From August 4^th to 6^th the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU) welcomed 7 staff members of Timor-Leste National Commission for UNESCO (TLNCU), who visited KNCU as part of a comparative study project.

Through the study visit, which was supported by UNESCO’s Participation Programme, TLNCU said they hoped to gain insights on how to better support their institutional development and to contribute to enhancing the value and principles of their organization. TLNCU also wished to draw lessons from KNCU about methods and strategies to explore alternative fundraising for institutional sustainability in relation to planning and financial management.

The three-day study visit comprised of introductions of both KNCU and TLNCU, as well as active discussions between the two Commissions regarding a number of topics including their major programmes, finances and operations. It also allowed an opportunity for both Commissions to share their vision and passion in conducting programmes in the areas of UNESCO’s competence.

Overviews of some 10 KNCU teams on their major programmes and activities accounted for a large part of the agenda. Secretary-General Ms. Angelina Sarmento and six other staff members of TLNCU actively engaged in each presentation, asking questions and providing feedbacks. They expressed particular interest in KNCU’s fundraising and public relations activities, saying that diversifying funding sources for the relatively new Commission has become one of its top priorities.

KNCU was able to gain useful insights on cooperative projects with other National Commissions, while offering some advice regarding TLNCU’s current situation and future based on KNCU’s past 60 years of experience.

Staff members of TLNCU paid a visit to the Changdeokgung Palace, one of Korea’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in Seoul, and looked around the central Seoul area on the last day of their visit.

Following this study visit, KNCU and TLNCU are looking forward to continuing to build a strong cooperative relationship in diverse regards, including mathematics and science education in Timor-Leste and more.