UNESCO Ethics of Science and Technology program website:
"Science and technology today is advancing in leaps and bounds. In order to utilize this growing potential to the benefit of humanity, ethical reflection on science and technology and its applications must develop alongside. In recognition of this need, the UNESCO Ethics of Science and Technology Programme was created in 1998 with the establishment of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) and has been a priority of UNESCO since 2002"
Saturday, April 30, 2005
World Book and Copyright Day - April 23, 2005
UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day website:
A belated happy World Book and Copyright Day - April 23, 2005
A belated happy World Book and Copyright Day - April 23, 2005
Remarks of the Director General
On the occasion of the second "Round Table on Development-Driven Public-Private Partnerships in Basic Education: Practitioners’ Solutions".
"I am very pleased with the progress being made in UNESCO’s collaboration with the business community in regard to basic education. It is an ongoing process and I would like it to develop further in the period ahead. As an outcome of the first round table on Public-Private Partnerships for Basic Education that took place last November in Brasilia, the High-Level Group on Education for All (EFA) has recognized the necessity of a more significant private sector participation in basic education. The Brasilia Statement not only calls for collaboration with the private sector in order to mobilize resources for the full EFA agenda of six major goals. In addition, it positions business leaders, and notably the World Economic Forum, at the core of the global advocacy efforts that are indispensable for ensuring that the EFA goals remain achievable. This recognition by the more traditional stakeholders in education was a further milestone in the development of a commonly shared vision on partnerships for education.......
"Finally, please allow me to express my special thanks to those steadfast allies from the USA who are providing UNESCO and the EFA community with special support in fostering private sector participation in education: Ambassador Oliver, USAID, the Committee for Economic Development, and the Center on Universal Education of the Council on Foreign Relations, represented by its Director, Mr Gene Sperling."
"I am very pleased with the progress being made in UNESCO’s collaboration with the business community in regard to basic education. It is an ongoing process and I would like it to develop further in the period ahead. As an outcome of the first round table on Public-Private Partnerships for Basic Education that took place last November in Brasilia, the High-Level Group on Education for All (EFA) has recognized the necessity of a more significant private sector participation in basic education. The Brasilia Statement not only calls for collaboration with the private sector in order to mobilize resources for the full EFA agenda of six major goals. In addition, it positions business leaders, and notably the World Economic Forum, at the core of the global advocacy efforts that are indispensable for ensuring that the EFA goals remain achievable. This recognition by the more traditional stakeholders in education was a further milestone in the development of a commonly shared vision on partnerships for education.......
"Finally, please allow me to express my special thanks to those steadfast allies from the USA who are providing UNESCO and the EFA community with special support in fostering private sector participation in education: Ambassador Oliver, USAID, the Committee for Economic Development, and the Center on Universal Education of the Council on Foreign Relations, represented by its Director, Mr Gene Sperling."
"Integrating ICTs into the Curriculum: Analytical Catalogue of Key Publications"
UNESCO Bangkok: Catalogue
Summary: "This catalogue contains a range of resources in the form of books, CD-ROMs, online publications, websites and articles from e-journals that aim to provide teachers, senior school managers, curriculum developers and administrators with guidelines and strategies for integrating ICTs effectively into teaching and learning. The catalogue is divided into a number of sections, each with a particular focus area, and the materials have been purposefully gathered from a range of sources to provide as broad a perspective on the various issues as possible. For example, websites and publications from government agencies and departments of education are featured, such as the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency and the U.S. Department of Education, as are organizations such as the International Society for Technology in Education, respected online educational journals and case studies from regional and national primary and secondary schools. Most of the resources included in this catalogue may be found online. For the print publications and CD-ROMs, publisher’s details have been included. All resources may be found in the Information and Knowledge Management (IKM) Library based at UNESCO Bangkok." Contents: Preface, Introduction, Trends and Recommendations; Section 1: General Principles and Strategies for Integrating Technology in Education and the Curriculum; Section 2: Integrating Technology into the Classroom and Developing Lesson Plans that Integrate ICTs; Section 3: Technology Integration into Specific Subjects; Section 4: Requirements for and Barriers to Effective Technology Integration; Section 5: Evaluating Effectiveness of Technology Integration; Section 6: Successful Case Studies of Technology Integration in Schools. Editors: Caroline Haddad and Luisa Rennie, UNESCO Bangkok, 2005, 110p.
Summary: "This catalogue contains a range of resources in the form of books, CD-ROMs, online publications, websites and articles from e-journals that aim to provide teachers, senior school managers, curriculum developers and administrators with guidelines and strategies for integrating ICTs effectively into teaching and learning. The catalogue is divided into a number of sections, each with a particular focus area, and the materials have been purposefully gathered from a range of sources to provide as broad a perspective on the various issues as possible. For example, websites and publications from government agencies and departments of education are featured, such as the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency and the U.S. Department of Education, as are organizations such as the International Society for Technology in Education, respected online educational journals and case studies from regional and national primary and secondary schools. Most of the resources included in this catalogue may be found online. For the print publications and CD-ROMs, publisher’s details have been included. All resources may be found in the Information and Knowledge Management (IKM) Library based at UNESCO Bangkok." Contents: Preface, Introduction, Trends and Recommendations; Section 1: General Principles and Strategies for Integrating Technology in Education and the Curriculum; Section 2: Integrating Technology into the Classroom and Developing Lesson Plans that Integrate ICTs; Section 3: Technology Integration into Specific Subjects; Section 4: Requirements for and Barriers to Effective Technology Integration; Section 5: Evaluating Effectiveness of Technology Integration; Section 6: Successful Case Studies of Technology Integration in Schools. Editors: Caroline Haddad and Luisa Rennie, UNESCO Bangkok, 2005, 110p.
Friday, April 29, 2005
The 171st session of UNESCO’s Executive Board
The 171st session of UNESCO’s Executive Board closed Thursday, April 28th following more than two weeks of debate. There are 87 of documents produced for the meeting; many may be of interest. A complete list is available on the UNESCO website.
I have linked some below that may be of special interest to the readers of this blog:
General
Intersectoral Programs
Both Education and Culture
Education
Culture
Check the UNESCO News: Sciences and Communications blog for links to other reports from the Executive Board meeting.
I have linked some below that may be of special interest to the readers of this blog:
General
Report by the Director-General on the execution of the programme adopted by the General Conference
Report by the Director-General on the follow-up of decisions and resolutions adopted by the Executive Board and the General Conference at their previous sessions
Report by the Director-General on the reform process
Jerusalem and the implementation of 32 C/Resolution and 170 EX/Decision 3.6.1.
Comments by the Director-General on the external evaluation reports submitted in the 2004-2005 biennium
Report by the Director-General on the revised and completed principles and guidelines regarding the establishment and operation of UNESCO Institutes and centres (category I) and Institutes and centres under the auspices of UNESCO (category II)
Report by the Director-General on the overall review of UNESCO prizes
Report by the Director-General on the implementation of the Participation Programme and Emergency Assistance
Proposals by Member States for the celebration of anniversaries in 2006-2007 with which UNESCO could be associated
Relations with international non-governmental organizations, foundations and similar institutions
Monitoring the Ratification of Conventions
Proclamation of 2007 as a United Nations International Year of Planet Earth
Report of the Committee on Conventions and Recommendations
Draft decisions recommended by the Special Committee
Report and draft decision of the Committee on International Non-Governmental Organizations
Draft decisions recommended by the Programme and External Relations Commission
Address by the Director-General on the occasion of the general debate of the 171st session of the Executive Board on items 3, 4, 5 and 20
Consideration of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2006-2007 (33 C/5) and recommendations of the Executive Board
Comments of the Director-General on items presented by Member States which may have administrative and financial implications
Address by the Director-General on the occasion of the reply to the General Debate of the 171st session of the Executive Board
Intersectoral Programs
Report by the Director-General on an intersectoral strategy on philosophy
Report by the Director-General on an overall strategy for an intersectoral programme for languages at UNESCO
UNESCO's Co-action Programme
Creation of a World Philosophy Day
Establishment of a World Philosophy Day: a feasibility study
Both Education and Culture
Implementation of 32 C/Resolution 54 and 170 EX/Decision 9.3 concerning educational and cultural institutions in the occupied Arab territories
Report by the Director-General on the cultural and educational institutions in Iraq
Education
Draft international implementation scheme for the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development
Report by the Director-General on the follow-up to the EFA Strategic Review and UNESCO's Srategy for the 2005-2015 period
Guidelines for the Preparation of Reports for the Seventh Consultation of Member States on the Implementation of the Convention and the Recommendation against Discrimination in Education (1960)
Report by the Director-General on cooperation between UNESCO and the OECD in drafting guidelines on Quality provision in cross-border higher education
Progress report on the preparation of the International Convention against Doping in Sport
Information on the first World Congress on Literacy (Havana, 31 January-4 February 2005)
Report by the Director-General on the follow-up to the EFA strategic review and UNESCO's strategy for the 2005-2015 period
Culture
Report by the Director-General on a strategy to facilitate the restitution of stolen or illicitly exported cultural property
Report by the Director-General on the promotion of the dialogue among peoples
Report by the Director-General on the progress towards the draft convention on the protection of the diversity of cultural contents and artistic expressions
Participation of the European Community in the intergovernmental meeting of experts (Category II) on the preliminary draft convention on the protection of the diversity of cultural contents and artistic expressions
Universal Forum of Cultures, 2007 in Monterrey, Mexico
Dialogue among peoples: Tirana and Hanoi declarations
Appendices 1 and 2 to the preliminary report by the Director-General on the Draft Convention on the Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Contents and Artistic Expressions
Check the UNESCO News: Sciences and Communications blog for links to other reports from the Executive Board meeting.
Session Of Unesco�s Executive Board Closes With Tangible Results
UNESCO News release:
"The 171st session of UNESCO�s Executive Board, chaired by Ambassador Hans-Heinrich Wrede (Germany), closed today following more than two weeks of debate devoted notably to the preparation of UNESCO's General Conference to be held next October. The session was 'very intensive', dominated by the question of how to 'turn good ideas into good strategies, and from there, into solid application and follow up' said Ambassador Wrede. 'UNESCO will be relevant,' said Ambassador Wrede in his closing speech, 'when it flexibly responds to those most in need. We must agree on the best way to move forward. We have reaffirmed the unanimous conviction: Education is the priority. Approaching the MDG deadline, the pressure is on to ensure effective and swift implementation of the 'Education for All' objectives........
"'The budget,' said Ambassador Wrede, 'sparked a most animated and substantive debate. Many members emphasized a pragmatic approach and asked for a better use of existing resources. All agreed that UNESCO should better concentrate on its areas of expertise, before additional resources are invested. Members requested special attention for LDCs, E-9 countries and Africa.'
"The 172nd session of the Executive Board will be held at UNESCO Headquarters from September 13 to 29, just ahead of the 33rd session of the General Conference, which will take place from October 3 to 21."
"The 171st session of UNESCO�s Executive Board, chaired by Ambassador Hans-Heinrich Wrede (Germany), closed today following more than two weeks of debate devoted notably to the preparation of UNESCO's General Conference to be held next October. The session was 'very intensive', dominated by the question of how to 'turn good ideas into good strategies, and from there, into solid application and follow up' said Ambassador Wrede. 'UNESCO will be relevant,' said Ambassador Wrede in his closing speech, 'when it flexibly responds to those most in need. We must agree on the best way to move forward. We have reaffirmed the unanimous conviction: Education is the priority. Approaching the MDG deadline, the pressure is on to ensure effective and swift implementation of the 'Education for All' objectives........
"'The budget,' said Ambassador Wrede, 'sparked a most animated and substantive debate. Many members emphasized a pragmatic approach and asked for a better use of existing resources. All agreed that UNESCO should better concentrate on its areas of expertise, before additional resources are invested. Members requested special attention for LDCs, E-9 countries and Africa.'
"The 172nd session of the Executive Board will be held at UNESCO Headquarters from September 13 to 29, just ahead of the 33rd session of the General Conference, which will take place from October 3 to 21."
Global Education Digest 2005
The Global Education Digest 2005, published by UNESCO’s Institute for Statistics, presents a wide range of comparable education indicators. They can be used to assess progress towards the Education for All and Millennium Development Goals. These cross-national indicators can also be used to benchmark the performance of one’s own educational system to those in other countries.
Four out of every five of the world’s children aged between 10 and 15 are today enrolled in lower secondary education, which is now considered as part of compulsory education in most countries. This year’s edition of the Digest also features a special chapter on trends in participation and gender parity in secondary education.
The Digest shows that secondary education is expanding rapidly worldwide, with enrolments increasing from 321 million in 1990 to 492 million in 2002/03. The fastest growth has occurred in South America which, along with Europe, now enjoys the world’s highest gross enrolment ratios at this level, at almost 100 percent. North America, East Asia and Oceania follow with enrolment ratios of over 90 percent. The figures drop sharply for West Asia, where lower secondary pupils represent 69 percent of the school-age population. It drops further still for Africa where, although enrolments at secondary level having been increasing by five percent annually since 1998, the lower secondary ratio is still only 45 percent.
Four out of every five of the world’s children aged between 10 and 15 are today enrolled in lower secondary education, which is now considered as part of compulsory education in most countries. This year’s edition of the Digest also features a special chapter on trends in participation and gender parity in secondary education.
The Digest shows that secondary education is expanding rapidly worldwide, with enrolments increasing from 321 million in 1990 to 492 million in 2002/03. The fastest growth has occurred in South America which, along with Europe, now enjoys the world’s highest gross enrolment ratios at this level, at almost 100 percent. North America, East Asia and Oceania follow with enrolment ratios of over 90 percent. The figures drop sharply for West Asia, where lower secondary pupils represent 69 percent of the school-age population. It drops further still for Africa where, although enrolments at secondary level having been increasing by five percent annually since 1998, the lower secondary ratio is still only 45 percent.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Opera beats kung fu for UNESCO bid
ChinaDaily news story:
"A form of opera originating in Xinjiang defeated Shaolin kung fu to become China's sole nomination for UNESCO's intangible heritage list, the Ministry of Culture announced Tuesday."
"A form of opera originating in Xinjiang defeated Shaolin kung fu to become China's sole nomination for UNESCO's intangible heritage list, the Ministry of Culture announced Tuesday."
Mrs. Laura Bush Pays Tribute to UNESCO's Education for All Week
i-Newswire.com - Press Release And News Distribution :
"Mrs. Laura Bush today paid tribute to a national commemoration of 'Education For All Week,' which began this week, the annual celebration of the United Nation's Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) initiative to make quality education and literacy universal. The celebration is a joint-effort of the U.S. Departments of State and Education."
"Mrs. Laura Bush today paid tribute to a national commemoration of 'Education For All Week,' which began this week, the annual celebration of the United Nation's Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) initiative to make quality education and literacy universal. The celebration is a joint-effort of the U.S. Departments of State and Education."
Saturday, April 23, 2005
EFA Week 2005
UNESCO EFA Week 2005 webpage:
"EFA Week is intended to remind governments and the international community to keep their promise to achieve Education for All by 2015.
"This year children and adults in over 100 countries will deliver an urgent message to world governments: education is the key to end poverty.
"UNESCO supports this year�s Global Campaign for Education�s mobilization Send my Friend to School."
"EFA Week is intended to remind governments and the international community to keep their promise to achieve Education for All by 2015.
"This year children and adults in over 100 countries will deliver an urgent message to world governments: education is the key to end poverty.
"UNESCO supports this year�s Global Campaign for Education�s mobilization Send my Friend to School."
Safeguarding the Transmission of Local & Indigenous Knowledge of Nature
Draft Working Document
A UNESCO Experts Meeting Exploring linkages between Cultural Diversity and Biological Diversity.
A UNESCO Experts Meeting Exploring linkages between Cultural Diversity and Biological Diversity.
Roles for National Academies in Building Worldwide Scientific Capacity—a symposium in honor of Bruce Alberts
142nd NAS Annual Meeting: April 30-May 3, 2005: (This seminar is to be held May 2, 2005.)
"Bruce Alberts will conclude his term as Academy President on June 30. In recognition of Bruce Alberts' inspired leadership, this symposium will reflect on his role in creating new organizations and relationships in international science. Many of the issues facing the world--such as emerging infectious diseases, global climate change, energy sources, human migration, and the problems of megacities and environmental sustainability--are fundamentally international and do not respect national borders. Confronting these problems requires organizing the world's science, health, and technology communities as a source of global science policy advice. Academies are an essential element of such an organization because in many countries, academies form a vital link between governments and the science community. A global network of academies can thus identify critical issues and communicate these issues to policy makers both in national governments and international organizations such as the United Nations. Under Bruce Alberts' leadership, the InterAcademy Council (IAC), a global analog of our National Research Council has been successfully launched and has achieved a remarkable level of global influence. The symposium will include international science leaders who have worked to realize the vision of an effective source of international science policy advice and will conclude with a roundtable discussion addressing future directions in international science policy."
"Bruce Alberts will conclude his term as Academy President on June 30. In recognition of Bruce Alberts' inspired leadership, this symposium will reflect on his role in creating new organizations and relationships in international science. Many of the issues facing the world--such as emerging infectious diseases, global climate change, energy sources, human migration, and the problems of megacities and environmental sustainability--are fundamentally international and do not respect national borders. Confronting these problems requires organizing the world's science, health, and technology communities as a source of global science policy advice. Academies are an essential element of such an organization because in many countries, academies form a vital link between governments and the science community. A global network of academies can thus identify critical issues and communicate these issues to policy makers both in national governments and international organizations such as the United Nations. Under Bruce Alberts' leadership, the InterAcademy Council (IAC), a global analog of our National Research Council has been successfully launched and has achieved a remarkable level of global influence. The symposium will include international science leaders who have worked to realize the vision of an effective source of international science policy advice and will conclude with a roundtable discussion addressing future directions in international science policy."
Former child soldier describes lost childhood
The Daily Campus (The University of Connecticut) story:
"China Keitetsi, a former child soldier, spoke about her life experiences and efforts to end the practice of children in the army worldwide to a group of students and faculty in the Student Union Thursday afternoon.
"The event was sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair in Comparative Human Rights as part of a commemoration of the genocide in Rwanda."
"China Keitetsi, a former child soldier, spoke about her life experiences and efforts to end the practice of children in the army worldwide to a group of students and faculty in the Student Union Thursday afternoon.
"The event was sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair in Comparative Human Rights as part of a commemoration of the genocide in Rwanda."
Friday, April 22, 2005
Cultural Diversity in Knowledge Societies: UNESCO-CI
UNESCO Meetomg webage.:
"UNESCO is organizing a three-day expert meeting on 'Cultural Diversity in Knowledge Societies' in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, from 17 to 19 May 2005. The event takes place in the framework of the conference 'UNESCO between the two phases of the World Summit on the Information Society' organized by the Russian authorities."
"UNESCO is organizing a three-day expert meeting on 'Cultural Diversity in Knowledge Societies' in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, from 17 to 19 May 2005. The event takes place in the framework of the conference 'UNESCO between the two phases of the World Summit on the Information Society' organized by the Russian authorities."
Happy Earth Day
Try celebrating with the Second Annual Chevy Chase Earth Day Auction. The auction will raise funds and awareness for The Center for Environmental Education Online. Included in the auction are a "VIP Today Show Tour with Katie Couric", "Daily Show VIP seats for four and handshake with host Jon Stewart", "Lunch with Paul Simon and Chevy Chase", and "Visit Glenn Close on the set of "The Shield" and meet with her for lunch during a break in the day".
From The Tale of The Two Earth Days
Earth Day -- on The Vernal Equinox -- was first proposed by John McConnell in early October 1969 to a few members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and other community leaders especially interested in caring for and improving our natural environment. On November 25, 1969, the final day of the UNESCO National Conference, "Man, and His Environment," Cynthia Wayburn, one of the youth leaders on Mr. McConnell's Earth Day Committee, presented the idea and showed the Earth Flag during this presentation at the luncheon. On March 21, 1970. The first Proclamation of Earth Day was by San Francisco, the City of Saint Francis, patron saint of ecology.
First Day of Spring, March 21, 1970 was designate Earth Day. Sanctioned in a Proclamation signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations, it is observed each year. The Vernal Equinox is the moment when night and day are equal throughout the Earth -- reminding us of Earth's beautiful systems of balance which humanity has partially upset and must restore. From Humanity's earliest history people of many cultures have celebrated this day as the beginning of spring - symbolizing renewal of life.
Earth Day -- April 22 -- In Seattle in September 1969, Gaylord Nelson announced there would be a national environmental teach-in in the Spring of 1970. In January 1970, the Environmental Teach-In, decided to call their one-off event on 22 April Earth Day. Check out EPA's website celebrating the 35th Earth Day, today!
From The Tale of The Two Earth Days
Earth Day -- on The Vernal Equinox -- was first proposed by John McConnell in early October 1969 to a few members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and other community leaders especially interested in caring for and improving our natural environment. On November 25, 1969, the final day of the UNESCO National Conference, "Man, and His Environment," Cynthia Wayburn, one of the youth leaders on Mr. McConnell's Earth Day Committee, presented the idea and showed the Earth Flag during this presentation at the luncheon. On March 21, 1970. The first Proclamation of Earth Day was by San Francisco, the City of Saint Francis, patron saint of ecology.
First Day of Spring, March 21, 1970 was designate Earth Day. Sanctioned in a Proclamation signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations, it is observed each year. The Vernal Equinox is the moment when night and day are equal throughout the Earth -- reminding us of Earth's beautiful systems of balance which humanity has partially upset and must restore. From Humanity's earliest history people of many cultures have celebrated this day as the beginning of spring - symbolizing renewal of life.
Earth Day -- April 22 -- In Seattle in September 1969, Gaylord Nelson announced there would be a national environmental teach-in in the Spring of 1970. In January 1970, the Environmental Teach-In, decided to call their one-off event on 22 April Earth Day. Check out EPA's website celebrating the 35th Earth Day, today!
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
UNESCO Institute for Education > Publications
UNESCO Institute for Education Publications website
A large number of publications of the UNESCO Institute of Education can be downloaded free from this webpage. Many are also available on paper, and links are provided to their webpages.
A large number of publications of the UNESCO Institute of Education can be downloaded free from this webpage. Many are also available on paper, and links are provided to their webpages.
World Book and Copyright Day - April 23, 2005
World Book and Copyright Day UNESCO website:
"By celebrating this Day throughout the world, UNESCO seeks to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright."
"By celebrating this Day throughout the world, UNESCO seeks to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright."
Obelisk arrives in Ethiopia
Bangkok Post article:
"Thousands of Ethiopians cheered and cried joyously as Italy yesterday returned the first piece of the Axum obelisk, an ancient national treasure that Rome's fascist regime plundered 68 years ago."
"Thousands of Ethiopians cheered and cried joyously as Italy yesterday returned the first piece of the Axum obelisk, an ancient national treasure that Rome's fascist regime plundered 68 years ago."
CONVENTION ON THE PROTECTION OF THE DIVERSITY OF CULTURAL CONTENTS AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS
Report on the process of preparing a preliminary draft
"The first session of the intergovernmental experts meeting took place from 20 to 24 September 2004. This session saw a general exchange of ideas and a constructive discussion of the content of the preliminary draft Convention which had been submitted to Member States for their consideration in July 2004. The nature and objectives of the meeting were primarily designed to enable the government experts to exchange opinions on the future convention without embarking on a formal exercise of redrafting or amending the preliminary draft of the convention. A drafting Committee was set up by this first intergovernmental meeting. Following the constructive discussions of the first session of the intergovernmental meeting, Member States engaged in an intense process of consultations in order to prepare their written contributions, which were to be submitted by mid-November 2004 at the latest. Despite the very short time available, the deadline was met, and a great number of contributions was received by the Secretariat.....
"The Drafting Committee set up by the intergovernmental meeting during its first session met for the first time from 14 to 17 December 2004 at UNESCO Headquarters.....The second session of the intergovernmental experts meeting took place at UNESCO Headquarters from 31 January to 11 February 2005. This session was attended by nearly 540 participants representing 135 Member States, 2 permanent observers, 9 intergovernmental organizations and 23 non-governmental organizations."
At the second session, a recommendation was adopted asking the Chairman “to prepare a consolidated text consisting of the draft provisions recommended by the Drafting Committee together with proposals by the Chairman himself based on the specific directives of the Plenary for the remainder of the draft text, using, wherever necessary, options or footnotes to take into account different approaches that might require further consideration”.
For more information, refer to UNESCO Culture Website, Cultural Diversity .
"The first session of the intergovernmental experts meeting took place from 20 to 24 September 2004. This session saw a general exchange of ideas and a constructive discussion of the content of the preliminary draft Convention which had been submitted to Member States for their consideration in July 2004. The nature and objectives of the meeting were primarily designed to enable the government experts to exchange opinions on the future convention without embarking on a formal exercise of redrafting or amending the preliminary draft of the convention. A drafting Committee was set up by this first intergovernmental meeting. Following the constructive discussions of the first session of the intergovernmental meeting, Member States engaged in an intense process of consultations in order to prepare their written contributions, which were to be submitted by mid-November 2004 at the latest. Despite the very short time available, the deadline was met, and a great number of contributions was received by the Secretariat.....
"The Drafting Committee set up by the intergovernmental meeting during its first session met for the first time from 14 to 17 December 2004 at UNESCO Headquarters.....The second session of the intergovernmental experts meeting took place at UNESCO Headquarters from 31 January to 11 February 2005. This session was attended by nearly 540 participants representing 135 Member States, 2 permanent observers, 9 intergovernmental organizations and 23 non-governmental organizations."
At the second session, a recommendation was adopted asking the Chairman “to prepare a consolidated text consisting of the draft provisions recommended by the Drafting Committee together with proposals by the Chairman himself based on the specific directives of the Plenary for the remainder of the draft text, using, wherever necessary, options or footnotes to take into account different approaches that might require further consideration”.
For more information, refer to UNESCO Culture Website, Cultural Diversity .
THE GLOBAL MICROSCIENCE PROJECT
THE GLOBAL MICROSCIENCE PROJECT Teaching and Learning Packages(3.01b)
A world-wide project on Microscience Experiences supported by UNESCO, IUPAC, IOCD, IFSE and RADMASTE . The website provides Contents, Teachers' Guide & Students Worksheets online.
"The project has been in existence for several years, during which time it has grown from strength to strength as the need for practical microscience experiences is realised. Already, 75 countries have benefited from introductory microchemistry workshops and training courses, all of which have had positive review by local experts and teachers alike. In some countries, UNESCO-Associated Centres have been established to further develop the microscience project."
A world-wide project on Microscience Experiences supported by UNESCO, IUPAC, IOCD, IFSE and RADMASTE . The website provides Contents, Teachers' Guide & Students Worksheets online.
"The project has been in existence for several years, during which time it has grown from strength to strength as the need for practical microscience experiences is realised. Already, 75 countries have benefited from introductory microchemistry workshops and training courses, all of which have had positive review by local experts and teachers alike. In some countries, UNESCO-Associated Centres have been established to further develop the microscience project."
Monday, April 18, 2005
UNESCO Conventions, Declarations and Recommendations
UNESCO's website on Standard-Setting Instruments
The member states of UNESCO have over the decades drawn up a significant number of international instruments. Some take the form of "agreements" or "conventions", which are legally binding. Others are nonbinding "recommendations" or "declarations".
"UNESCO participates in this effort through its standard-setting action, serving as a central forum for coordinating the ethical, normative and intellectual issues of our time, fostering multidisciplinary exchange and mutual understanding, working – where possible and desirable – towards universal agreements on these issues, defining benchmarks and mobilizing international opinion.
"This site lists each instrument by type and by UNESCO sector of activity. For each instrument you will find HTML versions of the texts in English and French, and links to PDF files from our official documents in the six official languages of UNESCO."
Many of the conventions deal with education -- especially with the international recognition of certificates, diplomas and degrees -- while others deal with cultural heritage and copyrights.
The member states of UNESCO have over the decades drawn up a significant number of international instruments. Some take the form of "agreements" or "conventions", which are legally binding. Others are nonbinding "recommendations" or "declarations".
"UNESCO participates in this effort through its standard-setting action, serving as a central forum for coordinating the ethical, normative and intellectual issues of our time, fostering multidisciplinary exchange and mutual understanding, working – where possible and desirable – towards universal agreements on these issues, defining benchmarks and mobilizing international opinion.
"This site lists each instrument by type and by UNESCO sector of activity. For each instrument you will find HTML versions of the texts in English and French, and links to PDF files from our official documents in the six official languages of UNESCO."
Many of the conventions deal with education -- especially with the international recognition of certificates, diplomas and degrees -- while others deal with cultural heritage and copyrights.
Employment Opportunities for U.S. Citizens in U.N. Organizartions
State Department's U.N. Jobs website
The Bureau for International Organization Affairs of the Department of State seeks to assure that qualified U.S. citizens are considered for positions in the United Nations agencies, including UNESCO. As part of that effort, It provides this website with frequently updated lists of positions available, and other resources useful to those seeking such positions.
The Bureau for International Organization Affairs of the Department of State seeks to assure that qualified U.S. citizens are considered for positions in the United Nations agencies, including UNESCO. As part of that effort, It provides this website with frequently updated lists of positions available, and other resources useful to those seeking such positions.
OCCAM
OCCAM website:
"The Observatory for Cultural and Audiovisual Communication in the Mediterranean and in the World (OCCAM) was created in 1997 in Milan under the auspices of the UNESCO Director General, in collaboration with the Italian Committee of CICT-UNESCO and the Conseil International des Manifestations Cinematographiques de la Mediterranee - MCM -, as well as with the local institutions."
"The Observatory for Cultural and Audiovisual Communication in the Mediterranean and in the World (OCCAM) was created in 1997 in Milan under the auspices of the UNESCO Director General, in collaboration with the Italian Committee of CICT-UNESCO and the Conseil International des Manifestations Cinematographiques de la Mediterranee - MCM -, as well as with the local institutions."
Sunday, April 17, 2005
VOA News - Ethiopia Angry Over Postponement of Axum Obelisk's Return
VOA News article
"Ethiopians say they are shocked and dismayed that the return of their famed Axum obelisk from Italy has once again been postponed. Italy, which took the ancient monument from Ethiopia as a prize of conquest nearly 70 years ago, was supposed to begin delivering the obelisk in sections, starting Wednesday. "
"Ethiopians say they are shocked and dismayed that the return of their famed Axum obelisk from Italy has once again been postponed. Italy, which took the ancient monument from Ethiopia as a prize of conquest nearly 70 years ago, was supposed to begin delivering the obelisk in sections, starting Wednesday. "
Saturday, April 16, 2005
World Press Freedom Day
UNESCO World Press Freedom Day website:
"Every year, May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession."
"Every year, May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession."
Media pluralism and freedom of expression promote transparency in developing countries
An interview with Wijayananda Jayaweera, Director, UNESCO's IPDC
The International Programme for the Development of Communication "is the only multilateral forum in the UN system designed to mobilize the international community to discuss and promote media development in developing countries. It was established in 1980 following a proposal made by the United States of America to mobilize voluntary contributions from industrialized countries to support media development in the developing countries. Only 28% of the countries in the world had democratic systems at the time IPDC was established and by 2000 the percentage went up to 67% thus expanding opportunities for the development of free and pluralistic media in many developing countries. But serious inadequacies of media in these countries continue to prevent people from voicing their democratic aspirations, from sharing and accessing meaningful information and making informed decisions. IPDC mobilizes support to address these issues. Today, IPDC not only provides support for media development projects submitted by the independent media organizations but also seeks an accord to secure a healthy environment for the growth of free and pluralistic media in the developing countries. Since its inception IPDC has channeled US$ 92 million to more than 1100 media development projects in 135 developing countries."
The International Programme for the Development of Communication "is the only multilateral forum in the UN system designed to mobilize the international community to discuss and promote media development in developing countries. It was established in 1980 following a proposal made by the United States of America to mobilize voluntary contributions from industrialized countries to support media development in the developing countries. Only 28% of the countries in the world had democratic systems at the time IPDC was established and by 2000 the percentage went up to 67% thus expanding opportunities for the development of free and pluralistic media in many developing countries. But serious inadequacies of media in these countries continue to prevent people from voicing their democratic aspirations, from sharing and accessing meaningful information and making informed decisions. IPDC mobilizes support to address these issues. Today, IPDC not only provides support for media development projects submitted by the independent media organizations but also seeks an accord to secure a healthy environment for the growth of free and pluralistic media in the developing countries. Since its inception IPDC has channeled US$ 92 million to more than 1100 media development projects in 135 developing countries."
Friday, April 15, 2005
171st Neeting of the Executive Board of UNESCO
The meeting is taking place from April 12 to April 28, 2005 in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
The Agenda
OUTLINE OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL’S INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Agenda
OUTLINE OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL’S INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
UNESCO Employment
UNESCO Emplyment website
"UNESCO offers a broad range of work opportunities. Posts in the Organization are mainly filled by people in occupations linked to the Organization's main activities -- culture, education, science and communication. There are also opportunities for employment in other occupational fields such as administration, finance, human resources and information technology."
"UNESCO offers a broad range of work opportunities. Posts in the Organization are mainly filled by people in occupations linked to the Organization's main activities -- culture, education, science and communication. There are also opportunities for employment in other occupational fields such as administration, finance, human resources and information technology."
UNESCO World Heritage sites
InterAcademy Council description of the study:
"The UNESCO, World Heritage Centre wishes to promote increased scientific research and scientific activities related to management at World Heritage sites. At their request, the InterAcademy Council will undertake a study to review the role of science at both World Heritage natural and mixed Sites. The study's goal will be to outline opportunities to increase the involvement of science at the sites including opportunities to; i) bolster pure research, including the use of scientific information in identifying potential sites and designing nomination strategies; ii) increase sciences' role in applied activities related to site conservation and management, and iii) generate technical information to facilitate decision making by national policy makers on issues affecting World Heritage."
"The UNESCO, World Heritage Centre wishes to promote increased scientific research and scientific activities related to management at World Heritage sites. At their request, the InterAcademy Council will undertake a study to review the role of science at both World Heritage natural and mixed Sites. The study's goal will be to outline opportunities to increase the involvement of science at the sites including opportunities to; i) bolster pure research, including the use of scientific information in identifying potential sites and designing nomination strategies; ii) increase sciences' role in applied activities related to site conservation and management, and iii) generate technical information to facilitate decision making by national policy makers on issues affecting World Heritage."
Thursday, April 14, 2005
ASEAN SchoolNet Sets the Stage for Telecollaboration
UNESCO-CI News Release:
"Two regional workshops were held back-to-back, from 28 March to 6 April 2005, to build capacity and develop a plan of action for piloting telecollaboration among selected schools in eight ASEAN countries. This is part of the ASEAN SchoolNet Project implemented by the UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education in Bangkok with support from Japan and the ASEAN Foundation. "
"Two regional workshops were held back-to-back, from 28 March to 6 April 2005, to build capacity and develop a plan of action for piloting telecollaboration among selected schools in eight ASEAN countries. This is part of the ASEAN SchoolNet Project implemented by the UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education in Bangkok with support from Japan and the ASEAN Foundation. "
£70m plan to save lost Inca city
Guardian Unlimited article
"The Peruvian government has come up with an emergency plan to preserve the mountain-top Inca citadel Machu Picchu and the surrounding national park from the ravages of too many tourists and possible landslides.
"The $132.5m (£70m) plan is to be studied by Unesco and the World Bank at a three-day meeting in Lima beginning on Saturday.
"Machu Picchu is the most visited archaeological site in Latin America. It has been a Unesco world heritage site since 1983, but the UN's cultural organisation made it clear last year that if something were not done soon it would be put on the list of sites at risk. This would be a highly shameful step towards being kicked off altogether."
"The Peruvian government has come up with an emergency plan to preserve the mountain-top Inca citadel Machu Picchu and the surrounding national park from the ravages of too many tourists and possible landslides.
"The $132.5m (£70m) plan is to be studied by Unesco and the World Bank at a three-day meeting in Lima beginning on Saturday.
"Machu Picchu is the most visited archaeological site in Latin America. It has been a Unesco world heritage site since 1983, but the UN's cultural organisation made it clear last year that if something were not done soon it would be put on the list of sites at risk. This would be a highly shameful step towards being kicked off altogether."
Who's Who in the State Department
There are many people in the U.S. State Department who have responsibilities connected to the UNESCO. As UNESCO further decentralizes, it seems likely that U.S. embassies in many countries will have increasing UNESCO responsibilities. Below I have linked to biographies of key policy level officials of the State Department who might have UNESCO interests.
John Bolton is of course in the news as the U.S. Ambassador designate to the United Nations. Bolton's biography on the State Department Website. Bolton’s Resume from the American Enterprise Institute.
Louise V. Oliver, Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Kim Holmes, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organization Affairs (Which has oversight of relations with U.N. agencies, including UNESCO.)
R. Nicholas Burns; Under Secretary, Political Affairs (With oversight over State/IO as well as other Bureaus.)
Patricia de Stacy Harrison, Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. (Karen P. Hughes has been nominated for this post, but not yet confirmed.)
and Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs. (Dina Powell has been nominated for this post, but not yet confirmed. Powell's White House biography.)
John F. Turner, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
Paula J. Dobriansky, Under Secretary, Global Affairs (With oversight of State/OES and several other bureaus.)
George H. Atkinson, Special Adviser, Science and Technology. (The Science Advisor to the State Department.)
John Bolton is of course in the news as the U.S. Ambassador designate to the United Nations. Bolton's biography on the State Department Website. Bolton’s Resume from the American Enterprise Institute.
Louise V. Oliver, Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Kim Holmes, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organization Affairs (Which has oversight of relations with U.N. agencies, including UNESCO.)
R. Nicholas Burns; Under Secretary, Political Affairs (With oversight over State/IO as well as other Bureaus.)
Patricia de Stacy Harrison, Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. (Karen P. Hughes has been nominated for this post, but not yet confirmed.)
and Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs. (Dina Powell has been nominated for this post, but not yet confirmed. Powell's White House biography.)
John F. Turner, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
Paula J. Dobriansky, Under Secretary, Global Affairs (With oversight of State/OES and several other bureaus.)
George H. Atkinson, Special Adviser, Science and Technology. (The Science Advisor to the State Department.)
Monday, April 11, 2005
Safeguarding the Transmission of Local and Indigenous Knowledge of Nature
UNESCO Culture Sector announcement:
"This International Experts Meeting is the first of a series of events centred around �Celebrating Diversity� and will explore the links between Cultural Diversity and Biological Diversity."
"This International Experts Meeting is the first of a series of events centred around �Celebrating Diversity� and will explore the links between Cultural Diversity and Biological Diversity."
Withdraw UNESCO proposal: WSC to Indian govt
HindustanTimes.com article:
The "US-based World Sikh Council (WSC) on Monday urged the Indian government to withdraw its proposal to UNESCO on declaring Golden Temple as the World Heritage Site...........
"'The status of Sri Darbar Sahib in Sikh religion is similar to that of the Kaaba in Islam and the Vatican in Roman Catholicism. Kaaba is not a Saudi Arabian cultural site but the centre of Islam, the Vatican is not an Italian cultural entity but the centre of the Roman Catholic Church,' WSC, a representative of Sikh institutions of America, said."
The "US-based World Sikh Council (WSC) on Monday urged the Indian government to withdraw its proposal to UNESCO on declaring Golden Temple as the World Heritage Site...........
"'The status of Sri Darbar Sahib in Sikh religion is similar to that of the Kaaba in Islam and the Vatican in Roman Catholicism. Kaaba is not a Saudi Arabian cultural site but the centre of Islam, the Vatican is not an Italian cultural entity but the centre of the Roman Catholic Church,' WSC, a representative of Sikh institutions of America, said."
"New Jordanian cabinet sworn in"
Aljazeera.com article
"A new Jordanian government has been sworn in on Thursday, two days after the previous cabinet resigned.
"Jordan’s King Abdullah appointed Adnan Badran, a 69-year-old academic, as prime minister after the resignation of the two-year-old administration of Faisal al-Fayez."
Badran is the former Deputy Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (1993-1998), and Assistant Director General for Science, UNESCO, Paris, France (1990-1993).
"A new Jordanian government has been sworn in on Thursday, two days after the previous cabinet resigned.
"Jordan’s King Abdullah appointed Adnan Badran, a 69-year-old academic, as prime minister after the resignation of the two-year-old administration of Faisal al-Fayez."
Badran is the former Deputy Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (1993-1998), and Assistant Director General for Science, UNESCO, Paris, France (1990-1993).
Sunday, April 10, 2005
International Conference : World Heritage and Contemporary Architecture
International Conference website
UNESCO and the City of Vienna have joined to announce this international conference, co-organized by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the Austrian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, which will take place in the Vienna City Hall from 12 to 14 May 2005.
UNESCO and the City of Vienna have joined to announce this international conference, co-organized by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the Austrian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, which will take place in the Vienna City Hall from 12 to 14 May 2005.
"ICT in Schools: A Handbook for Teachers or How ICT Can Create New, Open Learning Environments"
Download the handbook in PDF format
This handbook is principally designed for teachers and teacher educators who are currently working with, or would like to know more about, information and communications technology (ICT) in schools. A major theme in the book concerns how ICT can create new, open learning environments and the role that ICT can play in efforts to shift from a teacher-centred to a learner-centred environment. The book should be seen as complementary to the ones already published by UNESCO in the 2002-2003 biennium devoted to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in teacher education.
This handbook is principally designed for teachers and teacher educators who are currently working with, or would like to know more about, information and communications technology (ICT) in schools. A major theme in the book concerns how ICT can create new, open learning environments and the role that ICT can play in efforts to shift from a teacher-centred to a learner-centred environment. The book should be seen as complementary to the ones already published by UNESCO in the 2002-2003 biennium devoted to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in teacher education.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Treasures in Cultural Crossfire
www.phayul.com article:
"'Tibet: Treasures from the Roof of the World' was a coup for the museum world. The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art of Santa Ana, California, worked with Tibet's Bureau of Cultural Relics and the staff of Lhasa's three central cultural institutions to bring to the US more than 100 Chinese, Indian, Nepalese, Mongolian and Tibetan sacred and ritual objects. The exhibition spent the early part of 2004 at the Bowers, then moved to the Houston Museum of Natural Science........
"For the museum community, the exhibition tests the limits of the newest code of ethics set by UNESCO's International Council on Museums, which discourages members from acquiring objects from an 'occupied territory'. However, it has no specific guidance for materials on loan from such a territory."
"'Tibet: Treasures from the Roof of the World' was a coup for the museum world. The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art of Santa Ana, California, worked with Tibet's Bureau of Cultural Relics and the staff of Lhasa's three central cultural institutions to bring to the US more than 100 Chinese, Indian, Nepalese, Mongolian and Tibetan sacred and ritual objects. The exhibition spent the early part of 2004 at the Bowers, then moved to the Houston Museum of Natural Science........
"For the museum community, the exhibition tests the limits of the newest code of ethics set by UNESCO's International Council on Museums, which discourages members from acquiring objects from an 'occupied territory'. However, it has no specific guidance for materials on loan from such a territory."
"What future travel plans outside the United States does Mrs. Bush have on behalf of women's issues?"
Anita McBride's 'Ask the White House' response:
Mrs. Bush is very interested in international women's issues and she is certainly interested in advancing these issues as she travels around the world.
"As the Honorary Ambassador for UNCESCO's Decade of Literacy, Mrs. Bush will continue to be an advocate for international education issues. She recently spoke at the Georgetown University Conference on UNESCO's "Education for All" Initiative."
Mrs. Bush is very interested in international women's issues and she is certainly interested in advancing these issues as she travels around the world.
"As the Honorary Ambassador for UNCESCO's Decade of Literacy, Mrs. Bush will continue to be an advocate for international education issues. She recently spoke at the Georgetown University Conference on UNESCO's "Education for All" Initiative."
Afghanistan's legendary gold collection to tour abroad
Middle East Times article:
"Afghanistan is planning a foreign exhibition of its 2,000-year-old Bactrian gold, once thought to have been destroyed by the Taliban, to fund the rebuilding of a war-ravaged museum, officials said on Friday.
"The priceless jewelry and ornaments will be sent on a world tour in collaboration with UNESCO, the UN heritage body, said Kabul national museum director Omarakhan Massoudi."
"Afghanistan is planning a foreign exhibition of its 2,000-year-old Bactrian gold, once thought to have been destroyed by the Taliban, to fund the rebuilding of a war-ravaged museum, officials said on Friday.
"The priceless jewelry and ornaments will be sent on a world tour in collaboration with UNESCO, the UN heritage body, said Kabul national museum director Omarakhan Massoudi."
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Ariane Mnouchkine receives UNESCO Picasso Medal
UNESCO Press Release:
French theatre director Ariane Mnouchkine and the theatre company she founded in Paris in 1964, the Theatre du Soleil, received the UNESCO Picasso Medal on the occasion of World Theatre Day in a ceremony on Thursday, March 31, 2005.
French theatre director Ariane Mnouchkine and the theatre company she founded in Paris in 1964, the Theatre du Soleil, received the UNESCO Picasso Medal on the occasion of World Theatre Day in a ceremony on Thursday, March 31, 2005.
President Khatami and President Bouteflika to address conference on dialogue among civilizations at UNESCO
UNESCO Press Release:
"Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President of Algeria, will attend an international conference at UNESCO Headquarters on Tuesday, April 5 to assess the advancement of the dialogue between civilizations, cultures and peoples. UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura will formally open the conference (9.30 a.m., Room 1), which will also be attended by more than 300 participants, including eminent academics and decisions makers from the Arab region, Asia, Europe and the United States."
"Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President of Algeria, will attend an international conference at UNESCO Headquarters on Tuesday, April 5 to assess the advancement of the dialogue between civilizations, cultures and peoples. UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura will formally open the conference (9.30 a.m., Room 1), which will also be attended by more than 300 participants, including eminent academics and decisions makers from the Arab region, Asia, Europe and the United States."
UNESCO Director-General pays homage to Pope John Paul II as a champion of inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue
UNESCO Press Release:
"UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura today expressed his profound sadness over the death of Pope John Paul II, whom he described as a 'spiritual guide (who) placed his extraordinary energy, charisma and eloquence at the service of peace and inter-religious dialogue.' 'John Paul II was firm in his convictions and expressed his profound faith while all the while encouraging dialogue. From the ecumenical encounters in Assisi to his day of fasting coinciding in 2001 with the end of Ramadan, and his visit in 1986 to a synagogue in Rome, the Pontiff worked unceasingly to promote dialogue between different religions.'"
"UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura today expressed his profound sadness over the death of Pope John Paul II, whom he described as a 'spiritual guide (who) placed his extraordinary energy, charisma and eloquence at the service of peace and inter-religious dialogue.' 'John Paul II was firm in his convictions and expressed his profound faith while all the while encouraging dialogue. From the ecumenical encounters in Assisi to his day of fasting coinciding in 2001 with the end of Ramadan, and his visit in 1986 to a synagogue in Rome, the Pontiff worked unceasingly to promote dialogue between different religions.'"
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Russian Information Agency Novosti
Russian Information Agency Novosti report:
"A Russian has never before won a UNESCO award for promoting public information about human rights protection. Now, Anatoli Azarov has broken the ground, Filippe Queau, UNESCO Moscow office head, said to a news conference. "
"A Russian has never before won a UNESCO award for promoting public information about human rights protection. Now, Anatoli Azarov has broken the ground, Filippe Queau, UNESCO Moscow office head, said to a news conference. "
Update on activities of the UNESCO Institute for Education
UNESCO website with links to the newsletter and Institute:
"The new issue of UIE Nexus, the electronic newsletter of the UNESCO Institute for Education (UIE), is now out. It reports on recent and upcoming activities of the Institute."
"The new issue of UIE Nexus, the electronic newsletter of the UNESCO Institute for Education (UIE), is now out. It reports on recent and upcoming activities of the Institute."
Financing and managing education in Latin America and the Caribbean
UNESCO website with access to the report in various languages.:
"A new report presents the major financing and management challenges of education systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. The report is co- published by UNESCO and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)."
"A new report presents the major financing and management challenges of education systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. The report is co- published by UNESCO and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)."
UNESCO | Education - Education for All by 2015
UNESCO Education for All website:
"About 150 policy-makers and literacy experts from fifty countries will attend the European Regional Meeting on Literacy from 2-5 April in Lyon, France. "
"About 150 policy-makers and literacy experts from fifty countries will attend the European Regional Meeting on Literacy from 2-5 April in Lyon, France. "
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