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

8.7 This brings me to the second issue of concern, namely the quality of the information available to the
wider public. So far, our emphasis has been on expanding information networks and capabilities and facilitating
the flow of information. As this process continues, issues of serious concern arise. National governments and/or
independent authorities appear unable to safeguard the quality and reliability of public information or to
implement effectively rules of conduct concerning the mass media. The concentration of enormous economic and
political power in the hands of a small number of entrepreneurs in this field can easily erode democratic
processes, inhibit competition and distort information flows, especially in developing countries. UNESCO can
take initiatives to set rules and standards that would protect the social right of the public to free and reliable
information.
8.8 The third issue of priority concerns science, and more specifically the growing importance of genetic
engineering. Despite the important scientific contributions of the genetic modification of agricultural products
and of genetic engineering to produce more productive and hardier animals, their implications for the balance of
the ecosystem are not yet known. Similarly, unravelling the human genome will undoubtedly speed diagnoses of
human diseases but therapies will not be available for many more years and will be provided unequally. In all
these areas, not to speak of human cloning, as profound ethical and moral issues are raised, the pursuit of these
research endeavours should not be allowed to violate basic human rights.
8.9 These reflections are meant simply to suggest some of the issues that could shape the thrust of
UNESCO’s future activities. Indeed, this Conference may wish to consider the possibility of appointing a small
committee of world-renowned personalities to advise us on how best to organize our programme after 2001.
8.10 Turning now to ongoing work, let me say that Greece has been supporting actively all initiatives under
UNESCO’s programmes. In particular, I should like to commend the good results obtained in the area of
education for all throughout life, and technical education and vocational training.
8.11 In my own country, we are in the midst of a major reform of our educational system. We have
introduced major changes in the study programme of elementary and secondary schools, with special emphasis
on teaching techniques to promote critical reasoning and the creativity of the young. We have introduced
afternoon classes to help students in their studies and we are establishing “second chance” schools for school
dropouts who choose to return to the formal educational system. Technical schools, at the level of secondary
education, are being upgraded but a good part of the study programme is devoted to general education, so as to
ensure horizontal mobility.
8.12 As of June 2000, Lyceum graduates will be free to enter university without special entry exams. We
firmly believe that in the new era university degrees cannot be closely linked to professional rights in the market
place. Indeed, we should restore the university to its primary role as an open place of learning and research. We
believe that societies with educated citizens are better suited to dealing effectively with the problems of
unemployment and inequality.
8.13 In the field of athletics, Greece is preparing for the 2004 Olympics. For us this is not only an athletics
event but an opportunity to project the Olympic ideal and its cultural dimension. For this reason, we are
organizing a series of special international events – the Cultural Olympiad. We are very appreciative of
UNESCO’s participation in the organization of the Cultural Olympiad. Needless to say, we extend a warm
invitation to all countries to take part in those events.
8.14 The creation of a UNESCO Mediterranean Centre, situated in Athens, will offer, I believe, a unique
forum for cooperation between European and Mediterranean member countries and, in addition, will develop
further initiatives on education, culture, socio-economic development and peace. In this context, let me repeat the
long-standing demand of the Greek Government that the Parthenon Marbles be returned to Greece as a token of
its contribution to the world’s cultural heritage. The recent resolution of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental
Committee for the Return of Cultural Property is a welcome development. I believe that world opinion is in
favour of the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece and I hope that our British friends will respond
accordingly.
8.15 Confirming once more our support for UNESCO’s work, let me say that my country’s candidacy for
UNESCO’s Executive Board, if successful, will certainly increase our sense of responsibility to serve
UNESCO’s objectives. Ladies and gentlemen, 63 days before the dawn of a new millennium, we are called upon
to confirm the importance of the role of UNESCO in shaping a viable future for all of us. Let me express my
hope that this 30th session of the Conference will respond to the challenges of our times.
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