel Lopez Commissioner, Culture Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected] Arch. Joycelin Mananghaya Commissioner, Culture Committee UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Ground floor, Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 3447; +632 834 4887 Fax: +632 831 8873 Email: [email protected]

13. REPUBLIC OF KOREA Mr. Utak CHUNG Director of the Bureau of Planning and External Relations Korean National Commission for UNESCO 50-14, Myeong-dong 2 ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea Tel: +82 2 755 2686 Mobile: +82 10 9375 5242 Fax: +82 2 755 6667 Email: [email protected] Mr. Sangkyoo KANG Programme Specialist, Bureau of Planning and External Relations Korean National Commission for UNESCO 50-14, Myeong-dong 2 ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea Tel: +82 2 755 2670 Mobile: +82 10 9002 1105 Fax: +82 2 755 6667 Email: [email protected] Ms. Hyun Sook SEO Programme Specialist (ASPNet Coordinator) Korean National Commission for UNESCO 50-14, Myeong-dong 2 ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea Tel: +82 2 755 4624 Mobile: +82 11 9946 8944 Fax: +82 2 755 4629 Email: [email protected] 14. THAILAND Ms. Churairat Sangboonnum Director of Bureau of International Cooperation, Ministry of Education and Deputy Secretary-General of the Thai National Commission for UNESCO Ministry of Education Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand Tel: +66 2628 5646-9 ext. 109 Mobile: +66 81 922 3083 Fax: +66 2281 0953 Email: [email protected] Ms. Duriya Amatavivat Chief of Multilateral Cooperation Unit Bureau of International Cooperation, Ministry of Education and Assistant Secretary-General of the Thai National Commission for UNESCO Ministry of Education Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand Tel: +66 2628 5646-9 ext. 116 Mobile: +66 81 459 8988 Fax: +66 2281 0953 Email: [email protected]

26

Ms. Supranee Khamyuang Programme Officer Bureau of International Cooperation, Ministry of Education Thailand National Commission for UNESCO Ministry of Education Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand Tel: +66 2628 5646-9 ext. 116, 118 Mobile: +66 89 209 5137 Fax¨+66 2281 0953 Email: [email protected]

UNESCO HEADQUARTERS 7, Place de Fontenoy 75352 Paris 07 SP France Tel: +33 01 45 68 10 00 Fax: +33 01 45 67 16 90 Website: www.unesco.org 1. Sector for External Cooperation (ERC)

Relations

and

15. VIET NAM

Mr. Ahmed Sayyad, ADG/ERC

Mr. Pham Viet Anh Specialist Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO Tel: +84 47993517 Mobile: +84 983020483 Fax: +84 4 8230702 Email: [email protected]

Mr. James Michael Kulikowski, DADG/ERC & DIR/ERC/RSC Mr. Xiaolin Cheng, Chief, ERC/RSC/NAC Mrs. Marie-Noëlle Branet, Senior Administrative Assistant, ERC/RSC/NAC Mr. Shantha ERC/CFS/MLT

Retnasingam,

Chief,

2. Bureau of Strategic Planning (BSP) Mr. Hans d’Orville, ADG/BSP Mr. Cheikh N'diaye, Senior Programme Planning Officer, BSP/PMR Mrs. Mary Lynn ADG/BSP, BSP

Hasan,

Assistant

to

3. Bureau of the Budget (BB) Mrs. Yolande Valle-Neff, DIR/BB 4. Bureau of Field Coordination (BFC) Mr. Etienne Clément, Deputy DIR/BFC 5. Education Sector (ED) Mr. Svein Osttveit, Chief, Planning and Monitoring ED/EO/SPM

Strategic Section,

27

UNESCO Field Offices 1.

UNESCO-Apia Ms. Visesio Pongi Director UNESCO Apia P. O. Box 615, Matautu-uta Apia, Samoa Tel: +685 24276 Fax: +685 7515594 Email: [email protected]/ [email protected] Ms. Susan Vize Social & Human Sciences Advisor P. O. Box 615, Matautu-uta Apia, Samoa Tel: +685 24276 Mobile: +685 7575005 Fax: +685 22253 Email: [email protected]

2. UNESCO-Bangkok Mr. Derek James Elias Programme Specialist in Technical Vocational Education and Training and Education for Sustainable Development UNESCO Bangkok 920 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: +662 3910577 ext. 161 Mobile: +0818240047 Fax: +662 3910866 Email: [email protected] Mrs. Susanne Ornager Adviser for CI in Asia UNESCO Bangkok 920 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok Thailand Tel: +662 3910577 ext. 160 Mobile: +66 87 0846 169 Fax: +662 3910866 Email: [email protected]

10110,

Mr. Richard Engelhardt Regional Advisor for Culture in Asia and the Pacific UNESCO Bangkok 920 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: +66 2 3910577 ext. 509 Mobile: +66 81 921 6134 Fax : +66 02 391577 Email : [email protected]

Mr. Mikko Cantell Associate Expert UNESCO Bangkok 920 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok Thailand Tel: +66 2 3910577 ext. 209 Mobile: +66 85 36 51813 Fax : +66 2 391 0866 Email : [email protected]

10110,

Dr. Darryl Macer Regional Adviser in Social and Human Sciences for Asia and the Pacific, Regional Unit for Social and Human Sciences in Asia and the Pacific (RUSHSAP) UNESCO Bangkok 920 Sukhumvit Road, Prakanong, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: +66 2 391 0577 ext 141 Fax: +66 2 391 0866 Email: [email protected] Mr. Danilo Padilla Executive Assistant UNESCO Bangkok 920 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok Thailand Tel: +662 3910577 ext. 344 Mobile: +66 87 9740576 Fax: +662 3910866 Email : [email protected]

10110,

3. UNESCO-Beijing Mr. Min Bista Director and Representative a. i., UNESCO Office Beijing 5-15-3, Jiangoumenwai Dilpomatic Compound, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600 Tel: +86 10 6532 2828 ext. 175 Mobile: +86 1391 069 2431 Fax: +86 10 6532 4854 Email: [email protected] Ms. Beatrice Kaldun Programme Specialist for Culture UNESCO Office Beijing 5 15 3, Jianguomenwai Diplomatic Compound, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600 Tel: +86 10 6532 5790 ext. 131 Mobile: +13718115233 Fax: +86 10 6532 4854 Email: [email protected]

28

4. UNESCO- Dhaka Mr. Malama Meleisea Director and Representative UNESCO Dhaka House 68, Road 1, Block I, Banani Dhaka, Bangladesh 1213 Tel: +880 2 9862073; +88 0 2 9873210 Fax: +880 2 9871150 Email: [email protected] 5. UNESCO-Hanoi Mr. Hans Lambrecht UNV HIV and Education Programme Officer 23 Cao Ba Quat, Hano, Viet Nam Tel: +84 747 0275 ext. 604 Mobile: +84 914 386804 Fax: +84 747 0274 Email: [email protected] 6. UNESCO-Jakarta Prof. Hubert Gijzen Director, UNESCO Office- Jakarta JI, Galuh (II) no. 5, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12110, Indonesia Tel: +62 0 21 7399818 Mobile: +62 8111 493 721 Fax: +62 0 21 7279 6489 Email: [email protected] Dr. Linda Posadas Programme Specialist for Basic Sciences UNESCO Jakarta Office JI, Galuh (II) no. 5, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12110, Indonesia Tel: +62 21 739 9818 ext. 804 Mobile: +62 818 77270 Fax: +62 21 7279 6489 Email: [email protected] Mr. Remegio “Redj” A. Alquitran Programme Implementation Unit Manager UNESCO Programme Implementation Unit Office UN Agency Compound, Rua Caicoli, Dili, Timor Leste Tel:+ 670 33 22 863 Fax: + 670 33 22 864 Mobile: + 670 724 09 44 Email: [email protected];remegioalquitran@ gmail.com

7. UNESCO-Kabul Mr. Shigeru Aoyagi Director UNESCO Office-Kabul UNESCO Kabul office c/o UNDP Compound - Shah Mahmood Ghazi watt Kabul Afghanistan Tel: +93 700283008 Fax: +873 763 468836 Email: [email protected] 8. UNESCO-Kathmandu Dr. Collin Reid Kaiser Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Nepal P. O. Box 14391, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: + 977 1 5554396 ; + 977 5554769 ext. 16 Mobile : +977 98510 77415 Fax : +977 1 5554450 Email : [email protected] 9. UNESCO-New Delhi Mr. Bhanu Raja Neupane Regional Programme Specialist UNESCO House, B5/ 29 Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi, India 110029 Tel : +91 11 2671300 Mobile : +91 987173216 Fax : +91 11 26713001/ 3002 Email : [email protected] 10. UNESCO-Tehran Mr. Qunli Han Representative and Director UNESCO Tehran Cluster Office Bahman Building, Sa’adabad Complex, Darband Square, Tajrish Square, Tehran19894, Islamic Republic of Iran Tel: +98 21 2274 0141-3 Mobile: +98 912 120 1049 Fax: +9821 22740144 Email: [email protected] 11. UNESCO-Phnom Pehn Mr. Teruo Jinnai Representative UNESCO Office- Phnom Penh P. O. Box 29, #38, Othearos Blvd., Phonm Penh, Cambodia Tel: +855 23 72 5071 Mobile: +855 12 444282 Fax: +855 23 426 163 Email: [email protected]

29

12. UNESCO-Tashkent Mrs. Anna Paolini Head UNESCO Office- Tashkent, Uzbekistan 95, Amir Timour Street, 700084 Tashkent, Uzbekistan Tel: +998 71 1207116 Fax: +998 71 1321382 Mobile: +998 933843867 Email: [email protected]

OBSERVERS 1. Australian Embassy in the Philippines Mr. Pablo Kang Counselor Political-Economic and Public Affairs Australian Embassy in the Philippines Level 23-Tower 2 RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, 1200 Tel: +632 757 8103 Fax: +632 757 8103 Email: [email protected] 2. Indian Embassy in the Philippines Mr. Raj Kumar Attache (Admn. And ITEC) Indian Embassy in the Philippines 2190 Paraiso Street, Dasmariñas Village, Makati, Metro Manila Tel: +632 843 0101/ 02 loc. 518/ +632 817 3665 Fax: +632 8158151 Email: [email protected] 3. UNESCO-NGO Liaison Committee Mr. Diego Gradis Representative, UNESCO-NGO Liaison Committee and Executive Director of Traditions Pour Demain (NGO) John Berney 12, 1180 Rolle, Switzeeland Tel: +41 21 825 23 31 Mobile: +33 61 510 2929 Fax: +41 21 825 23 62 Email: [email protected] 4. Coordinating Group Commissions for UNESCO

of

National

Mr. Luis Ramallo Chairperson Coordinating Group of National Commissions for UNESCO and President of the Spanish National Commission of Cooperation with UNESCO 5. Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU) Mr. Yoshimori SUZUKI Director, Programme Department, ACCU Japan Publishers Building, 6 Fukuromachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 1628484 Japan Tel: +81-3-3269-4559 Fax: +81-3-3269-4510 E-mail:[email protected]

30

6. Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) Dr. Dai-Geun KANG Director APCEIU C.P.O. 64 UNESCO HOUSE, 50-14 Myongdong 2-ga, Chung-gu Seoul, Korea Tel: +82 2 774 3956 Mobile: +82 11 235 5854 Fax: +82 2 774 3957 Email: [email protected] Ms. Jeong-Min EOM Chief, Research and Development Team APCEIU C.P.O. 64 UNESCO HOUSE, 50-14 Myongdong 2-ga, Chung-gu Seoul, Korea Tel: +82 2 774 3981 Mobile: +82 10 9923 1535 Fax: +82 2 774 3958 Email: [email protected] Ms. Juyeon PARK Unior Programme Specialist, Office of Planning and Administration APCEIU C.P.O. 64 UNESCO HOUSE, 50-14 Myongdong 2-ga, Chung-gu Seoul, Korea Tel: +82 2 774 3956 Mobile: +82 10 5755 3744 Fax: +82 2 774 3957 Email: [email protected] 7. Asia-Pacific Programme of Educational Innovation for Development (APEID) Dr. Nyet Ngo Molly Lee Coordinator APEID, UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, Bangkok 920 Sukhumvit Road, Prakanong, Bangkok, Thailand Tel: +662 3910577 ext. 210 Fax: +662 3910866 Email: [email protected]/ [email protected] 8. Asia Pacific Network for International Education and Values Education (APNIEVE) Ms. Joy Deleo Regional Vice President APNIEVE 8 Old Belair Road Mitcham South Australia, 5062 Tel: +618 82741779 Mobile: +61 416274177

(Programs),

Fax: +618 82741773 Email: [email protected] Dr. Lourdes Quisumbing Adviser APNIEVE Miriam College Tel: +632 921 1606 9. International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED) Mr. Li WANG Deputy Director, INRULED c/o Chinese National Commission for UNESCO 37 Damucang Hutong, Xidan Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China Tel: +86 312 2171895 Mobile: +86 13503223128 Fax: +86 312 2171895 Email: [email protected] Mr. Xinjian QI Programme Officer UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED) 37 Damucang Hutong, Xidan Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China Tel: +86-10-66097571 Fax: +86-10-66017912 Email: [email protected] 10. Center for Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development for Southeast Asia (SEA-CLLSD) Amb. Hector Villaroel International Consultant/ Advisor to the SEA-CLLSD Tel: +632 723 9066 Email: [email protected] 11. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)- Philippines Mrs. Nileema Noble Resident Coordinator/Resident Representative United Nations Development ProgrammePhilippines 30th Floor Yuchengco Tower RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue cor. Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue Makati City 1226 Philippines Tel: +632 9010100 Fax: +632 9010404 Email: [email protected]

31

12. Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO-INNOTECH) Dr. Erlinda C. Pefianco Executive Director SEAMEO-INNOTECH Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman Quezon City Tel: 924 7681 Fax: 921 0221 Email: [email protected] 13. Office of United Nations & International Organizations (UNIO), Department of Foreign AffairsPhilippines Ms. Cherry Aguinaldo Director UNIO Department of Foreign Affairs 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Tel: +632 834 4000 Fax: +632 832 0683 Email: [email protected] 14. National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Ms. Cecile Guidote Alvarez Executive Director NCCA, 633 NCCA Building General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila Tel: +632 527 21 94 loc. 728 Email: [email protected] 15. Operation Brotherhood Center, Inc. (OBMCI)

Montessori

Ms. Sara Soliven-de Guzman Chief Operating Officer Operation Brotherhood Montessori Center, Inc. (OBMCI) National Laboratory, SEA-CLLSD Tel: +632 722 1776 Fax: +632 721 2763 Email: [email protected] 16. Asian Institute of Communication (AIJC)

Journalism

Mr. Ramon R. Tuazon President Asian Institute of Journalism Communication (AIJC) Tel: +632 727 6799 Fax: +632 725 4228 Email: [email protected]

and

and

32

Annex II Opening and Welcoming Message by Ambassador Preciosa S. Soliven, Secretary-General, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Welcome to the Philippines, dear UNESCO colleagues from Asia and the Pacific Isles. The half millennium history of the Philippines is made up of setting of an archipelago of 7,101 islands governed by Sultans without a name. It is cradled between the UNESCO Bangkok and Jakarta clusters of countries. The Spanish explorers, Magellan discovered it and name it Las Islas Filipinas, after his King Felipe Secundo. After 300 years, we were colonized by America for 70 years. Mr. Maximo Soliven, an internationally-known journalist who happened to be my husband, simply summarized our Philippine history as “300 years in a Spanish convent and 70 years in Hollywood”. As we travel midway towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as UNESCO workers, we have been tasked with the assignment of finding the Education of Sustainable Development (ESD). Thus, UNESCO initiated the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (205-2014), as system that can develop the full potential of mankind from birth to adulthood. Thus within this decade traditional education addressing intelligence alone should be restructured to a system that can weaken the whole spirit of mankind into self-sustainability. This is actually what UNESCO identifies as the 21st Century Education and its four pillars. Is it a coincidence or is it meant to be that this educational program of the New Millennium matches the four year periods of “human construction”. Pillar I – Learning to be 0-6 years, when an infant learns to speak and walk independently without a teacher. Pillar II, Learning to Learn, 6-12 years, when the child exhibits not only an enormous reasoning power but a heightened moral sensitivity. Pillar III – Learning to Work when the 12 to 18 years old person is at the height of energy seeking economic independence with creative energy. Pillar IV, 18-24 years old adults learn to live in harmony with others. When their careers have been acquired and they start a family. If I show to a first grade child, the globe and say “the planet earth is God’s gift to us”. It has four blankets: the land (lithosphere); the water (hydrosphere; the air (atmosphere); and the four blanket is “the life on land, water and air” (biosphere). The task of conserving biosphere is given to man. Unless we have the education that will develop the full human potential from infancy to adulthood, mankind will not be able to preserve that cosmic organization on reaching the defense for human survival. May I quote the biodiversity saying “Forest trees cannot exist without insects. Ocean fishes cannot exist without plankton. Earth life cannot exist without us”. Thank you very much for a full assembly of UNESCO family, the SecretaryGenerals of four UNESCO Asia-Pacific Member States, their delegations and special observers. 33

Annex III Opening Message by Dr. Edna Tait, New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO Ambassador Soliven, Secretary-General of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines; Mr. Sayyad, Representative of the Director-General and Assistant DirectorGeneral for External Relations and Cooperation, UNESCO, Hon. Ebdalin, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs, representing the Hon. Alberto Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Chairperson of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines; distinguished delegates of the Asia Pacific National Commissions for UNESCO, honored guests, ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Chairman, I bring greetings from the New Zealand National Commission and I offer sincere thanks to the Philippines National Commission for hosting these important conferences; it is a complex task and I am sure that the warmth of the welcome we have already received will be matched by excellent discussion because of your careful preparations. May I also welcome our newest Member State, Singapore, to these consultations and congratulate her government on the establishment of the National Commission to be launched next week. During the first part of this week we are to consider ways of strengthening collaboration and partnerships and it is pleasing to know that Singapore will contribute to the strong network already established in our region. The New Zealand National Commission recalls with sorrow the impact of natural disasters around the world. We note the recent tropical cyclones in Northern Philippines and Myanmar and earthquake in China. We mourn with all the suffering and loss of life brought by these disasters. The Asia Pacific region, as we know, is geographically more than half the globe. Most of the world’s oceans and seas touch us; we have mountains and deserts, mighty rivers and forests and exotic animals, birds and insects. We also have the most populous nations and the smallest. We have more than 1,000 languages and a wide range of rich cultures. We have in our half of the world such a rich resource of histories, peoples and knowledge. Well may we say that although the nineteenth century was led by Europe, the twentieth century was influenced by the United States, the twenty-first century will belong to this region. However, we also have many challenges. We have some of the most remote inhabited areas, some of the poorest people, some of the areas most prone to natural disasters, some of the most crowded cities and some of the most illiterate citizens. In the second part of this week we will consider ways to contribute to UNESCO’s next biennial plan. Some of the work we are to consider will include how we can achieve Education for All and Information for All, the preservation of our cultural heritages, building more resilient communities to cope with climate variability and change, dealing with water and waste management, the protection of our natural resources, strengthened human rights for all, concerns for rural and remote communities and programmes to help youth, 34

the disabled and all among us who are not yet able to enjoy and contribute to the benefits of living in this special region. I am sure we can all agree that these are important priorities. However, the task we face over the next few days is not to list every challenge facing our region but to identify carefully how UNESCO can best focus its efforts in the 2010-2011 biennium. It is just as important for us to decide what we do not want to do (or cannot do with our limited resources). This is sometimes harder than listing all the things we could do. UNESCO works to dispel ignorance, intolerance and mistrust by spreading knowledge and skills and in the United Nations family UNESCO is unique: it is the only agency with a National Commission structure and the Constitution for UNESCO stresses our role: we are to work with the secretariat in headquarters and the field to promote development and peace. Our many civil society partners join us in this work. This makes us especially strong and I am sure that our combined efforts will contribute to a focused and effective plan for 2010-2011. Let me conclude with two complementary thoughts from our Asia Pacific region. The first from the Pacific: “If you don’t know where you have been, how will you know where to go?” and the second from Asia: “If you don’t know where you are going, any old way will do.” I wish everyone a week in which, knowing where we have been and knowing where we want to go, we can identify paths that will help to meet the challenges of our region. In this way we will also support UNESCO’s work in other regions and so help to improve the world now and for the years to come.

35

Annex IV Overview and Welcoming Address by Mr. Ahmed Sayyad, Representative of the Director-General, Assistant DirectorGeneral for External Relations and Cooperation (ADG/ ERC), UNESCO Your Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines, Honorable Franklin Ebdalin, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Representative of the Chairperson of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, Ambassador Preciosa Soliven, Secretary-General of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, Presidents, Secretaries-General and members of National Commissions for UNESCO in Asia and the Pacific region, Dear colleagues and friends, Ladies and gentlemen, It is a great honor and immense pleasure for me and my UNESCO colleagues to meet you, your Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines, and your collaborators as well as representatives from the Asian and the Pacific countries in these two major events: • •

the 14th Quadrennial Conference of National Commission for UNESCO of Asia and the Pacific, and the Director-General’s Consultations with National Commission of Asia and the Pacific on the Preparation of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010-2011 (35 C/5).

On behalf of the Director-General of UNESCO, Mr. Koichiro Matsuura, I would like to welcome you all and convey to you his warm greetings and best wishes for the success of these conferences. In this regard, I would like to express our profound gratitude to you, Madame President, and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines for hosting these meetings in such a beautiful city, Manila, capital of the Philippines; and for the warm hospitality extended to all of us. In this regard, we are very thankful to Honorable Alberto Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Chairperson of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, and Ambassador Preciosa Soliven, Secretary General of the Philippines Commission for their support and the wonderful preparation of these meetings. My thanks should also go to the members of the Preparatory Committee for their valuable contribution and inputs. I am pleased to see among us today representatives of UN agencies, of other international and regional organizations, and broader UNESCO family, such as UNESCO institutes and centres, Associated Schools, Chairs, Clubs and Associations, NGOs, 36

parliamentarians, to whom I wish to extend our warm welcome. Madame President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen Let me say a few words on UNESCO’s cooperation with the Philippines as well as the Asia-Pacific Member States. I recall with particular pleasure the visit of Her Excellency Presdient Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to UNESCO Headquarters in October 2003, to address the opening of the 32nd Session of the General Conference. On that occasion, I had the honor to welcome Madame President at Orly Airport. I still remember Madam President’s eloquent speech in the Plenary which was a true source of inspiration for us, focusing on the role of UNESCO in the eradication of poverty through education, the promotion of inter-cultural dialogue and the construction of the knowledge societies, and affirming that “among the institutions of the United Nations system, UNESCO embodies the holistic approach to development.” The Philippines has maintained excellent relations and has always supported the Organization. In the same way UNESCO has been closely involved in the development process of the nation along with other UN agencies. There are numerous examples which confirm that our cooperation is steadily growing in many areas, largely due to the active role of the Philippines National Commission. I would like therefore to take this opportunity to underline how much we value the support and participation of the Philippines in the activities of UNESCO. The Asia-Pacific region represents today by far the largest region of the world, with over 60% of the world citizens. It is extremely rich and diverse in terms of its cultural heritage and traditions. It is the region whose dynamism continues to develop unabated, moving forward at a very rapid pace. For UNESCO, most importantly, the Member States of this region are playing an increasingly active role in the life of our Organization, UNESCO has today 46 Member States and 2 Associate Members in Asia and the Pacific since the return of Singapore in October 2007. Therefore, let me warmly welcome the representatives of Singapore and wish the best success to the new Singapore National Commission for UNESCO which will be officially launched next week. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Since your last Regional Conference held in May 2004 in Wellington, numerous events and changes marked the Organization. While the reform process was advancing, UNESCO celebrated its sixtieth anniversary. Today it enters a new phase of development with the adoption of the Medium-Term Strategy for 2008-2013 at the 34th General Conference in October (34 C/4). This new strategic vision and programmatic framework will guide UNESCO actions for the coming six years. As you are aware, the main purpose of the present Regional Conference and the Consultation Meeting is to deliberate on how Member States and their National Commissions could help UNESCO deliver its programmes as regional and sub-regional 37

levels, and how UNESCO can best meet the challenges ahead, reach its strategic objectives and contribute to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for the years 2010-2011. Dear colleagues and friends, Once again, National Commissions are the forefront of this process. As constituent elements of the Organization and a unique network within the United Nations system, the National Commissions for UNESCO have taken an active part in UNESCO’s planning and programme delivery. Their role becomes more important and crucial than ever at a time when UNESCO is actively engaging in the UN country programming and “Delivering as One” approach. In this context, we are pleased to see regional cooperation among National Commissions, partnerships with the broader UNESCO family and civil society, extra budgetary resources, and participation in UN country programming are among the agenda topics of this Conference. National Commissions will also be invited to identify clear programmatic orientations, priority areas and expected results for the Organization for the 2010-2011 period. My Secretariat colleagues and I will be pleased to carefully listen and assist you in your deliberations. My colleague, Hans d’Orville, Assistant Director-General for Strategic Planning will assist you in your discussions on the preparation of the Draft 35 C/5. As the Director-General Koichiro Matsuura, said, (I quote): “UNESCO is committed to furthering its fruitful cooperation with National Commissions and will count on the latter’s firm support to fulfill its duties and attain its major objectives. Strong, capable and active National Commissions are in the best interest of both Member States and UNESCO. Together with Member States, my Secretariat colleagues and I will do our utmost to help enhance the operational capacities of the Commissions.” (end of quote). In this regard, let me ensure you that the Sector for External Relations and Cooperation (ERC), in charge of UNESCO’s overall relations with Member States and National Commissions, will continue to strive in close collaboration with other Headquarters units and field offices to support National Commissions in their role through training and equipment notably those from the Pacific Island States. Finally, on behalf of all the participants I would like to express our sincere thanks to the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines for providing us with such excellent conditions for this week’s work. To all the National Commission representatives present, I extend my best wishes for a very successful conferences and a pleasant stay in Manila. Thank you.

38

Annex V Provisional Rules of Procedure I.

COMPOSITION OF THE CONFERENCE/CONSULTATION

Article l: Delegates Delegations of National Commissions for UNESCO of the following 47 Member States of Asia and the Pacific may participate in the Quadrennial Conference with the right to vote: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Micronesia (The Federated States of), Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, in addition to Russian Federation and Turkey. Delegations of National Commissions for UNESCO of the following 45 Member States of Asia and the Pacific may participate in the Director-General Consultation with the right to vote: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (The Federated States of), Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam. The delegation of each National Commission should consist of not more than three delegates. Article 2: Representatives of UNESCO The Director-General of UNESCO and his representatives may participate in the Conference/Consultation proceedings without the right to vote. Article 3: Observers The following may attend the Conference/Consultation as observers without the right to vote: 3.1

Timor Leste (Member State), Macao (China) and Tokelau (Associate Members) 39

which have not yet established a National Commission for UNESCO; 3.2

The United Nations and Organizations of the United Nations System having an interest in the fields of competence of UNESCO, the list of which will be communicated to the Contractor, the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines;

3.3

The regional and interregional intergovernmental organizations with which UNESCO has concluded a mutual representation agreement, the list of which will be communicated to the Contractor the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines;

3.4

The International Non-Governmental Organizations, in accordance with the directives concerning UNESCO'S relations with International Non-Governmental Organizations; the list of which will be communicated to the Contractor the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines;

3.5

The NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee;

3.6

The World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations;

3.7

The Inter-Parliamentary Union;

3.8

UNESCO's Institutes and Centres category II, the list of which will be communicated to the Contractor the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines;

3.9

Any other observer invited by the National Commission of the Philippines, with the agreement of the Preparatory Committee.

II.

ORGANIZATION OF THE CONFERENCE/CONSULTATION

Article 4: Elections The Conference and Consultation shall elect a Chairperson. The Conference shall elect one Vice-Chairperson, one Rapporteur Rapportuer.

and one Co-

The Consultation shall elect one Vice-Chairperson, one Rapporteur Rapportuer.

and one Co-

Article 5: Sessions The Conference shall meet in plenary sessions. The Consultation shall meet in cluster and plenary sessions. It may decide to constitute workshops if necessary. Article 6: The Bureau 40

6.1

The Bureau of the Conference shall consist of the Chairperson, the two ViceChairpersons and two Rapporteurs.

6.2

The Director-General of UNESCO or his representative may attend the meetings of the Bureau without the right to vote;

6.3

The Bureau is responsible for the co-ordination of the proceedings of the Conference/Consultation and those of its subsidiary organs.

Article 7 : Drafting Committee The Conference/Consultation may set up, if necessary, a Drafting Committee which will consist of the Rapporteurs General and the members of delegations designated by the Bureau. Article 8 : Duties of the Chairperson 8.1

In addition to the powers conferred by virtue of other clauses included in the Rules of Procedure, the Chairperson shall open and close each plenary session of the Conference/Consultation. The Chairperson shall conduct the discussions, ensure observance of the Rules of Procedure, give the floor to delegates, put questions to the vote if required and announce the decisions of the Conference/Consultation. The Chairperson shall rule on points of order and, without prejudice to the Rules of Procedure, and control the proceedings and the maintenance of order. The Chairperson does not participate in the vote, but may request a member of his/her delegation to vote on his/her behalf;

8.2

Should the Chairperson be absent for all or part of a session, he/she shall appoint a Vice-Chairperson to take his/her place. The Acting Chairperson has the same powers and responsibilities as the Chairperson;

8.3

The Chairperson of the subsidiary bodies of the Conference/Consultation shall have the same duties in respect of those bodies.

III.

CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

Article 9: Publicity of Meetings All meetings shall be held in public except where otherwise provided in these rules, or unless the body concerned decides otherwise. Article 10: Quorum

41

10.1

In plenary sessions, the quorum is formed by the majority of the participants mentioned in Article 1;

10.2

At other sessions (e.g. cluster meetings, workshops,..) , the quorum is formed by the majority of participants listed in Article 1 who are members of the body in question;

10.3

A quorum is required Conference/Consultation.

for

decisions

taken

on

any

item

by

the

Article 11: Order of speeches and Time-Limit 11.1

The Chairperson shall call upon speakers in the order in which they indicate their wish to speak;

11.2

To insure wide discussion, the Chairperson may limit the time allowed to each speaker;

11.3

Representatives and Observers listed in Articles 2 and 3 may take the floor with the prior agreement of the Chairperson.

Article 12: Points of order 12.1

In the course of the debate, any Delegation may raise a point of order on which the Chairperson should immediately make a ruling;

12.2

An appeal may be made against the ruling of the Chairperson. It shall be put to the vote immediately and the Chairperson=s ruling shall stand unless overruled by a majority of delegates present and voting.

Article 13: Procedural Motions 13.1

During a session, any Delegation may propose the adjournment or closure of the debate, or the suspension or adjournment of the session;

13.2

The motion shall be put to the vote immediately. Subject to the terms of Article 8.1, the following motions shall have precedence in the following order over all other proposals or motions: a) b) c) d)

to suspend the session; to adjourn the session; to adjourn the debate under discussion; to close the debate under discussion.

Article 14: Recommendations and amendments 14.1

Participants listed in Article 1 may present draft recommendations and amendments, in writing, to the Conference/Consultation Secretariat which shall 42

circulate copies to all delegations; 14.2

As a general rule, no draft recommendation or amendment shall be discussed or put to the vote, unless it has been circulated in advance to all delegations, in the working language of the Conference/Consultation;

14.3

Recommendations are addressed, in the first place, to the invited National Commissions which may transmit them to their respective Governments. Recommendations may also be addressed to the Director-General of UNESCO.

Article 15: Working Languages 15.1

The working language of the Conference/Consultation shall be English.

15.2

As far as circumstances permit, the Conference/Consultation documents shall be provided in English.

Article 16: Voting 16.1

The Chairperson of the session shall sum up the general orientation of the discussion. If one or several participants listed in Article 1 do not subscribe to these conclusions, they may have their opinions and the reasons which justify them summarized, on their request, in the Final Reports of the Conference and of the Consultation;

16.2

Each Delegation listed in Article 1 of the present Rules shall have one vote in the plenary session and in any of the other sessions in which it is represented;

16.3

The recommendations of the Conference/Consultation and the Final Reports should be adopted by consensus;

16.4

If consensus is not reached, the decisions of the Conference/Consultation should be taken in plenary meetings by a two-thirds majority of the delegations listed in Article 1 present and voting, and at meeting of all other sessions by a simple majority of delegations present and voting;

16.5

For the purpose of the present Rules, the expression Adelegations present and voting@ means delegations casting an affirmative or negative vote. Delegations abstaining from the vote are considered Anon-voters@. Consensus is defined by the absence of any objection.

Article 17: Amendments 17.1

When an amendment to a proposal is moved, the amendment shall be voted on first. When two or more amendments to a proposal are moved, the Conference shall first vote on the amendment deemed by the Chairperson to be furthest removed in substance from the original proposal and then on the amendment next furthest removed therefrom, and so on, until all the amendments have been put 43

to the vote; 17.2

A motion is considered an amendment to a proposal if it adds to, deletes from, or revises part of that proposal.

Article 18: Conference/Consultation Secretariat 18.1

The Conference/Consultation Secretariat is assured by the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines;

18.2

The Conference/Consultation Secretariat will be responsible for receiving, translating, typing, duplicating and distributing all working documents and official documents of the Conference/Consultation. It shall also participate in the drafting of the reports of the Conference/Consultation and carry out any other tasks necessary for the success of the proceedings, and it shall be responsible for the reception and accommodation of participants.

Article 19: Final Reports of the Conference and of the Consultation The conclusions resulting from the proceedings of the Conference and of the Consultation shall be included in two reports which will be presented by the respective Rapporteurs General. The Final Reports should reflect opinions expressed and conclusions reached during the discussions, taking also into consideration all reserves expressed. IV.

AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES OF PROCEDURE

Article 20: These rules of procedure shall be adopted by the Conference/Consultation, which may decide to modify them.

44

Annex VI Provisional Agenda and Timetable

A.

14th Quadrennial Conference of National Commissions for UNESCO of Asia and the Pacific Region Overall Theme

“Strengthening Partnerships and Collaboration in Asia and the Pacific Region”

Day One 19 May 2008, MONDAY Venue: Garden Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel

08.30 – 09.00

Registration th Official Opening Ceremony of the 14 Quadrennial Conference of National Commissions for UNESCO of Asia and the Pacific Region

09.00 – 09.20

ƒ

Cultural Performance, “Sayaw sa Pamlang” by Ballet Manila led by Comm. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Artistic Director and Member-Commissioner, UNACOM Culture Committee

09.20 – 09.25

ƒ

The Philippine National Anthem will be sung by Mr. Nonon Baang, Baritone, Faculty of the UST Conservatory of Music

ƒ

Opening Messages by

09.25 – 09.35

Ambassador Preciosa S. Soliven, Secretary-General, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines

09.35 – 09.45

Dr. Edna Tait, Education Specialist New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, th Host of the 13 Quadrennial Conference ƒ

Overview and Welcoming Address by

10.00 – 10.05

Ambassador Preciosa S. Soliven, Secretary-General, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines

10.05 – 10.08

Mr. Ahmed Sayyad, Representative of the Director-General, Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Cooperation (ADG/ERC), UNESCO ƒ

Introduction to the Keynote Speaker Hon. Franklin M. Ebdalin, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Representative of Sec. Alberto G. Romulo, Chairperson of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines

10.08 – 10.10

ƒ

Keynote Speaker 45

10.10 – 10.30

H.E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines

10.30 – 10.45 10.45 – 11.00

ƒ Photo Opportunity Tea Break

11.00 – 11.15

Adoption of the Rules of Procedure Election of the Bureau Adoption of the Agenda and Timetable

11.15 – 11.45

Review of Progress on Wellington Recommendations by

11.45 – 12.45

ƒ

Ms. Elizabeth Rose, Secretary General, New Zealand National Commission

ƒ

Mr. Xiaolin Cheng Chief, National Commissions Section, ERC, UNESCO

Theme I Building on Regional Initiatives and Cooperation with Sectoral and Intersectoral Approaches Introductions (8 minutes each) in relation to the existing regional programmes and forthcoming activities under the intersectorial platforms by ƒ

Education Sector Dr. Nyet Ngo Molly Lee, APEID Coordinator, Bangkok Office

ƒ

Natural Sciences Sector Dr Hubert Gijzen, Director of Jakarta Office

ƒ

Social and Human Sciences Sector Dr. Darryl Macer, Regional Advisor, Bangkok Office

ƒ

Culture Sector Dr. Richard Engelhardt, Regional Advisor, Bangkok Office

ƒ

Communication Sector Dr. Susanne Ornager, Regional Advisor, Bangkok Office

Regional PP projects for 2006-2007 and in the framework of the International Years proclaimed by the United Nations (Year of Languages, Year of Planet Earth, Year of Astronomy, etc.)

12.45 – 14.00

ƒ

Mrs. Haslinda Alias, Executive Secretary Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO

ƒ

Mr. Rohan Perera, Secretary-General Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO

Lunch Hosted by Hon. Franklin M. Ebdalin, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Representing Sec. Alberto G. Romulo, Chairperson of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (Santan Function Room) 46

14.00 – 15.00

Plenary discussion on key issues, methods of work and cooperation among ASPAC National Commissions

15.00 – 15.15

Tea Break

15.15 – 16.15

Theme II Enhancing Networking and Partnerships with the broader UNESCO family and other partners Presentations (8 minutes each) on good practices of networking by selected institutions and partners ƒ

Dr. Vilma Labrador, Chairperson, UNACOM Education Committee, Proposed Category 2 Centre - Southeast Asian Center for Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development (SEA CLLSD)

ƒ

Mr. Kang Dai-Geun, Director, APCEIU

ƒ

Mr. Wang Li, Deputy Director, INRULED

ƒ

Mr. Yoshimori Suzuki, Director, Programme Department ACCU

ƒ

Mr. Diego Gradis, Representative, NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee

ƒ

Dr. Florangel Rosario-Braid, Chairperson, UNACOM Communication Committee, Adviser, IFAP Philippines National Committee

16.15 – 17.45

Plenary discussion on ways of mobilizing partners, including National Commissions cooperation with NGOs and category 2 Institutes and Centres in APA region (15 existing centres/institutes + proposed centres/institutes under examination)

19.00

Official Cocktail of UNESCO, hosted by Mr. Ahmed Sayyad, Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Cooperation (ADG/ERC), UNESCO (Garden Ballroom)

Day Two 20 May 2008, TUESDAY Venue: Isla Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel

09.00 – 10.30

Theme III UN “Delivering as One” reform at country level and UNESCO’s decentralization strategy: Role and Strengthening of National Commissions Presentations (5 minutes each) on UN coherence reform and the work of UNESCO’s Decentralization Review Task Force (DRTF) by ƒ

Mr Hans d’Orville, Assistant Director-General for Strategic Planning (ADG/BSP),

ƒ

Mr Etienne Clement, Dep. Director, Bureau of Field Coordination (BFC) and Secretary of DRTF 47

ƒ

Mr Jim Kulikowski, Deputy Assistant Director-General and Director, Division of Relations with Member States and National Commissions (ERC/RSC)

Presentation on UNDAF as a Tool for Development and UN System Effectiveness by ƒ

Mrs. Nileema Noble, UN Resident Representative to the Philippines

Coordinator

and

UNDP

Resident

Case studies: National Commission’s involvement in UNDAF programming exercise by National Commissions for UNESCO from the pilot countries (Pakistan and Viet Nam), as well as from the countries to be involved in the process in 2008 (Uzbekistan) ƒ

Mr. Saqib Aleem, Secretary-General Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO

ƒ

Mr. Pham Viet Anh, Specialist Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO

ƒ

Mr. Alisher Ikramov, Secretary-General Uzbekistan National Commission for UNESCO

10.30 – 10.45

Tea Break

10.45 – 12.00

Plenary Discussion on the enhancement of the role of ASPAC National Commissions and their interaction with UNESCO in this process in countries with and without UNESCO Field Offices.

12.00 – 13.30

Lunch Hosted by Hon. Jesli A. Lapus, Secretary of Education and Philippine Representative to the UNESCO Executive Board (Isla Ballroom)

13.30 – 14.45

Theme IV Additional programme of targeted/projected extrabudgetary activities in further reinforcement of 34 C/5, Budget Management and Cost Recovery Policy: contribution of National Commissions Presentations by ƒ

Mr Shantha Retnasingam, Chief, Section for Multilateral and Private Funding Sources (ERC/CFS/MLT)

ƒ

Ms Yolande Valle, Director of Bureau of Budget (BB)

Plenary Discussion on how to contribute to the mobilization of extrabudgetary resources and implementation of extrabudgetary projects, including Participation Programme.

14.45 – 15.15

Briefing on the current work of the Coordinating Group of National Commissions by ƒ

15.15 – 15.30

Mr. Luis Ramallo, Chairperson of the Coordinating Group of National Commissions

Tea Break

48

B.

Director-General’s Consultation with National Commissions for UNESCO in Asia and the Pacific on the Preparation of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010-2011 (35 C/5)

15.30 – 17.30

Opening of the Director-General’s Consultation on Draft 35 C/5 Overview of the Draft 35 C/5 Planning Process by ƒ

Mr Hans d’Orville, Assistant Director-General for Strategic Planning (ADG/BSP) UNESCO

Preliminary comments by National Commissions

18.00

Dinner hosted by and Site Visit to O.B. Montessori Center

Day Three 21 May 2008, WEDNESDAY Venue: Isla Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel

09.00 – 12.00

Cluster consultations and discussions on the preparation of the Draft 35 C/5 to be held jointly and/or separately ƒ

South East Asia - Bangkok / Jakarta

ƒ

Pacific - Apia

ƒ

Central Asia - Almaty

ƒ

Southern Asia - New Delhi

ƒ

Eastern Asia - Beijing

ƒ

Western Asia – Tehran

12.00 – 13.30

Lunch (Isla Ballroom)

13.30 – 15.00

Cluster consultations (cont’d)

15.00 – 15.15

Tea Break

15.15 – 17.30

Presentation of Cluster Reports in Plenary Session

18.00

Dinner Hosted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in Intramuros, Manila 49

Day Four 22 May 2008, THURSDAY Venue: Isla Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel

09.00 – 10.30

Plenary Discussion on the preparation of the Draft 35 C/5

10.30 – 10.45

Tea Break

10.45 – 12.00

Plenary Discussion on the preparation of the Draft 35 C/5 (cont’d)

12.00 – 13.30

Lunch (Isla Ballroom)

13.30 – 15.00

Discussion on the questionnaire on 35 C/5 (cont’d), including consideration on Draft Resolution(s) to the 35th General Conference

15.00 – 15.15

Tea Break

15.15 – 17.00

Discussion on the questionnaire continued, including consideration on Draft Resolution(s) to the 35th General Conference

18.00 onwards

Group dinner and shopping

Day Five 23 May 2008, FRIDAY Venue: Isla Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel

09.00 – 10.15

Concluding Debate on the Draft 35C/5

10.15 – 10.30

Tea Break

10.30 – 12.00

Adoption of Recommendations and Final Reports of both the 14th Quadrennial Conference and the Director-General’s Consultation on 35 C/5

12.00 – 13.00

Lunch

13.00 onwards

Group dinner and shopping

50

Annex VII Review of Progress on recommendations of the 13th Quadrennial Conference held in Wellington from 23-27 May 2004 by Ms. Elizabeth Rose, Secretary General, New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO The New Zealand Delegation recalls with pleasure our National Commission’s hosting of this meeting almost exactly 4 years ago. The Asia and Pacific region has faced many challenges in the areas of UNESCO’s competence since the 2004 meeting. We make the observation that the world and in particular our region, has been faced with many challenges in the four years since the Wellington consultation on a scale it would have been impossible to envisage at the time. UNESCO has risen to that challenge and contributed to solutions. The phenomenon of the tsunami was not uppermost in our minds when we met in Wellington in 2004. Exactly 7 months later this disaster of unprecedented magnitude struck causing horrific damage in a number of the Member States of our region including Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives and Malaysia. UNESCO’s Pacific warning system was catapulted into the spotlight and the lack of a warning system in the Indian Ocean, although the latter had been debated by the IOC and postponed, was given new urgency. At the Wellington meeting the aftermath of the Bam earthquake in Iran was the subject of a special presentation. Between March 2005 and the present no less than 4 major earthquakes have rocked parts of one of our most populous Member States, Indonesia. And most recently a cyclone has wrecked horrific damage in Myanmar. UNESCO was quick to respond to these events through the Jakarta office with special assistance offered throughout the region. The region’s experience during that difficult period has since contributed to a renewed emphasis by the Organisation of the need to both plan for and respond to natural disasters with one of the four Main Lines of Action of the 34C/5 being promotion of science, knowledge and education for disaster preparedness and mitigation, and enhancing national and regional coping capacities. Overall Theme for the Wellington Conference The overall theme chosen for the 2004 Conference: Beyond Information and Knowledge Societies: the Role of UNESCO was inspired by a number of sources including the UN Millennium Development Goals; the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development and the World Summit on the Information Society.

51

Theme One: Education for Sustainable Development: Information, Innovation, Inspiration On the eve of the commencement of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development the Conference responded vigorously, imaginatively and positively to the challenge of identifying the parameters of the Decade for the region. The concluding statement from the debate emphasised that there is a need for an organic, holistic integrated, interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach to education for sustainable development, moving well beyond the traditional environmental approach to sustainability issues. The Conference urged UNESCO to bring together disparate bodies of knowledge and expertise in such areas as: • intercultural and inter-religious understanding; • social justice, equity and human rights; • environmental/ecological and future oriented Education for sustainability; • ethics in the sciences; • other related fields eg civics and the adoption of models based on a systems-oriented approach. The Consultation recommended that Education for Sustainable Development be designated an intersectoral programme with emphasis on traditional knowledge, ethical considerations and the use of ICTs in order to lead to self-sustaining creative societies. That vision of the Wellington Conference has been realised with sustainable development in its widest sense being incorporated into the Organisation’s mission statement and into a number of the strategic programme objectives of the 34C/4, and Education for Sustainable Development being designated one of 12 intersectoral platforms under the 34C/5. Many of the intersectoral debates have occurred in a variety of settings: dialogue among cultures and interreligious dialogue are priority areas under the 33C/5; and ethical issues have moved beyond bioethics to other emerging social and ethical challenges such as research ethics, the ethics of knowledge production and the ethics of energy production. Through the Bangkok Office, the Asia and Pacific region, has been a trail-blazer in the implementation of UN DESD, and innovative in adapting its existing regional programmes for example the APEID programme to reflect the DESD priorities. The Asia and Pacific regional strategy for DESD was the first regional UNDESD strategy elaborated by UNESCO. The Asia and Pacific DESD Monitoring Project has worked with Member States to assist them in the development of monitoring and evaluation tools for capacity building and information sharing. The publication of the Asia Pacific guidelines developed through the Bangkok office with Japanese funds in trust serves as a model for other regions. 52

A meeting will be held in Japan in December of this year on monitoring and evaluation of the progress of the Decade in our region. We commend the Bangkok Office for its clear vision, enthusiasm and commitment to the implementation of DESD in the region over the past 4 years. In the Pacific the Pacific Regional Action Plan was unanimously endorsed by Pacific Ministers of Education in November 2007. The NZ National Commission utilised regional PP funds for a Pacific Regional implementation workshop in February 2008. It is clear that the region will have much to contribute to the International mid-Decade Conference scheduled to take place in Germany in late March 2009. Theme 2: Information Societies: Making a Difference The second theme for discussion: Information Societies: Making a Difference explored the outcomes of the WSIS process and its relevance for the region. In the Asia Pacific region access to knowledge through ICTs in the intervening years since the last Conference has increased exponentially. However most people in our region remain excluded from the information society on account of their socio-economic status, gender, and geographical isolation. In the Pacific sub-region the digital divide is exacerbated by the high cost of access; unlike in countries with large populations, we cannot rely on competition between technology suppliers to bring prices down. For the most part telecommunications infrastructure and the Internet remain tightly controlled by governments. Little priority is given to ensuring that all citizens have access to information and knowledge. Libraries and archives still have low priority on government agendas. Closing this “information divide” remains one of our region’s most urgent priorities. It is inextricably linked to our greatest goal in UNESCO “Education for All”. We need to think creatively about how to ensure access for all people and especially those in remote and rural areas. UNESCO has taken a leading role in promoting and supporting public access e-centres, also called telecentres or community multimedia centres. These are especially important for rural communities in the Pacific, and with proper training and technical support, can go a long way in addressing the information divide. We have witnessed excellent examples of how ICTs can benefit the mutual appreciation and understanding of cultures – we recognise the fantastic opportunities provided for young people through the MIZY Centre in Seoul. Maori students in New Zealand have been able to share their culture with Korean students using videoconference links – it is a very moving experience to see young people teaching each other songs and dances at a distance. ICTs have also brought direct economic benefits to small island communities. In Tonga for example tapa cloth being produced by local women has been marketed 53

internationally through the Internet, resulting in not only increased revenue for this tiny island nation, but also a sense of pride in cultural identity and empowerment of its women. Theme 3: Creativity and Sustainability The third theme of the Wellington consultation was a forum for a wide ranging discussion about the links between each of UNESCO’s sectors and sustainability. Many of the issues raised in that discussion have been the subject of further debate in UNESCO fora both inside and outside our region in the last 4 years. The following observations may serve as a stimulus to discussion at this meeting. •

Respect for local/ traditional knowledge has increased in the face of climate change – the threat of climate change has impacted on the value given to traditional knowledge.

•

Under the 34C/5 enhanced quality teaching and development of learning materials for education for sustainable development continues to be a key component of quality education.

•

ICTs have contributed greatly to wider awareness of the issues relating to sustainable development. A creative and holistic approach to the application of ICTs in areas that are relevant to local needs and make a contribution to improving people’s lives in areas such as health, and education is the challenge for UNESCO.

A creative approach to the application of ICTs to the preservation of knowledge was key to the success of last years Asia–Pacific World Heritage Youth Forum held in conjunction with the World Heritage meeting hosted in Christchurch, New Zealand in June 2007. In addition to experiencing first hand aspects of New Zealand heritage –tangible and intangible-through visits to key sites and interaction with both heritage experts and local communities delegates from the fatherest reaches of our region were provided with the experience of working with digital media advisors and using advanced information technology to make a documentary film which was presented to the World Heritage Committee during their opening ceremony. Capacity Building for National Commissions The Wellington Conference concluded with a session on Capacity Building of National Commissions for UNESCO. There has been intensive discussion since 2004 about the key roles and relevance of National Commissions in the context of UNESCO's developing decentralisation policy and the reform of the UN and the concept of one UN at the country level. A welcome development since 2004 is the informal forum of Chairs of National Commissions from all regions which now meets regularly both between General Conferences and with Member 54

States during the General Conference. At the most recent session of the Executive Board the President of the General Conference made the observation that two thirds of all National Commissions are not functioning adequately often because of local political situations. He also questioned the” one size fits all approach” of the National Commission Charter. There clearly remains much to be done in promoting the role of National Commissions among national decision makers and in thinking more laterally about flexible models to match national realities and strengthening of National Commission capacities. Discussion of the role of National Commissions within UNESCO’s overall decentralisation strategy and in the context of UN wider reform will continue at this present Consultation which provides an opportunity for us to develop a regional position on these developments. The New Zealand National Commission is ready to help in the Pacific sub-region which faces particular issues of isolation and critical mass. The Wellington Conference emphasised the importance of training of National Commissions personnel for their constantly evolving roles. Much has been achieved since 2004 by the External Relations and Co-operation Division in this training area. The Division will report on separately. In particular the enhanced engagement of National Commissions in programme planning and implementation and the mobilisation of civil society partners are two issues on the agenda of the Wellington Consultation which have on-going relevance for our work and which would therefore benefit from monitoring at the current consultation. Recommendation concerning funding of quadrennial and statutory consultations The Wellington Conference adopted a specific recommendation concerning funding of Quadrennial and statutory Regional Consultations from the Regular Programme and not the Participation Programme. This recommendation has been implemented in the case of the current series of regional consultations although increases in airfares and depreciation of the US dollar have eroded budgetary allocations and are creating budgetary pressures.

55

Annex VIII Review of progress on the enhancement of the National Commissions since the 13th Quadrennial Conference of ASPAC National Commissions held in May 2004 in Wellington by Mr. Xiaolin Cheng, Chief, National Commissions Section, ERC As the Secretariat unit responsible for UNESCO’s overall relations with National Commissions, the National Commissions Section (ERC/RSC/NAC) observed the progress in the following areas and planed to promote the capacity-building activities with related focuses: 1.

The total number of National Commissions has increased (195 as of May 2008), particularly with the inauguration of the Brunei National Commission in May 2007 and official launching of the Singapore National Commission next week.

2.

Pacific National Commissions are being restructured and reinforced through training and sub-regional consultations: two sub-regional consultations and training workshops were held in Fiji in August 2005 and in Samoa in July 2007, which helped the Pacific Member States and their National Commissions improve their functioning and participation in the work of the General Conference. Another sub-regional workshop involving 8 National Commissions in the Micronesia is being organized in cooperation with Apia Office and Ms Margaret Austin, former Chair of the New Zealand National Commission.

3.

Asian National Commissions’ new staff got the opportunity to update their knowledge about UNESCO’s working methods and the key areas such as partnerships, use of UNESCO’s name and logo, the Participation Programme, and thus developed their good practices and experiences through regional training events held respectively in April 2005 in Seoul and in May 2007 in Kuala Lumpur.

4.

New Secretaries-General from all regions attended information seminars held in February 2005 and February 2007 at Headquarters, including those from ASPAC regions, which allowed them to be acquainted with and exchange views on key issues relating to the Organization and the Commissions with the Secretariat sectors and services.

5.

The network of National Commissions has now several statutory and informal occasions to meet and discuss issues of interest them along the biennium, including the quadrennial conferences and DG’s regional consultations on C/4 and C/5, informal regional and interregional meetings during the General Conference, informal sessions at the Executive Board sessions, and cluster meetings.

6.

The Steering Group of National Commissions, renamed since 34th General Conference as “Coordinating Group”, chaired successively by Ms Austin and Mr Ramallo met almost each sessions of the General Conference and Executive 56

Board to advocate for a growing role of National Commissions. They also met regularly with the Director-General inviting him to further support this networking. 7.

Two further circular letters were sent by the DG in September 2005 and in October 2007 to the Ministers responsible for relations with UNESCO, inviting the MS to provide their Commissions with adequate status and resources in the context in the reform and new medium-term strategy.

8.

Representatives of the National Commissions took an active part in the second phase of UNESCO’s Decentralization Review Task Force (DRTF), which will make recommendations to EX and GC how to enhance UNESCO’s engagement in UN country programming and “Deliver as One” process, taking account the possible role of National Commissions in this exercise.

9.

Brochures and publications were launched and updated during this period, including Handbook for National Commissions (in four languages), User’s Guide of the Database on National Commissions (in six languages), and Directory of National Commissions (in three languages).

10.

Plan has been made for the current biennium to draw a real picture of this disparate network and update the Architecture of National Commissions, through surveying on the strength and the difficulties that National Commissions come across and challenges facing them. An e-bulletin is also to be launched to enhance the visibility and information sharing.

11.

Communication tools including the NAC Website and Database need to be improved and more operational. Support will be provided to Commissions for registration to UNESCO’s NAC database (more then 110 out of 195 have registered) and for creation of their website (around 80 have their own website).

12.

Some 1.25 million US$ are spent each biennium under the regular budget of the NAC Section for the capacity building activities, while around 1 million US$ are allocated to them via the Participation Programme, for equipment, publication, training and celebrations / public information events.

13.

New prospect are opened for the empowerment of the National Commissions through extra-budgetary funding sources which are made available by the donor countries and National Commissions and in the framework of the additional programmes in the reinforcement of the 34 C/5 approved.

14.

Tasks and challenges ahead: 1) MS have the primary responsibility to support their Commissions and keep them stable and operational, notably in the context of the current reform; 2) new training modalities will have to be worked out in cooperation with experienced Commissions and field offices to be more effective and efficient; 3) role of National Commissions in UN country programming process should be high on the future training agenda; 4) North57

South and South-South cooperation amongst Commissions as well as bilateral and interregional initiatives should be encouraged and promoted.

58

Final Report Director-General’s Consultation with National Commissions of Asia and the Pacific for UNESCO on the Preparation of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010- 2011 (35 C/5) Manila, Philippines Ι 20-23 May 2008

Introductory Statement by the Representative of the Director-General – Assistant Director-General for Strategic Planning (ADG/BSP) 1. Mr. Hans d’Orville, Representative of the Director-General, recalled that the main objective of the Consultation was to provide recommendations and suggestions by the National Commissions of the Asia and Pacific Region for the preparation of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010-2011 (35 C/5), based on a questionnaire drafted and circulated by the Secretariat in April 2008. He pointed out that the regional consultation was not meant to be a discussion between members of the Secretariat and representatives of National Commissions, but rather an attempt by the Secretariat to secure direct and genuine input and hence broad-based ownership at national and regional levels, and an opportunity for National Commissions to identify global challenges and opportunities, to define common cluster and regional priorities and to articulate their views concerning appropriate directions for the future, bearing in mind the global strategic objectives of UNESCO. Mr. d’Orville also briefly reviewed the various stages in the preparation of document 35 C/5, noting that the process stretches over almost 18 months with the involvement of multiple stakeholders. Hence, the quality, precision and consensus-basis of recommendations will be at a premium and will enhance the prospect of recommendations being retained throughout the process. 2. The Representative of the Director-General then recalled the major developments flowing from the 34th session of the General Conference, notably the landmark decision on the new Medium-term Strategy for 2008-2013 (34 C/4) and the adoption of the related first biennial programme and budget for the period (34 C/5). He indicated that the 2010-2011 Programme and Budget (35 C/5) would constitute the second biennium of the new Medium-Term Strategy (document 34 C/4), and would therefore need to be prepared within the overall strategic framework provided by that document. He also placed the consultation in the larger context of the ongoing United Nations reform, restated the inseparability of normative and operational activities in that connection and, finally, reviewed some of the substantive challenges before the consultation: •

to maintain seamless linkage and integration of 34 C/4 with 35 C/5 and avoid rupture between 34 C/5 and 35 C/5;

•

to ensure the proactive integration of increasing country-level demands in the context of the UN reform and the roll-out of new UNDAFs and to position National Commissions as a player in national programming exercises; 59

•

to consolidate the Organization’s intersectoral programmes/platforms as one of the main comparative advantages of UNESCO;

•

to further sharpen UNESCO’s lead roles and core competences in a competitive multilateral environment and in light of the increasing focus by Member States on soundness of division of labor within the multilateral system;

•

to develop a more systematic and results-oriented approach to cooperation with Category 2 institutes and centres (under the auspices of UNESCO).

3. He further indicated that other considerations to be factored in included the impending completion of the work of the Decentralization Review Task Force and the current review exercises by the UN General Assembly on MDG attainment, especially for Africa. 4. Following this introduction and some preliminary comments by participants, members of the National Commissions of the seven UNESCO clusters (Almaty, Apia, Bangkok, Beijing, Delhi, Jakarta and Tehran) and the respective field office directors/heads met for a day in cluster meetings to discuss programming issues and priorities as well as other aspects raised in the questionnaire. Reports of these cluster consultations were presented in plenary and informed the subsequent regional deliberations (Annex 1*). These reports will also serve as a basis for the elaboration of future cluster activities, eventually. The following sections synthesize the gist of a broad-based and rich discussion. Main programming principles and features 5. Overall, there was a general agreement to maintain the present C/5 structure while placing more emphasis on cross-cutting activities and intersectorality to cope with complex challenges that go beyond the current framework of programmes and sectors of UNESCO. 6. The designation of Africa and gender equality as the only global priorities throughout the period of the Medium-Term Strategy was also confirmed by the meeting as well as the specific and targeted interventions envisaged for youth, LDCs and SIDS, although some delegates called for increased attention to countries in transition, indigenous peoples, linguistic minorities, the most vulnerable segments of society (particularly the disabled), and post conflict/post disaster situations. The promotion of environmentally-sound, socially-equitable, culturally-respectful and economically-viable development in the Pacific Islands by UNESCO was called for by many participants, as well as support to youth-led activities for sustainable island living. With respect to gender equality and women’s and girl’s empowerment, one participant considered that this goal, which cuts across all programme areas, is undermined by the underrepresentation of women in the management structure of UNESCO and that, to be credible, the Organization needs to vigorously address this issue internally as well as to work for gender equality internationally. Further, the suggestion was made 60

to formally integrate this global priority into the Human and Social Sciences programme. With regard to Africa, several participants considered that the situation needed to be thoroughly reviewed to assess the effectiveness of UNESCO’s programme delivery mechanism in this region. 7. While considering that the current 34 C/4 and 34 C/5 represent a distinct improvement from the past, some participants felt that Results-Based Management (RBM) continues to be a challenge for the Organization. They emphasized the need to focus on the attainment of tangible results and impact at the country level and called for the continued refinement of the RBM approach in the 35 C/5. In this connection, the wish was also expressed that Member States will focus on the strategic goals and the outcomes/results the Organization would like to achieve and will resist the temptation of micromanagement. 8. The need for the concentration of programme resources on a limited number of key activities was emphasized by many participants who also pleaded for a narrowing down of the focus of the programme. Other participants called for a solid needs assessment, notably at the country level, in order for the programme to stay relevant and to make a tangible impact. This would allow a stronger focus on fewer programmes while ensuring alignment of UNESCO’s programmatic and capacity development work with critical national development needs. In addition, UNESCO was invited to analyze and articulate its comparative advantages in preparing the next C/5. 9. Throughout the discussions, there was a strong emphasis on intersectoriality as the niche contribution of UNESCO. A significant strengthening of intersectoriality was called for by many delegates in order to raise the profile of the Organization within the general context of UN Reform. The view was also expressed that UNESCO should not try to do too much with its limited resources and that the Organization would need to confront some difficult choices to make room for initiatives with strong impact. It was felt that a refocusing of the Organization’s interdisciplinary efforts on fewer but well-resourced intersectoral projects at a time, along with a significant increase in resourcing through the reallocation of budgets from the traditional specialist silos to the interdisciplinary project areas, would allow achieving greater impact. In this respect, a possible strategy to free up resources for intersectoral initiatives would be the progressive application of sunset clauses from the current biennium and their inclusion in all programmes under the next C/5. This would entail the presentation of specific sunset proposals in the 35 C/5 with clearly identified budget impacts. 10. UNESCO’s five functions were fully endorsed by virtually all delegates. Several participants emphasized that, in balancing normative and operational activities, UNESCO should focus on policy advice and capacity-building and that special effort must be made to sustain capacity both at the individual and institutional levels. There was a unanimous call for greater focus on institutional capacitybuilding, generating and sharing new knowledge, providing assistance to Member States to develop appropriate policies in UNESCO domains, and disseminating best practices. The need to foster South-South as well as triangular South-North-South 61

cooperation, inter alia among National Commissions, was also stressed. Moreover, it was felt that in order to heighten UNESCO programme delivery at the global, regional and country levels, mobilization of the broader UNESCO constituency (e.g. Category 2 centres, national committees of the Intergovernmental Science Programmes (ISP), UNESCO Chairs, Clubs, Associations and Associated schools) would be critical, particularly within the general context of UN Reform. 11. Many participants expressed the view that the 35 C/5 should focus on actions that have the potential to contribute to peace, poverty eradication, sustainable development and intercultural and interfaith dialogue, and on key issues such as climate change and sea level rise, access to fresh water, disaster preparedness and mitigation, desertification, the cultural dimensions of the transition to sustainable development, and intangible cultural heritage, as well as activities in support of the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010). It was also deemed necessary to strengthen existing programmes that have great intersectoral potential but are under-resourced, such as ICTs in education and ASPnet. Education for peace, science education, human rights and arts education, as well as multilingualism were considered to be important aspects of quality education which would deserve more attention. A number of delegates wished to see UNESCO’s action strengthened in rural education, technical and vocational education and higher education. Several participants considered that further sustained efforts needed to be conducted (2005-2014). Some delegates felt that the UN DESD should be a more pronounced priority for UNESCO’s action. The view was expressed that there was enormous but unrealized potential for UNESCO to make substantial progress in environmental sustainability and issues of climate change through its environmental programmes (MAB, IHP, IOC and IGCP) and its unique mandate in the UN system with regard to the social and human sciences, and that efforts should be intensified to assist countries in the formulation of policies and strategies for adaptation to climate change, notably SIDS. Sectoral programme priorities 12. In most cases there was a general agreement to maintain the current number of Main Lines of Action (MLAs) in the C/5, except for Major Programme (MP) IV, Culture. One delegate felt that there was no clear distinction between the strategic programme objectives in 34 C/5 and the two biennial sectoral priorities (BSPs) defined for each MP in 34 C/5 and suggested that they should be articulated in a more specific manner rather than summing up the thematic areas of the concerned MPs. MP I – Education 13. Some delegates expressed concern on UNESCO capacity with regard to policy dialogue. Others considered that the education MLAs should be articulated in a more concrete manner. Several participants voiced the need to integrate rural, vocational and inclusive education as also education for sustainable development in all MLAs as a means to achieving their expected results, as well as the need to 62

fully use the existing education institutes and category 2 centres and UNESCO networks. Acknowledging the importance of rural education for the realization of EFA in rural areas, several participants requested that it be granted MLA status in the 35 C/5. MP II – Natural Sciences 14. The suggestion was made to reflect climate change in the label of BSP 1. The establishment of a flagship regional programme on building capacities of teachers was also recommended, with particular reference to science education and review of curriculum in basic sciences to ensure practicality. MP III – Social and Human Sciences 15. Many delegates considered that the social and human sciences programme should be enhanced in terms of both priority and budget in the next biennium, and that migration issues and their social consequences including human rights should be emphasized, as well as human security and urban development issues. The observation was also made that MP III was currently more concerned with regional cooperation when there would be an urgent need to focus on the country level. Proposed changes to the labels of various MLAs under MP III are reflected hereafter: • •

MLA 1: “Promoting the ethics of science and technology, with emphasis on bioethics to encompass universal values”. MLA 2: “Enhancing research-policy linkages in the field of social transformations and development, and policies relating to physical education and sports”.

16. One participant felt that physical education and sports should be pursued outside the Social and Human Sciences, as it weakens the necessary emphasis on social development and transformations. On another tone, the same participant noted that MLA 3 is still cast within the language of “fighting against”, when it would be more appropriate in her view to positively state what we are for rather than what we are against. MP IV – Culture 17. Several delegates considered that there were an unnecessary proliferation of MLAs under this MP and proposed to reduce the number of MLAs in the best interest of programme management and delivery. Some participants would like to see dialogue, diversity and development looked at in a holistic and integrated manner. Others flagged art education as one of the issues that should be addressed under this MP. It was also recommended that the issue of cultural diversity should be integrated in every MLA with emphasis on the protection and preservation of heritage in danger of extinction/disappearance. Finally, the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural objects and the balance that needs to be found between freedom of expression and the respect of others’ beliefs and faiths 63

received prominent support. Proposed changes to the labels of various MLAs under MP IV are reflected hereafter: • •

MLA 2: “Safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage, including living heritage, particularly through the promotion and implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage”. MLA 3: “Enhancing the protection of underwater cultural heritage, and cultural objects, the fight against illicit trafficking in them, and the development of museums, particularly in developing countries”.

MP V – Communication and Information 18. With regard to “freedom of expression”, the recommendation was made to recast the titles of MLA 1 and 3 in order to balance responsibilities with rights. Likewise, it was also suggested to modify the current label of MLA 2 to make a legally binding case for access to information. Finally, the preservation of information in relation to the Memory of the World Programme was emphasized as well as the strengthening of regional efforts in this area. The proposed changes to the labels of the aforementioned MLAs are reflected hereafter: • • •

MLA 1: Promoting an enabling environment for freedom of expression and freedom of information with responsibility. MLA 2: Fostering universal access and the right to information, and the development of infostructures. MLA 3: Promoting the development of free, responsible, independent and pluralistic media and community participation in sustainable development through community media.

Delivering the programme 19. A greater integration of efforts with a wide range of actors and stakeholders was recommended, and UNESCO was encouraged to forge, strengthen or broaden partnerships with other organizations, especially with regional and sub-regional organizations and relevant networks such as SEAMEO, ASEAN, ECO, Caspian Sea Group, Shanghai Forum, etc. The importance of civil society and private sector in advancing UNESCO’s work was also highlighted. 20. In order to draw more effectively on the large external array of natural, material and intellectual assets within the broader UNESCO constituency, a clear subregional and regional picture of all Category 2 centres, UNESCO Chairs, and of existing agreements/MOU with partners should be made accessible to all staff at all times. Additionally, placement of experienced senior staff in country or cluster offices was recommended, including ensuring effective presence so that more time could be spent in the duty station and cluster countries. 21. Among measures or modalities to ensure UNESCO effective participation in UNCT, it was recommended to continue to build capacity of UNESCO staff to participate in joint programming exercises, notably through reinforced RBM training, as well 64

as the creation of user-friendly knowledge sharing platforms (clearinghouse function). Where feasible, the possibility of placing a UNESCO staff in the RC or other UN entity Offices should also be seized. 22. The suggestion was also made to improve the visibility of UNESCO through partnering with other organizations with a leading role in UNESCO domains. Likewise, the need to increase knowledge about UNESCO and its activities among decision-makers and young people was deemed critical. Other courses of action to improve the visibility of the Organization included: • • • • •

the establishment of UNESCO Country Programming Documents (UCPDs) for proper positioning of UNESCO and its National Commissions; the promotion of flagship projects; the marketing of success programmes, such as WHC, IOC or MAB; the hiring of a high level professional team in mass media communication; the increase of ASPnet activities within UNESCO’s programmes.

23. Finally, with regard to extrabudgetary resources, it was deemed that the decentralization of their management to regional offices could aptly increase flexibility in fund-raising and avoid bottlenecks in implementation. Conversely, other participants were of the opinion that fund-raising was a highly specialized task and pointed to the need to appoint professional and experienced staff. *Will be made available through the final report’s publication

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