- evaluate the new files with the modified nomination forms, which was now clearer in R.5. Regarding criterion R.2, it had some concerns as to whether splitting the question on different levels brought clarity. However, if the dual option should be continued, then it would make sense to also apply it to criterion R.2. Overall, the working group might also wish to consider other options, as proposed in the annex of the document, together with the Evaluation Body and the accredited NGOs, as NGOs could also support States Parties in the submission of good nominations, as mentioned by Turkey. Finally, it noted that the Philippines and Japan had also raised very important questions regarding the different nature and purposes of the Lists, which could be further addressed by the working group as well.
- 73. The delegation of Senegal congratulated Mr Byong-hyun Lee for his remarkable work with the working group, and also the members of the ad hoc group for their exceptional work on the recommendations submitted that were relevant in terms of dialogue and the financial mechanism. It was noted that States Parties had expressed a strong desire for greater dialogue between the submitting States and the Evaluation Body, which would avoid difficult sessions while bringing back transparency and serenity into the work of these sessions. Moreover, in the framework of synergy with other Conventions, this dialogue would provide lessons learned in other Conventions where dialogue is applied. It was noted that the Evaluation Body proposed a postponement, most likely to first assess the progress made with the new nomination forms. However, the delegation felt that the Committee should still engage in this phase of dialogue because it was both important and essential in terms of governance and the implementation of the Convention. The Committee should of course serenely continue its reflections, but it should also allow for this experimental phase that would help the evaluation process at the same time.
- 74. The delegation of Ecuador thanked the Chairperson for the extra time granted for the interventions. It commended Mr Byong-hyun Lee as the Chairperson of the working group, and thanked the co-Chairs, Algeria and the Philippines, for lending support to the Member States and for having strengthened the Convention. The delegation also believed that the issue of dialogue must be translated into action now. Some States Parties had mentioned that perhaps this mechanism would be better implemented in 2020. However, why not engage in a prior exercise to test the waters and see how this might work out? The delegation referred to the remarks made by Algeria on ensuring that work was carried out in an atmosphere of transparency and calm where all States Parties would be operating on the basis of certainty that this dialogue, together with the evaluation mechanism, would yield positive results. It would also be important to avoid the politicization of the Committee, which was seen elsewhere in other Conventions in UNESCO. The delegation spoke of the deep attachment of States Parties to this Convention and it congratulated the Secretariat for its work in an atmosphere of full openness and transparency that provided great assurance that the Committee was on the right track. It also supported Tunisia 's point on the need to expand the membership of the ad hoc working group. Of course, it was open-ended, but it was hoped that this group could press on with its work, not only with regard to the dialogue mechanism, but also to continue its work to strengthen the Convention. Turkey also mentioned the synergies and ties between the ad hoc working group and the recommendations that th emerged from the 39 General Conference of UNESCOon governance. This discussion was indeed very important so that at the next session of the General Conference, the Committee could prove that it had implemented the recommendations, or at least demonstrated some progress. The Committee had done an excellent job and had in fact already taken on board some of the recommendations of the General Conference. The working group was also a great forum for providing concrete sense and impact to these recommendations.
- 75. The delegation of Morocco thanked the Secretariat and Mr Byong-hyun Lee for his excellent report. It had listened carefully to the delegations that wished to pursue the direction of dialogue, while noting that others sought a revision of the evaluation procedure. The delegation did not object either way. However, it was concerned about the independence of the Evaluation Body, adamant that it should remain an independent mechanism, free from any pressure from members of the Committee or from elsewhere. The independence of the Evaluation Body would also prevent politicization in the inscription of elements. All States