informal meeting of presidents and secretaries-general of national
TRANSCRIPT
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ERC/NAC/ME/1-10-006
Paris 04 janvier 2010
Original: English
Informal Meeting of Presidents and Secretaries-General
of National Commissions for UNESCO
organised during the 35th Session of the General Conference
Wednesday 14 October 2009,
13 p.m. to 15 p.m.
Room IX (Fontenoy).
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CONTENT
Page
Agenda ………………………………………………………………………………………..3
List of Participants..………………………………………………………………………….5
Summary Report ……………………...…………………………………………………….11
Pictures… …………………………………………………………………………………....16
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Informal Meeting of Presidents and Secretaries-General
of National Commissions for UNESCO
(Wednesday 14 October at 13:00 – 15:00 in Room IX)
AGENDA
_________________________________________________
13:00 Lunch (snacks and drinks will be offered) 13:30 Opening
- Welcome - Opening remarks by the President of the 35th General Conference
- Appointment of Minute taker - Call for items of General Business - Agreement on the Agenda
Minutes of meetings held since 2007 – circulated and adopted
Report from the Chairperson
Mr L. Ramallo, Chairperson of the Coordinating Group of National Commissions
Report from ERC on activities relating to NatCom meetings, capacity-building, publications, e-communication
Mr J. Rao, Dir. ERC/RSC and Mr X. Cheng, Chief, ERC/RSC/NAC
The positioning of National Commissions in the context of Decentralization and UN Reform Process
Mr R. Bernecker, Secretary-General of the German Commission for UNESCO Report of the UNESCO Youth Forum
Mr P. Sané, ADG/SHS
Discussion of General Business
Election of Officers for the Coordinating Group of National Commissions - Chairperson - Members (2 per region)
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35th Session of the General Conference (Paris, 6-23 October 2009)
Interregional Informal Meeting of Presidents and Secretaries-General of National Commissions for UNESCO /
Réunion interrégionale informelle des Présidents et Secrétaires généraux des commissions nationales pour l’UNESCO
14 October 2009, 1:30-3 pm, Room IX / 14 octobre 2009, 13h30-15h00, Salle IX
Participants list / Liste des participants
N° Name / Nom Title / Titre Country / Pays E-mail, phone and Fax / Courriel, téléphone et fax
1 Mr Sidi Mohamed BRAHIM-OTSMANE Secretary-General Algeria e-mail: [email protected]
2 Ms Maria Teresa CAIRAT President Andorra e-mail: [email protected]
3 Mr Jean Michel ARMENGOL Secretary-General Andorra e-mail: [email protected]
4 Mr Manuel T. QUARTA Permanent Secretary Angola e-mail: [email protected]
5 Ms Anthea TINNEY Chair Australia e-mail: [email protected]
6 Ms Lalita KAPUR Secretary-General Australia e-mail: [email protected]
7 Mr Matthias ECK Programme Specialist for Education, Science and Youth
Austria e-mail: [email protected]
8 Mr Igor MITSCHKA Chairman Youth Panel Austria e-mail: [email protected]
9 Ms Gunay EFENDIYEVA Secretary-General (a.i.) Azerbaijan e-mail: [email protected]
10 Mr Isa Abdullah AL NASHEET Secretary-General Bahrain e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
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11 Ms Harriett DAISLEY Secretary-General Barbados e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +1 246 430 2719
12 Mr Walter LEROUGE President Belgium
Flemish Natcom e-mail: [email protected]
13 Mr Jan De BISSCHOP Secretary-General Belgium
Flemish Natcom e-mail: [email protected]
14 Ms Jamyang CHOEDEN Secretary-General Bhutan e-mail: [email protected]
15 Ms Mmanane Mavis KELEBEMANG Secretary-General Botswana
e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +267 3655 440 Fax: +267 3972 531
16 Ms Allison FLAX-ARCHER Secretary-General British Virgin
Islands e-mail: [email protected]
17 Ms Michèle STANTON JEAN President Canada e-mail: [email protected]
18 Ms Gloria RIBEIRO Secretary-General Cape Verde e-mail: [email protected]
19 Mr Abderamane KOKO President Chad e-mail: [email protected]
20 Mr Abdelkérim ADOUM BAHAR Secretary-General Chad e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +235 626 9834
21 Mr Ali Adam ABIAD Enseignements et la Formation du
MEN Chad e-mail: [email protected]
22 Ms Victoria GONZALEZ Secretary-General Colombia e-mail: [email protected]
23 Mr Aboubakari BOINA Secretary-General Comoros e-mail: [email protected]
24 Mr Sonny WILLIAMS Secretary-General Cook Islands e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +682 20725
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25 Ms María Elena CARBALLO Minister of Culture and Youth Costa Rica e-mail: [email protected]
26 Ms Ivannia MONTOYA Ministry of Culture and Youth Costa Rica e-mail: [email protected]
27 Mr Lou Mathieu BAMBA Secretary-General Côte d’Ivoire e-mail: [email protected]
28 Ms Helena ILLNEROVA President Czech Republic e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +420 602 220 705
29 Mr Milan KUNA Secretary-General Czech Republic e-mail: [email protected]
30 Ms Linda NIELSEN Chair Denmark e-mail: [email protected]
31 Ms Bodil Mørkøv ULLERUP Secretary-General Denmark e-mail: [email protected]
32 Ms Nikauly VARGAS Secretary-General Dominican Republic
e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Tel: +1 809 687 3885
33 Mr Safwat SALEM Secretary-general Egypt e-mail: [email protected]
34 Ms Mehret IYOB Secretary-General Eritrea e-mail: [email protected]
35 Ms Marika Valk Secretary-General Estonia e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +372 50 28 475
36 Mr Jean Pierre BOYER Secretary-General France e-mail: [email protected]
37 Ms Sukai BOJANG Secretary-General Gambia
e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tel: +220 442 52 14/442 52 75/442 58 48 Fax: +220 442 52 97
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38 Mr Roland BERNECKER Secretary-General Germany e-mail: [email protected]
39 Ms Sylvia LUTTERODT Secretary-General Ghana e-mail: [email protected]
40 Ms Maria Ekaterini PAPACHRISTOPOULOU-TZITZIKOSTA
President Greece e-mail: [email protected]
41 Mr Eugene GITTENS Secretary-General Grenada e-mail: [email protected]
42 Mr Thomas KEITA Secretary-General Guinea-Bissau e-mail: [email protected]
43 Ms Inge NATHOO Secretary-General Guyana
e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +592 223 7955 Fax: +592 226 0645
44 Mr Jean COULANGES Permanent Secretary Haiti
e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Tel: +509 2244 8081 (Sec.) +509 2244 8055 (Direct) +509 3455 3024 (Mobile)
45 Ms Ágnes KOVÁCSNÉ BÍRÓ Secretary-General Hungary e-mail: [email protected]
46 Mr Einar HREINSSON Secretary-General Iceland
e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +354 5459567 Fax: +354 5623068
47 Mr Arief RACHMAN Executive Chairperson Indonesia e-mail: [email protected]
48 Mr. Sri Hargyanto SURYOPRAYUDO
Natcom Head of Division Indonesia e-mail: [email protected]
49 Ms Hasnah GASIM ASPnet National Coordinator Indonesia e-mail: [email protected];
50 Ms Angga Nugraha HAFIIZ Intern Indonesia e-mail: [email protected]
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51 Mr Muhsin Abed Ali SHLAGA AL-FURAJY
Advisor to the Minister of Education
Iraq
52 Mr Hasanain Fadhil MUALLA Secretary-General Iraq e-mail: [email protected]
53 Ms Asmaa FAKHRI Natcom Iraq e-mail: [email protected]
54 Mr Sinan TARIQ Natcom Head of UNESCO
Division Iraq e-mail: [email protected]
55 Mr Everton HANNAM Secretary-General Jamaica e-mail: [email protected]
56 Mr Isao KISO Secretary-General Japan e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +81 3 6734 2603
57 Mr. Norihiko SHIMIZU Deputy Secretary-General Japan e-mail: [email protected]
58 Mr Takashi ASAI Deputy Secretary-General Japan e-mail: [email protected]
59 Ms Assel UTEGENOVA Secretary-General Kazakhstan e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
60 Mr Mohammed M. MWINYIPEMBE Secretary-General Kenya
e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +254 733 765 747 Fax: +254 202 213 025
61 Mr Abdullatif ALBAIJAN Secretary-General Kuwait e-mail: [email protected]
62 Mr Andris VILKS President Latvia e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +371 6 736 5250
63 Ms Dagnija BALTINA Secretary-General Latvia e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +371 2 613 7626
64 Mr James Emmanuel ROBERTS Vice-Chair Liberia
e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +231 6 551 564
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65 Mr Caston BOB HARRIS Secretary-General Liberia e-mail: [email protected]
66 Ms Asta DIRMAITÉ Secretary-General Lithuania e-mail: [email protected]
67 Mr Paul KLEIN Secretary-General Luxembourg e-mail: [email protected]
68 Mr Francis R. MKANDAWIRE Secretary-General Malawi e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
69 Mr Norov URTNASAN Secretary-General Mongolia e-mail: [email protected]
70 Ms Mina EL MGHARI Secretary-General Morocco e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
71 Mr Paulino RICARDO Deputy Secretary-General Mozambique
e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Tel: +258 21 49 33 85 Fax: +258 21 49 17 66
72 Mr Marius KUDUMO Secretary-General a.i. Namibia e-mail: [email protected]
73 Ms Els JACOBS Secretary-General Netherlands e-mail: [email protected]
74 Ms Marva C. BROWNE Secretary-General Netherlands
Antilles e-mail: [email protected]
75 Mr Bryan GOULD President New Zealand e-mail: [email protected]
76 Ms Elizabeth ROSE Secretary-General New Zealand e-mail: [email protected]
77 Mr Mamoudou KIMBA Executive Secretary Niger e-mail: [email protected]
78 Ms Magdalene ANENE-MAIDOH Secretary-General Nigeria e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +234 80 33 35 85 78
79 Mr Jostein OSNES Secretary-General (a.i.) Norway e-mail: [email protected]
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80 Ms Madiha AL-SHAIBANI Secretary-General Oman e-mail: [email protected]
81 Mr Mohammed AL YAQOUBI Deputy Secretary-General Oman e-mail: [email protected]
82 Mr Saqib ALEEM Secretary-General Pakistan
e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +92-51-9257225 Fax: +92-51-9257519
83 Ms María Isabel MIYÁN de CHIABRA Secretary-General Peru e-mail: [email protected]
84 Ms Preciosa SOLIVEN Secretary-General Philippines e-mail: [email protected]
85 Mr Slawomir RATAJSKI Secretary-general Poland e-mail: [email protected]
86 Ms Manuela GALHARDO Secretary-General Portugal e-mail: [email protected]
87 Mr Jinsung JEON Programme Specialist Republic of
Korea e-mail: [email protected]
88 Mr Constantin RUSNAC Secretary-General Republic of
Moldova
e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +373 2223 5355/5205
89 Mr Serban URSU Secretary-General Romania e-mail: [email protected]
90 Ms Lucretia BALUTA Education Expert Romania e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +402 1231 1333
91 Mr Amir BILYALITDINOV Deputy Secretary-General Russian
Federation e-mail: [email protected]
92 Mr Moustapha TAMBADOU Secretary-General Senegal e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
93 Mr Aliou LY Deputy Secretary-General Senegal e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +221 33 822 57 30
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94 Mr Maki DIALLO Chef, CI Division Senegal e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +221 773 12 99 13
95 Mr Ludovit MOLNAR President Slovakia e-mail: [email protected]
96 Ms Marjutka HAFNER Secretary-General Slovenia e-mail: [email protected]
97 Mr Luis RAMALLO President Spain e-mail: [email protected]
98 Ms Hazel ZUNGU Secretary-General Swaziland
e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +268 404 2129 Fax: +268 404 5448
99 Mrs Görel THURDIN President Sweden e-mail: [email protected]
100 Ms Ulrika KORNELL Secretary-General Sweden e-mail: [email protected]
101 Ms Madeleine VIVIANI Secretary-General Switzerland e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
102 Mr Nidal HASSAN Secretary-General Syria e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
103 Mr Messanvi GBEASSOR President Togo
104 Mr Akoété a. KOUGBLENOU Secretary-General Togo
e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +228 221 61 54 Fax: +228 222 57 87
105 Ms Fatma TARHOUNI Secretary-General Tunisia e-mail: [email protected]
106 Mr Nihat ZAL Secretary-General Turkey e-mail: [email protected]
107 Mr Eriabu LUGUJJO Vice-Chair Uganda e-mail: [email protected]
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108 Mr Augustine OMARE-OKURUT Secretary-General Uganda e-mail: [email protected]
109 Ms Khawla AL MUALLA Secretary-General United Arab
Emirates e-mail: [email protected]
110 Ms Alba de Souza Secretary-General a.i. United Kingdom e-mail: [email protected]
111 Mr Ian WHITE Programme Specialist United Kingdom e-mail: [email protected]
112 Mrs Elizabeth KIONDO Secretary-General United Rep. of
Tanzania e-mail: [email protected]
113 Ms Christina MUSAROCHE CI Programme Officer United Republic
of Tanzania e-mail: [email protected]
114 Ms Liz KANICK Executive Director United States of
America e-mail: [email protected]
115 Mr Alisher IKRAMOV Secretary-General Uzbekistan e-mail: [email protected]
116 Mr Sanh Chau PHAM Secretary-General Viet Nam e-mail: [email protected]
117 Mr Ronald Siame KAULULE Secretary-General Zambia e-mail: [email protected]
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UNESCO Secretariat:
N° Name / Nom Title / Titre Sector/Division/Section E-mail / Courriel
1 Mr Davidson L. HEPBURN President of the General
Conference GBS/SCG e-mail: [email protected]
2 Mr Jacques RAO Director of Division ERC/RSC e-mail: [email protected]
3 Mr Xiaolin CHENG Chief of Section ERC/RSC/NAC e-mail: [email protected]
4 Ms Yousser MRAD Assistant Executive Officer ERC/EO e-mail: [email protected]
5 Mr Bobir TUKHTABAYEV Programme Specialist ERC/RSC/NAC e-mail: [email protected]
6 Ms Vida HABASH Programme Specialist ERC/RSC/NAC e-mail: [email protected]
7 Ms Reem SALEH Assistant Programme Specialist ERC/RSC/NAC e-mail: [email protected]
8 Ms Marie-Noëlle BRANET Senior Administrative Assistant ERC/RSC/NAC e-mail: [email protected]
9 Ms Lydie NDOBO-MACKONGO Administrative Assistant ERC/RSC/NAC e-mail: [email protected]
10 Ms Lamya CABANILLAS Assistant to Chief of Section ERC/RSC/NAC e-mail: [email protected]
11 Mr Kijoon SOH
Assistant Programme Specialist from Korean NatCom,
currently at UNESCO HQ under a secondment programme
ERC/RSC/NAC e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
12 Ms Katherine MULLER-MARIN Head of Office UNESCO Office in Hanoi e-mail: [email protected]
13 Ms Golda EL-KHOURY Chief of Section SHS/SRP/YSPE e-mail: [email protected]
14 Ms Yolanda BERENGUER Assistant Programme Specialist SC/EES/GEO e-mail: [email protected]
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15 Mr Eliot MINCHENBERG Executive Assistant (President) GBS/SCG e-mail: [email protected]
16 Mr Onno SEROO Programme Coordinator UNESCO Centre of
Catalonia e-mail: [email protected]
17 Ms Margaret AUSTIN Consultant UNESCO e-mail: [email protected]
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Informal Meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO in the Europe and North America Region (Thursday 8 October at 15:00 – 18:00 in Room IX)
SUMMARY REPORTSUMMARY REPORTSUMMARY REPORTSUMMARY REPORT
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1. Following recent practice, an interregional informal meeting of Presidents and Secretaries-General of National Commissions was held on 14 October 2009, during the current 35th session of the General Conference. The meeting, which aimed to cover issues of a general nature and interest to National Commissions (Annex I: The Final Agenda of the meeting), was chaired by Mr Luis Ramallo, Chair of the Coordinating Group of National Commissions and President of the Spanish National Commission of Cooperation with UNESCO . Representatives of around 90 National Commissions across all regions as well as several members of the UNESCO Secretariat took part in the meeting (Annex II: List of participants).
Opening of the meeting and report of the Chair
2. Mr Ramallo opened the meeting at 1:30 pm and welcomed the participants of the National Commissions coming from different regions. He emphasized the unique role of National Commissions in the UNESCO arena and was pleased to see a better understanding and a greater recognition of that role over recent years. He emphasized the importance to clarify the meaning and role of National Commissions, which should be regarded as ‘part’, rather than ‘partners’ of UNESCO. He went on to recall that National Commissions, as mentioned in the Charter of National Commissions for UNESCO, cooperate with the international community in the fields of education, science and culture. As for cooperation among National Commissions, he highlighted the case of the German Commission working with African National Commissions, adding that partnership must be strengthened with focuses ranging from general management to programme implementation. 3. In his opening remarks, Mr Davidson L. Hepburn, President of the 35th General Conference expressed the great pleasure to address the audience of National Commissions and congratulated the latter’s valuable work and contributions. He recalled that he was the Chairman of the Bahamas National Commission, and agreed that National Commissions should be part of, instead of partners of UNESCO. He attached importance to the informal meetings National Commissions on the occasion of the General Conference and emphasized that they should maintain a bold stand and further succeed in their actions. 4. While the proposed meeting agenda was adopted, the Secretariat ensured that minutes of all meetings of the Coordinating Group held since the 34th General Conference, including those with the Director-General during the sessions of the Executive Board, were circulated to all Commissions and posted on UNESCO website for information.
Report from ERC on activities relating to NatCom meetings, capacity-building, publications, e-communication
5. On behalf of Mr Ahmed Sayyad, ADG/ERC, Mr Jacques Rao, Director of the Division of Relations with Member States and National Commissions (ERC/RSC) expressed gratitude to the presence of the President of the General Conference, and thanked the National Commissions for their attendance and cooperation. He also paid tribute to Mr Ramallo for his efficient chairmanship over the past two years,
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giving the Steering Committee more visibility and transparency and by ensuring that its membership encompasses now all officials of National Commissions (whether Chairs or Secretaries-General). 6. Mr Jacques Rao (ERC/RSC) reminded us that the new Director-General will be appointed next month, who will certainly attach the importance of National Commissions to UNESCO networks. He stressed the participation of National Commissions in the One UN process following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UNESCO and UNDP, and expected the continuous interest and contribution from the Commissions. He stated that cooperation among National Commissions has considerably grown in the current biennium, and believed that National Commissions could constitute a formal platform within the existing mechanisms of UNESCO. 7. Mr Rao went on to confirm that the total budget for National Commissions is not expected to decrease, despite of the Zero Real Growth policy, and assured that both Mr Sayyad and himself are making their utmost efforts to ensure this. He also stressed that training of staff and capacity-building for National Commissions will continue through the Participation Programme funding and the Regular Budget. He also stated that new partners, to be worked out by the Secretariat and National Commissions, will help to raise new funds as well as to develop advocacy, visibility and new ideas to UNESCO’s intellectual work. 8. Mr Xiaolin Cheng, Chief of the National Commissions Section (ERC/RSC/NAC) recalled that 5 regional informal meetings were held during the 35th General Conference and a presentation of the NAC Section’s activities was given on these occasions. He added that after the General Conference his Section will be finalizing the workplan for the next biennium, taking into account the discussions during the current General Conference. He stated that they will work with National Commissions for the goals of UNESCO and that cooperation with the ‘Larger Family of UNESCO’ is needed. He further noted the need of more partnerships, especially North-South, and North-South-South cooperation among the National Commissions, of renovating the organization of meetings and trainings, as well as sharing best practices and promoting the advocacy of status and role of National Commissions to Member States’ governments and UNESCO staff members. 9. Ms Margaret Austin (consultant, former Chair of New Zealand NatCom) thanked ERC for the great progress made since the launching of the Coordinating Group 8 years ago, recalling that there were only 38 participants in the meeting held in October 2001. She welcomed that all regions are now included in the coordinating group. With the new Director-General, she wishes a harmonious transition in the work of that group. Ms Austin also praised that Mr Matsuura gave voice to Article 7 of the UNESCO Constitution, and reiterated that National Commissions are a significant part of UNESCO. She stated that the consultation meetings to be held in 2010 are important, and that the coordinating group should ensure that the comments mentioned in those meetings be included in future C/4 and C/5 documents. Ms Austin also called for more intersectorial activities and project development be carried out, and finally mentioned that National Commissions have a responsibility to work with civil society partners within each country.
The positioning of National Commissions in the context of Decentralization and UN Reform Process
10. Mr Roland Bernecker (Germany) introduced the question of how to position National Commissions in the decentralization process, either as part of the Government (part of the Permanent Delegation), or as independent entities. He said that during the past 2 years he observed a big change in Field Offices’ attitude towards the National Commissions: Field Offices moved from strong reservations to a more cooperative approach. Now National Commissions are more participative in this process. He continued that there is a need to better understand who we are and how to interact with partners, since National Commissions have an unique position, as they are neither UNESCO, nor governmental, nor NGO. However it is believed that they are forming a very modern and timely structure and are becoming a think tank for the UNESCO family and even beyond. 11. Regarding UN reform, Mr Bernecker continuously pointed out it is more complex, as National Commissions must work with various governmental and inter-governmental entities. He argued that
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National Commissions should continue to inflect on the input that they can give and should take their own responsibility, with strong support from the Secretariat.
Report of the UNESCO Youth Forum 12. Mr Pierre Sané, ADG/SHS, introduced the 6th Youth Forum held from 1 to 3 October, before the General Conference, and the discussions held and recommendations adopted on that occasion. He highlighted that youth asked for expanded cooperation and representation in the activities and decisions of National Commissions, such as increased programmes and establishment of youth desks. He also introduced that the Youth Forum welcomed the action and support of the National Commissions in implementing recommendations of the Forum. Finally, he thanked National Commissions for their contributions and hoped there would be future contributions for LDCs. 13. Mr Igor Mitschka (Austria) and Mr Justin Adriel Ordoyo (Philippines), two youth delegates of the Youth Forum commented on the event. They proposed that National Commissions establish a youth desk and encouraged them to follow up on the recommendations made during the Forum. 14. A number of participants stated they already have active youth desks within their Commission. Mr David A. Walden, (Canada) added that youth works exist within the General Assembly of the Canadian National Commission and it is important to have them integrated in the efforts of UNESCO. 15. Mr Mohammed M. Mwinyipembe (Kenya) highlighted the ambiguity as the age of youth can be defined differently at the national and global level. Also he questioned how to see their future role once they have become adults. 16. Mr Aboubakari Boina, (Comoros) stated that youth is important, although showed concern that the capacities of National Commissions are not large enough to cover all youth issues, and proposed that UNESCO takes the initiative on youth issues first. 17. Mr Akoété A. Kougblenou (Togo) argued that UNESCO needs to support National Commissions in youth programmes and that broader action for youth is needed. 18. Mr Walter Lerouge (Belgium) suggested that youth also be invited to the consultation meetings. 19. A number of participants were thanked for the support in sending their youth to attend the youth fora.
Discussion of General Business 20. Mr Walter Lerouge (Belgium) introduced the ‘New Approach’ used for the regional consultation of ENA National Commissions on the preparation of the Draft 35 C/5, and emphasized that the essence of good practice is democratic discussion. He added that with this ‘New Approach’, National Commissions could be a good example for UNESCO in this line of cooperation. He also appealed to other regions that it is good practice to prepare their regional consultation meeting years ahead. 21. Mr Arief Rachman (Indonesia) agreed that there is improvement and progress in recognizing the role of National Commissions. However he added that a clear agenda and strategy will be needed to demonstrate their strength and power. Diverse in their status and structure, National Commissions share the same ideals and work for the same goals. 22. Mr Grigory Ordzhonikidze (Russian Federation) raised the issue of e-communication and networking. Noting that National Commissions are diverse, he insisted on the needs of different National Commissions and stated his interest in support of this. 23. Mr Pham Sanh Chau (Viet Nam) argued that this inter-regional meeting should have less talk, but more action, as there was already an abundance of meetings in the same direction. He thought that the
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meeting should aim at sharing experience and defining the position of National Commissions, including how to enhance the Government’s or the Permanent Delegation’s views on them. He added that National Commissions do not disseminate enough information that they possess and such resources should be shared with other National Commissions. 24. Regarding the relationship between National Commissions and the Secretariat, Mr Pham asked the Secretariat not to call National Commissions ‘partners’ (so as to be on the same level as ASPnet or UNESCO Chairs), as they are in the same boat, and documents should fully recognize them as UNESCO. He further stated that Viet Nam was proud to be an UNDAF pilot country, but showed his concern for other Member States, as they have to first strengthen their structure before any other process can be introduced. 25. Mr Augustine Omare-Okurut, (Uganda) stated that sometimes the Secretariat does not have a warm view towards National Commissions and that he wants more support from ERC to claim their position. He proposed that National Commissions be recognized as a formal group and the informal meetings have a formal status. He also mentioned that there are ways for National Commissions to help each other on regional and local levels. 26. Regarding the status of National Commissions, Mr Lou Mathieu Bamba (Côte d'Ivoire) said that the work was difficult to be understood due to the unique status and expressed hope that the new Director-General would renew the previous circulation letter and highlight the work of National Commissions. He seconded the comment on having formal meetings of National Commissions. 27. While welcoming the MOU signed with UNDP and their contribution to the UN reform, Mr Saqib Aleem (Pakistan) argued that National Commissions sometimes were marginalized in the UN programme. He wanted to share the experience of being one of the pilot countries for UN reform and stated that more work should be done in this regard. He further proposed that fora for National Commissions be a regular part of the General Conference, so that recommendations can be formally introduced in the session. 28. Ms Preciosa Soliven (Philippines) confirmed the good working relation existing between her National Commission and the Permanent Delegation, who intervene jointly during the Executive Board and the General Conference. 29. Ms Elizabeth Kiondo (Tanzania) stated that National Commissions should reposition themselves within the Member State and the Secretariat. She said she is willing to work with other National Commissions to enhance networking and partnership for their capacity-building. 30. Ms Görel Thurdin (Sweden) suggested that the ‘World Café’ format should be adopted during meetings held during the General Conference, as there was lack of conversation. 31. In response to the request for formalizing the informal meetings, Mr Arief Rachman (Indonesia) underlined the advantage of informality and wished it would continue, as administration can be taken care of by the Secretariat and he would have to consult his ministry regarding the discussions if the meeting became formal. 32. Mr Luis Ramallo (Chair) concluded that meetings will be informal for the time being.
Election of Officers for the Coordinating Group of National Commissions 33. Mr Walter Lerouge (Belgium) questioned the current status of the inter-regional coordinating group, and argued it would be most practical if the organizers of the consultation meetings of each region be automatically the members of the coordinating group, as the hosts of the meetings rotate every biennium. 34. Mrs Maria Ekaterini Papachristopoulou-Tzitzikosta (Greece) underlined the need to ensure proper geographical balance.
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35. Ms Marjutka Hafner (Slovenia) added that the hosts of the previous and next regional consultations can form the coordinating group, to ensure the contents being included in the C/4 and C/5 documents. However she argued that it would be inappropriate to make a decision during the meeting, as some participants have already left the room and suggested to appoint an informal group to propose how to work on future issues, and entrust the informal group to discuss this with ERC. She also suggested that regional meetings of National Commissions during the General Conference session be held after, rather than before, the inter-regional one. 36. Mr Luis Ramallo (Chair) reminded the participants that it was decided 2 years ago to restructure the group with the nomination of 2 members of each region, and proposed that each region prepare a related item when holding the consultation meetings to come to a conclusion that two National Commissions be members of the inter-regional coordinating group. At the request of several participants, he agreed to continue chairing the informal group. Finally, he asked the participants to agree on his proposal, and to keep focus on the contents, rather than being trapped by the formality of the meetings. The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 pm.
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Interregional Informal Meeting of Presidents and Secretaries-General of National Commissions for UNESCO / Réunion interrégionale informelle des Présidents et Secrétaires généraux des commissions nationales pour l’UNESCO
14 October 2009, 1:30-3 pm, Room IX / 14 octobre 2009, 13h30-15h00, Salle IX PicturesPicturesPicturesPictures
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