During the 41 session of the General Conference National Commissions were given an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas among themselves and with the members of the Secretariat on the subjects of common interest. For that purpose, a specially dedicated space was arranged in the Salle de Pas Perdus in UNESCO premises. Overall, five thematic discussions were held which gave voice to the National Commissions of each regional group.

The first discussion was organized on 10 November on the occasion of Åland Island joining UNESCO as an associate member on 9 November 2021. Secretaries-General who were present at UNESCO HQ shared with the representatives of Åland Island some best practices, including recommendations on the establishment of a National Commission.

The second meeting took place on 15 November and was organized at the initiative of the Moroccan National Commission. The discussion was built around the draft Guide on management crisis which would be further elaborated during online meeting programmed for 25 November. 

The third discussion was held on 17 November and led by Dr Kyung Koo HAN, Secretary-General of the Korean National Commission (KNCU) who presented the ways how the KNCU can better serve the goals of UNESCO. Particularly, Dr HAN described the framework and objectives of the Bridge Programme which aims to help the educationally marginalized people gain access to education throughout the non-formal education sector within the framework of lifelong learning towards achieving the SDG4 in developing countries. Among other topics raised by the Secretary-General were the futures of education, culture of peace, climate change, cultural diversity, social and cultural implications of AI and high technology.

The focus of the fourth discussion held on 19 November was put on the Draft Operational Strategy for Priority Africa 2022-2029. The subject was presented by Ms Jaya Conhye-Soobrayen, Programme Specialist of the Unit for Relations with African Member States and Partnerships, who introduced the main flagships of the Priority Africa and invited National Commissions to contribute to the implementation of these projects in their home countries.

The fifth discussion was organized on 23 November and led by the Caribbean SIDS National Commissions, namely from Jamaica, Bahamas and Dominica. The discussion focused on key issues and main challenges faced by the Caribbean SIDS National Commissions in their daily work. More interaction and support were encouraged within the family of National Commissions through shared publications and joint projects across all regions.

Photos and relevant documents from these discussions are available here.