Thursday, June 10, 2010

Regional Meeting of the National Commissions

Delegates at the 2008 Regional Consultation

The UK National Commission for UNESCO hosted the UNESCO Director-General’s Regional Consultation with National Commissions for UNESCO of Europe and North America on the Preparation of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2012-2013 (36C/5) from 5-8 June 2010, in London.

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Meeting of the U.S. NatCom

The long-awaited annual meeting of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO (U.S. NatCom) took place May 25-27 in downtown Washington, D.C. and, reportedly turned out much quite successful in spite of an unusually tight schedule. It was difficult to know the exact number of Commissioners in attendance but 40-50 is a reasonable estimate plus various invited guests and the not too numerous "public" of whom six were members of the AU Board.

Though not described as having overall themes, the meeting featured science, women and youth in the presence of Dr. Gretchen Kalonji, the new UNESCO ADG/SC due to assume her duties July 1st. An American young woman, former participant in the Young Professional Program, now a staff member in the Science Sector described her entry into the UNESCO world with enthusiasm. Another young woman was equally enthusiastic about her participation in the Youth Forum (held during last year's General Conference). Finally, the United States contribution to various aspects of UNESCO's work in the field of water was eloquently described by the President and Director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Dr. Susan Avery, and two US scientists dealing with the International Hydrological Program.

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

World Day Against Child Labor - 12 June

Hundreds of millions of girls and boys throughout the world are engaged in work that deprives them of adequate education, health, leisure and basic freedoms, violating their rights. Of these children, more than half are exposed to the worst forms of child labor such as work in hazardous environments, slavery, or other forms of forced labor, illicit activities such as drug trafficking and prostitution, as well as involvement in armed conflict.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) launched the first World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 as a way to highlight the plight of these children. The day, which is observed on June 12th, is intended to serve as a catalyst for the growing worldwide movement against child labor.



UNESCO too seeks to combat child labor and support learning opportunities for children.

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Joseph H.P. Carney

Joe Carney died peacefully on Sunday, May 30, 2010 at his home in Fairfax, VA after a long illness. He was 71 years old. Dr. Carney held a Ph.D. in African Studies from St. John''s University, NY, and M.S. in American History from Scranton University, PA, and M.A.s in Religious Education and Theology from the Maryknoll Graduate School of Theology and the University of the State of New York. Dr. Carney joined the United States Foreign Service in 1978. Joe worked with USAID, serving in Jamaica, Indonesia, and several countries in Africa. At his retirement in 2009, Dr. Carney was the USAID Director of the Office of Education and a U.S. delegate to UNESCO.