The informal Steering Group of Presidents/Chairs of National Commissions was set up during the 31st General Conference in October 2001 with the presence of 38 National Commissions. It was chaired by Mrs Margaret Austin, former Chair of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO.
At the 34th General Conference in October 2007, the Group's official name was changed to the "Coordinating Group of National Commissions for UNESCO”, in order to make it more inclusive, involving in its work the Secretaries-General of National Commissions.
The aims of the Coordinating Group are:
- To closely follow key issues concerning National Commissions,
- To advise on the ways and means of strengthening their global network,
- To advocate for their stronger role in UNESCO's overall strategy and programme.
The Coordinating Group operates on an informal basis and usually convenes its meetings during each session of the Executive Board and the General Conference. The Director-General often meets with the Group to discuss matters concerning National Commissions. The Section of the National Commissions provides the Secretariat for the Group.
Please, visit our Archives for past meetings