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12 october 2010: Speech of His Excellency Mr Isao KISO, Representative of Japan to the Executive Board on the occasion of the 185th session of the Executive Board
"Thank you, Madam Chair,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
(Introduction)
It is an great honour for me to address this Session of the Executive Board on behalf of the Government of Japan.
Madam Chair,
First of all, I should like to thank you for all your efforts in effectively and efficiently managing the Executive Board.
(Function of UNESCO)
Madam Chair,
Now, the new draft plan of the field network and the final report of the Independent External Evaluation are on the table. I believe that they are appropriate and timely topics. In this regard, I recognize that there are five functions of UNESCO established in 34 C/4. Among these five themes, I am convinced that we should stress more what I would call a think-tank nature, that is, ‘laboratory of ideas' and ‘standard setting' function. My delegation is really willing to join the discussion, hoping to increase the visibility of UNESCO in the rapid current of globalization.
(Pakistan Flood)
Madam Chair,
I would like to extend my utmost sympathy to all the victims of the Pakistan Flood. I do appreciate Director-General's swift initiative to help the government and people of Pakistan. I believe that UNESCO has its unique and invaluable role in the global concerted effort. On the other hand, in response to the United Nations appeal, Japan has also been making its greatest effort in cooperation with the international community.
(Management)
At the same time, I highly appreciate the Director-General's leadership in implementing reforms, such as the recent establishment of a Senior Management Team, and various task forces, one of which resulted in the brand new blueprint of field network reform. The new management team should find what to do on their own, and bring resources flexibly across sectors to carry them out without delay. I hope they will really shape up UNESCO.
(Preliminary draft of C/5)
As far as the proposed draft of C/5 is concerned, we are by and large satisfied with it. We dare to demand a further effort to strengthen Result-Based Management with more sophisticated description of Expected Results and prompt reporting and assessment. Moreover, the Intersectoral Platform should get sufficient allocation of budget to leverage unique competence of UNESCO as a multi-disciplinary organization.
With this in mind, facing the present difficult economic situation, Japan cannot help taking a tight position on the budget ceiling.
(Education)
Madam Chair,
Education for All plays an essential role in nation-building. Education empowers people and fosters peace. A holistic approach is surely necessary, as always argued. In this context, UNESCO would be able to gain more impact by focusing on quality education, where its comparative advantage lies.
On the other pillar of education, that is, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), we must step forward to draw a specific roadmap for the DESD End-of-Decade Conference in 2014, which is to be held in Japan. We should narrow down our focus on key areas such as climate change and biodiversity; otherwise we would miss visible and tangible results. Also, we need to mobilize and strengthen existing networks such as UNESCO Chairs and ASP networks.
(Science)
Madam Chair,
Science is an area of great opportunity and potential for UNESCO. This is where we can contribute to the humanity,
particularly through building a sustainable society and through helping countries in science policy and science education. Japan is committed to collaborating with UNESCO in these areas.
Especially UNESCO has long contributed to the development of water science, as shown by the creation of IHP and IOC. In the global assistance for the recovery from the Pakistan Flood, we expect UNESCO to be ‘visible' in the field of water science.
(Culture)
Both the World Heritage and the Intangible Cultural Heritage are most vivid illustrations of UNESCO's characteristics. The inscription not only helps the protection of cultural heritages, but also attaches pride and dignity to countries and peoples.
The World Heritage Convention is now close to forty (40) years old, with nearly one thousand inscribed sites. The States Parties have been seriously studying the Future of the Convention. This study should be further promoted and must take shape towards the Fortieth (40th) Anniversary of the Convention. Japan will be playing an active role in this effort. We appreciate that the last Committee meeting in Brasilia welcomed our willingness to host the Final Event in 2012 in Japan.
As for the Intangible Cultural Heritage, we thank all the States Parties for the successful meeting of its General Assembly. We will actively contribute to the development of this still young and vulnerable convention, particularly in the nomination process.
(Closing)
Madam Chair,
We have a great hope and expectation of UNESCO. Japan is determined to work with all our colleagues and the Secretariat for the better future of UNESCO.
Thank you."
Links - Liens
Website of UNESCO's Executive Board
Site Internet du Conseil exécutif de l'UNESCO
Il n'existe pas de version intégrale française de ce discours
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