(EMU) – St. Kitts, September 24, 2012: Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO, Antonio Maynard said he has high hopes for the Federation’s future collaboration with UNESCO as the organization has given focus to several of its programmes which can assist Small Island Developing States in its medium term strategy for 2014-2021.
Upon his recent return from a consultation of the Director General Irina Bokova with member states and National Commissions For UNESCO of Latin America and the Caribbean Region, Mr. Maynard expressed the Director General’s firm commitment to address the interests of member states.
In light of UNESCO’s determination to efficiently, responsibly and effectively utilize its resources a number of priority areas were identified. The culture of peace and sustainable development were areas in which it was felt that UNESCO had a comparative advantage.
He stated the Director General’s conviction that “UNESCO must take the lead in the reflection and advancement of issues such as climate change, girls’ and womens’ education, and culture and development to respond to the major challenges ahead, such as poverty eradication, the reduction of inequalities, sustainable development, peace and security.”
Referring to the consultation as “occurring at a crucial moment for the future of the Organization,” Ms Bokova told delegates that inspite of important progress made by member countries new challenges UNESCO has had to reform itself and redefine its priorities and their implementation mechanisms.
Mr. Maynard said the Director promised to raise the visibility of UNESCO in a number of key areas which are receiving increased recognition at the highest level in particular the growing recognition of links between culture and development; and UNESCO’s leading role in the UN Secretary General’s “Education First” initiative. Both areas are believed by Maynard to be beneficial for the Federation’s development prorgamme.
One of the major decisions taken at the meeting was to merge the current five Major Programmes into three. The respective names will be decided by the 190 Executive Board.
The suggestions for the three major programmes are Education for Peace and Sustainable Development; Mobilizing the sciences, technology and innovation for peace and sustainable development as well as Culture, Creativity and Freedom of Expression.
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