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

forefront in recognizing indigenous cultures and in promoting diversity of language and culture through music,
chant, artefacts and oral history. We are strong supporters of UNESCO’s programmes to promote linguistic
diversity and the preservation of both the tangible and the intangible cultural heritage of nations. These are
important aspects of the Focus on the Pacific Plan of Action.
17.9 The second challenge stems from a concern to accelerate reform of the Organization and in particular
adherence to the agreed frameworks for action, setting goals, expectations, monitory policy implementation,
reporting and accountability for outcomes. We are convinced that adherence to such a reform process is essential
to success and we make no apology for advocating what we have put in place in New Zealand through our public
sector reforms. They are the essence of sound and effective management for any Organization. New Zealand
would like to return to this forum in 2001 to applaud the introduction of well-structured recruitment policies,
professional development strategies, concentration on outcomes and overall accountability for each section of the
agenda under consideration. We note with satisfaction and endorse this emphasis in the recommendations of the
Executive Board.
17.10 I detect, even in the short time I have been involved with the New Zealand National Commission,
concern about the dissipation of resources over too many programmes, proliferation of large-scale conferences
and meetings and new advisory bodies, along with departures from agreed programmes and budgetary allocation.
Respect for the integrity of the Organization is impaired under such circumstances.
17.11 The third issue arises out of UNESCO’s unique position as the intellectual and ethical arm of the United
Nations. As such, it must be visible and communicate its effectiveness worldwide, identifying in so doing its own
particular comparative advantage within the United Nations system as a whole. New Zealand is prepared to
continue to adhere to the agreed agendas and to participate fully in the programmes domestically, regionally and
internationally.
17.12 This Conference marks the end of New Zealand’s four-year term on the Executive Board. I am aware
that Russell Marshall has already delivered his valedictory and answered his own questions on his effectiveness
as the Chair of the Finance and Administrative Commission. The New Zealand Commission is proud of his
achievements. In our book he is a giant totara who has contributed much to world peace and development of
peoples.
17.13 As a member of the Pacific subregion, New Zealand is delighted to welcome Palau and the Federated
States of Micronesia to UNESCO. We want to record that this is the first time all 16 independent States of the
Pacific have been represented in this forum. We look forward to French Polynesia and New Caledonia eventually
joining this club of nations.
17.14 In September the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan referred to the economic and ecological
fragility and vulnerability of small island nations at the General Assembly. He dubbed this “trouble in paradise”.
Two years ago, at the last General Conference, the Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga chaired the Focus on the
Pacific Forum, which led to the establishment of the Focus on the Pacific initiative. We are pleased to see this
initiative reflected in the programme and budget for the coming biennium. The Pacific Member States are
introducing a draft resolution at this Conference which seeks to maintain the momentum of this initiative during
the coming biennium and beyond.
17.15 We applaud Edna Tait’s leadership of the UNESCO Office for the Pacific States in Apia. She brings
outstanding skills to the position and is well known in New Zealand for her courage in introducing and leading
new ventures, particularly in education and development. In support of Kofi Annan’s declaration it must be said
that Edna needs further professional support in the areas of science, social science and information and
communication technology, as well as the necessary budgetary resources to ensure that the Apia Office is able to
implement the Focus on the Pacific Plan of Action.
17.16 At the same time as we advocate for Asia and the Pacific, New Zealand also endorses UNESCO’s
concentration on Africa, where it is possible to make an enormous difference to the lives of people.
17.17 New Zealand has been a strong supporter of decentralization. We believe that the expertise and skills
within National Commissions could be used more effectively in this process.
17.18 In conclusion, we acknowledge the difficulties that a zero nominal growth budget will create, but stress
that New Zealand’s experience with public sector reform has convinced us that discipline within organizations
and adherence to budgets are essential to the achievement of desired outcomes and for the good health of an
organization. Thank you, Mr President.
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