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

6.5 Our policy on culture is based on UNESCO’s view, that is to say, on a reflection of the past, but a past
that lives because it has been accepted by the present generations and on reflection and action that is intimately
linked to the daily lives of human beings. Based on this view our most important targets are the systematic
documentation and study of traditional cultural expression in every field, a complete list of our cultural heritage
in and outside our country, and a policy on communication integrated within the policies on education and
culture.
6.6 Madam President, allow me, briefly to touch upon the Programme and Budget for 2000-2001.
Regarding Major Programmes I, II, and III, I can state that we are in the process of realizing the issues set out.
They include the evaluation and decentralization of primary education and the registration of day-care centres
and nursery schools in order to provide professional help. All this is done in harmony with UNESCO’s strategy.
We are also doing our utmost to develop structures that will place science in the service of our country’s
development. Suriname has contributed towards the world’s Cultural Heritage by establishing a Central Nature
Reserve. The protection of this large area of tropical wilderness is vital for the future of life on earth. Indeed, the
ecological, cultural and spiritual value of such areas cannot be over-estimated. Suriname recognizes that its own
economic well-being and the well-being of the whole world is, in part, based upon the appropriate use and
conservation of its natural resources. That is why we have donated more than 1.6 million hectares of primary
tropical forest to the world and hope that more countries will be inspired to commit themselves to the protection
of critical tropical wildernesses around the world.
6.7 Madam President, we are very pleased with the new subprogramme on media information, an important
aspect of which is to seek to highlight the role communication and information can play in addressing crucial
societal issues such as, poverty and social exclusion and the empowerment of specific groups of the population
particularly at local and community levels. Participation in development of world communication is of great
importance to our country and we ask for your special support in this matter.
6.8 Our country recognizes that the Culture of Peace has become a common objective for the entire United
Nations system, as attested by the General Assembly’s proclamation of the year 2000 as International Year for
the Culture of Peace and of the Decade 2000-2010 as International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence
for the Children of the World. We endorse these objectives and support all activities to take place within
this framework.
6.9 Finally, Madam President, we are all facing rapid changes that are taking place in our societies every
day. That is why education is of the utmost importance to all nations. The new millennium is almost here and it is
our deepest wish that UNESCO will play a greater role in this new age and be a source of hope for a better
future. Thank you, Madam President.
7. The PRESIDENT:
I should like to thank His Excellency the Minister of Education and Community Development of
Suriname. I am glad, Your Excellency, that you mentioned, among all the other things we heard and took in,
distance education, because many countries do not fully realize the importance of distance education for certain
other countries. Thank you very much for your contribution. I shall now call His Excellency Mr Ramsamy
Chedumbarum Pillay, Minister of Education and Scientific Research of Mauritius. Your Excellency, you have the
floor.
8.1 Mr PILLAY (Mauritius):
Madam President of the General Conference, Mr Chairperson of the Executive Board, Mr Director-
General, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to sincerely congratulate you,
Madam President, on your election. Knowing your vast experience and knowledge and your wisdom, I have no
doubt that you will successfully steer the deliberations of this Conference to fruitful conclusions.
8.2 This General Conference is not just an ordinary one. It is a very special one since it marks the end of a
millennium and ushers us into a new era, and sees the departure of one Director-General and the arrival of
another. It is befitting here that we express our admiration of Mr Federico Mayor, who during his 12 years in
office has shown great qualities as a leader. His love and compassion for the poor and the downtrodden, his
unflinching care for all the children of the world, and his passion for peace, freedom and justice have earned him
the respect of one and all. We bid him farewell with gratitude.
(L’orateur poursuit en français)
8.3 M. Mayor compte parmi ces grandes figures du monde qui ont toujours vécu pour un projet universel
dépassant largement leur personne. J’ai eu l’insigne honneur de le rencontrer en de rares occasions. Il m’a
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