UNESCO. General Conference; 30th; Records ... - unesdoc - Unesco

22.4 In our view, UNESCO must clearly define its priorities for future aims and activities. In order to
contribute significantly to a culture of peace, we have to be successful in the field of education and in the transfer
of technologies, especially to developing countries. Otherwise the gap between North and South will continue to
grow further, leading to dangerous consequences and adversely affecting our culture of peace activities.
22.5 The other point I would like to underline is the need to reach a decision on the extent of our programme
activities. We must prevent duplication and avoid overlapping activities among United Nations Specialized
Agencies.
22.6 We are of the opinion that UNESCO should consolidate its role as accumulator of global thought and be
a forum for the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind.
22.7 Madam President, Turkey is convinced that education is a matter of priority because it is the most
essential means of erasing poverty and building peace in the minds of men. Turkey therefore notes with
satisfaction that education remains the foremost priority area of UNESCO. In that context we strongly support the
conclusions of the 1998 World Conference on Higher Education, which underlined that higher education should
be accessible to all.
22.8 We also endorse the recommendations adopted at the second International Congress on Technical and
Vocational Education held in Seoul last April, and UNESCO’s new long-term international programme for the
development of technical and vocational education in document 30 C/5. We welcome the establishment of an
International Training Centre in Technical and Vocational Education in Bonn and appreciate the support
provided to it by the German Government.
22.9 Turkey continues to improve its education system. Beginning with the 1997-1998 academic year, the
duration of compulsory primary education has been raised from five to eight years. Although we have invested
large amounts and deployed great efforts for this programme and despite the fact that our institutions of primary
education have started to be equipped with computer laboratories and contemporary educational tools, more
money and more efforts are required in order to attain our goals. Emphasis is also given to technical and
vocational education. Let me also add that if we want to progress, gender equality is essential, not only in the
educational field but in every activity in our society.
22.10 We support the proposed programme activities to strengthen the science and technology capabilities of
Member States and especially those of developing countries. We believe that regional and international
cooperation on scientific programmes will help to diminish the scientific gap between North and South.
22.11 The normative actions of UNESCO in the cultural field deserve special attention. Turkey, with its rich
underwater cultural heritage, has actively participated in the meetings of governmental experts on the draft
convention on the protection of underwater cultural heritage. In order to have a useful and realistic convention on
this matter, the experts must get together as soon as possible to hold one or more meetings, if necessary, in order
to finalize it.
22.12 Turkey has suffered from the illicit traffic and trade in archaeological and cultural properties. We
therefore attach great importance to the return of these properties to their countries of origin.
22.13 As a follow-up to the Stockholm Conference a symposium on cultural policies was organized by the
Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts in October last year, during which an evaluation of the
recommendations of the Stockholm Conference was made.
22.14 We have read with interest the first World Culture Report. Taking into account the contents of the first
report and the preparatory work on the second one, Turkey firmly believes that in the preparation of the second
and future reports the active involvement of the Member States must be ensured.
22.15 On youth-related activities, we welcome the first ever Youth Forum being held during the present
session. A delegate from Turkey will be participating in the Forum. We also congratulate the French Government
and UNESCO for organizing the World Parliament of Children. These events will also help to enhance the
visibility of UNESCO in member countries. I wish to mention also that, since 1923, Turkey has celebrated
23 April of each year as a special day dedicated to children. For the last few decades that day has been celebrated
with the participation of young people invited from all over the world.
22.16 The pivotal role of the National Commissions must be preserved. In addition to their essential role they
also promote more active participation by civil societies in UNESCO programmes.
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