The Brainstorming Meeting of the Coordinating Group of National Commissions

The Coordinating Group of National Commissions met for a one-day meeting to reflect on the contribution of National Commissions to enhancing UNESCO’s intellectual at the country and international levels.

Two specific questions were at the centre of their discussions, namely “How National Commissions can better contribute to enhancing UNESCO’s intellectual role” and “How UNESCO can efficiently support National Commissions in this context”.

The participants, representing all regions of the world, affirmed that within the UN system, where the majority agencies deal with operational and technical issues, UNESCO should remain focused on its key functions as laboratory of ideas, standard setter and policy adviser.

They called upon UNESCO to harmonize and enhance its governance at various levels and suggested that give more space and time for intellectual debates and interactions in the Governing Bodies meetings

It was also stated that National Commissions should remain the main interface between Member States and UNESCO and their membership and activities should involve leading intellectuals of every nation.

A series of concrete recommendations were adopted at the end of the deliberations, which will be transmitted to the new Director-General.

The meeting was opened by Mr Ahmed Sayyad, Assistant Director General for External Relations and Cooperation. Mr Hans D’Orville, Assistant Director-General for Strategic Planning, who also addressed the participants, outlined major challenges for UNESCO in asserting its position within the UN system.

Report of the meeting (pdf file)

• 05-02-2010