Issued by: GCIS
28 March 2000
The South African National Commission for UNESCO will hold its first biennial Conference at the CSIR in Pretoria on 31 March 2000 from 9h00-15h15. The aim of the conference is to deliberate on the UNESCO Programme and Budget adopted for the 1999-2001 biennium at the 30th session of the UNESCO Biennial General Conference in Paris in November last year, and to plan the Commission's projects and activities accordingly.
One of the highlights of the Conference will be the presentation of the International Youth Manifesto by learners from five schools in which the Commission has successfully piloted the UNESCO Associated Schools Project (ASPnet). The International Youth Manifesto was compiled and adopted by 350 children from 175 countries at the World Children's Parliament in Paris, in October 1999. The document represents the voice of the children of the world on the threshold of the 21st century, and states their concerns on issues such as education, cultural dialogue, the environment, violence, HIV/AIDS, etc.
In his capacity as the President of the Commission, the Minister of Education, Mr. Kader Asmal, will deliver the opening address, in which he is expected to show the relevance of UNESCO to South Africa, as well as the benefits of the country's membership of UNESCO. He is also expected to confirm South Africa's commitment to the UNESCO ideal of peace and understanding through education, science, culture and communication, and to encourage participation in UNESCO affairs.
The South African National Commission for UNESCO was established by Cabinet, and launched in August 1998. Its main function is to liaise with UNESCO and to ensure that the people of South African benefit from the country's membership of UNESCO, by carrying out or facilitating UNESCO projects in education, science, culture and communication. The Commission will also use this opportunity to present its first Annual report, which outlines its activities and achievements since its launch.
Conference delegates will include representatives of the Commission's partners, namely Government departments and 105 Co-operating Organisations (NGO's and research institutions) whose areas of operation also coincide with those of UNESCO.
For further details contact:
Ms. Zodwa Tsajwa: Project Manager
Tel: 012 312 5513(w) / 012 661 1765(h)
Fax: 012 325 7284
E-mail: tsajwa.z@educ.pwv.gov.za
OR
Dr. Botlhale Tema: Secretary-General
Tel: 012 312 8751
Cell: 082 322 0360
E-mail: tema.b@educ.pwv.gov.za