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

10.7 We thus urge UNESCO to implement as soon as possible the recommendations of the World
Conference on Science held in Budapest last July, as well as the agenda of the World Commission on Culture and
Development.
10.8 We intend to build our capacities together with our indigenous and traditional knowledge, for we desire
to participate in the future knowledge society that will emerge in the twenty-first century without neglecting the
spiritual and cultural dimensions of every Filipino.
10.9 To achieve these goals for all, the Philippines believes that the educational system should harness media
and communication technologies in the delivery of learning. We have also benefited from our distance education
programme. We are exploring its possibilities to make the fruits of technology more widespread and to
disseminate new knowledge as rapidly as possible. This involves multimedia as instruments for values education,
continuing research and evaluation of communication technologies for learning and the preservation of our
cultural heritage.
10.10 We fully support the activities in the field of anticipation and future-oriented studies, which are major
contributions to UNESCO’s “Intellectual Watch” function pursuant to the present Medium-Term Strategy. Thus,
in accordance with the decision of the last General Conference to reinforce these activities in document 30 C/5,
we believe that Scenario B of the transverse activity “Anticipation and future-oriented” studies should benefit in
the Approved Programme and Budget from the US $10 million in savings recommended by the Executive Board
at its last session.
10.11 The Philippines endorses the decisions adopted by the Executive Board at its 156th and 157th sessions.
However, we are not fully convinced of its approval of the recommendations of the Special Committee on the
working methods of the Executive Board outlined in documents 156 EX/19 and 156 EX/50. We believe that they
may infringe on the prerogatives of the Director-General under the Constitution. We would, therefore, welcome
further discussion in this regard.
10.12 Finally, Madam President, we join the rest of the membership in paying tribute to our beloved Director-
General, Federico Mayor Zaragoza, as he prepares to move on to the next chapter of a fulfilled life. The
Philippines benefited immensely during his leadership, particularly with respect to our fight against illiteracy and
our programmes on Education for All, world heritage sites and culture of peace.
10.13 Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, as a founding member of UNESCO, the Philippines, despite the
vagaries of its political and economic fortunes, has remained committed to the ideals of the Organization and
continues to actively participate in its affairs. We are confident that with similar commitment and participation by
all Member States, UNESCO will continue to be of indispensable service to humanity. Thank you.
11. The PRESIDENT:
Your Excellency, Mr Andrew Gonzalez of the Philippines, I should like to thank you for conveying so
much on such key issues within the time limit that was accorded to you. I do appreciate it. And I’m glad you
mentioned distance education. May I now call on the next speaker on my list, who is His Excellency Dr Murli
Manohar Joshi of India.
12.1 Mr JOSHI (India):
Your Excellencies, President of the 30th session of the General Conference of UNESCO, Director-
General, Heads of Governments, Ministers, Ambassadors, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, let me
begin by expressing my own and my country’s gratitude and admiration to Federico Mayor for the manner in
which he has steered UNESCO for the past 12 years. I have no doubt that his efforts to establish a Culture of
Peace will endure and help us to face the challenges of the new millennium.
12.2 I wish to convey the greetings of my people to this august gathering. I am filled with emotion and pride
when I inform this house that India has, in its recent general election, once again affirmed its deep-rooted faith in
democracy. A nation of one billion people went to vote a few weeks ago and elected 543 parliamentarians. You
will be happy to know that the political leadership in India is fully committed to the same ideals for which
UNESCO stands.
12.3 One of UNESCO’s major contributions has been to give to the world the concept of a “Culture of
Peace”. Since the dawn of civilization, we in India have evolved a tradition of respect for all cultures and
religions which is embodied in our philosophy of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” (one of the family) and “Sarva
Dharma Sambhava” (equal respect to all religions). India’s march in history is an ennobling experience in
cultural coexistence. The new Government is fully committed to upholding this concept with renewed vigour. At
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