UNESCO is ready to support the worldwide debate on biofuels

Paris, 26 November

UNESCO stands ready to facilitate dialogue among governments on biofuel technology. “The Organization can be a forum for exchange on this important issue,” stated UNESCO Deputy Director-General Marcio Barbosa. “The objective is to facilitate dialogue between the Organization’s 193 Member States, strengthening international cooperation in the field of biofuels”, he added.

“International cooperation is important to foster the sustainable production of biofuels in developing countries, building on existing experiences,” according to specialists gathered at the International Conference on Biofuels, which took place in São Paulo, Brazil from 17 to 21 November. The existence of a neutral international arena could contribute to a better understanding of the advantages and drawbacks of this technology.

“UNESCO promotes research on new alternative energy sources and can play a role in coordinating the international efforts to facilitate dialogue among countries on biofuels. It can promote technical cooperation, assist countries to define parameters for biofuels, and strengthen south-south and triangular cooperation,” declared Mr Barbosa, who participated in the International Conference.

UNESCO is the only UN agency with a mandate in the sciences, and has as one of its five key priorities for the next six years to mobilize science knowledge and policy for sustainable development. As a multidisciplinary agency with mandates in education, culture and communication in addition to the sciences, UNESCO can contribute to the debate on this complex topic in a holistic manner, notably in the context of global climate change, by looking at the social impacts of biofuel projects and the educational needs of the local communities on the topic.

• Author(s):Press Release N°2008-122
• Source:UNESCOPRESS
• 26-11-2008