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

its activities for over 15 years. He has a clear understanding of the work of the Organization and its future
challenges.
26.11 Australia welcomes the addition of two new Member States to UNESCO at this General Conference,
Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia. Their decision to join reflects the strong rise in commitment to
UNESCO by the South Pacific region. We look forward to their active participation in the Organization. The
steadily increasing Pacific membership in recent years is a perfect example of universality.
26.12 At the 29th session of the General Conference, a special day, “Focus on the Pacific”, was held at
UNESCO Headquarters. This event was an opportunity for the Pacific to showcase its special characteristics and
past, present and potential future links with UNESCO. Although we are pleased to note that some funds have
been set aside in the Draft Programme and Budget for 2000-2001 for this activity, we are nevertheless
disappointed. As was noted at the Pacific subregional consultation held in Port Vila earlier this year, there is
some regret that a number of projects identified in the “Focus on the Pacific” have been omitted from the
forthcoming programme and budget. Integral to the effectiveness of UNESCO in the Pacific is the UNESCO
Office for the Pacific States in Apia to which Australia is accredited. Most of the credit for what is achieved by
this Office is due to its Director, Ms Edna Tait, and to her dedicated staff. It is important that the Office be fully
staffed across all fields of UNESCO’s competence to maintain its effectiveness.
26.13 At this Conference, on the eve of the new century, we must think of UNESCO’s future role. Australia
sees UNESCO’s role, with its mandate and responsibilities, as more than ever relevant in an increasingly
globalized world community. Issues flowing from the rapid changes brought by globalization, such as
information and communication technology and scientific advances, including genetics, are becoming more
critical for an increasingly knowledge-based society. The future of UNESCO as a renewed Organization lies
particularly in its educational and ethical mission that can enable it to become more capable of forging new
partnerships for the future and challenges ahead. For example, it is important for priority to be given to scientific
research, biodiversity conservation, rehabilitation of ecosystems and scientific monitoring in the Asia-Pacific
region. It is also important to promote public awareness of science.
26.14 As a contribution to the International Year for the Culture of Peace in 2000, the Australian National
Commission for UNESCO is planning an international conference to consider the intellectual foundations
underpinning a culture of peace.
26.15 In November 2000, the Australian National Commission for UNESCO, in cooperation with the
Australian Broadcasting Authority, will host in Sydney an international forum of researchers, “Young People and
the Media Tomorrow”.
26.16 I am pleased to advise delegates of two important initiatives from Australia on world heritage. First,
Australia has recently made a significant commitment to promoting the World Heritage Convention in the Asia-
Pacific region through the creation of the Asia-Pacific focal point for world heritage managers. The focal point’s
objectives are to help States in the region to adopt and implement the Convention. Earlier meetings of the
regional world heritage managers recommended that the focal point be established and, in recognition of
Australia’s record in implementing the Convention, requested that it take a leading role.
26.17 Secondly, Australia has, since 1996, been looking forward to welcoming the World Heritage Committee
to Australia in December 2000. The World Heritage Committee will decide at the forthcoming meeting in
Marrakesh the venue for the 2000 Committee meeting. Should it agree to meet in Australia in 2000, we will
showcase our world heritage properties and demonstrate how local communities, indigenous people, the scientific
community and provincial and local governments are fully integrated in the management of these properties.
26.18 As the twenty-first century approaches, it is essential that UNESCO should remain open to new ideas
and constantly seek to reform itself so that, in line with best practice internationally, it can provide value for
money and continue to have the confidence of Member States and extrabudgetary funding agencies. Australia’s
policy is to encourage the efficient use of resources and good budget management. Therefore, we believe that
zero nominal growth is the responsible outcome for all international organizations. We support the need for
ongoing reform of UNESCO and recognize that its renewal will be the key to its future success and vitality. We
recommend to the new Director-General of UNESCO that such an agenda be approved by the General
Conference. We congratulate the Japanese candidate, Mr Matsuura, on his pre-selection by the UNESCO
Executive Board as the recommended candidate for the post of Director-General.
26.19 In conclusion, on behalf of the Australian delegation and the Australian Government, I would like to
express my appreciation to Mr Federico Mayor for his achievements as Director-General. The Organization has
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