Executive Board

181 EX/32

Hundred and eighty-first session

Part I

PARIS, 20 March 2009
Original: English

Item 32 of the provisional agenda

PREPARATION OF THE PROVISIONAL AGENDA
OF THE 35th SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
PART I

SUMMARY
The Director-General submits to the Executive Board a preliminary version
of the provisional agenda of the 35th session of the General Conference
which the Board is required to prepare pursuant to Rule 9 of the Rules of
Procedure of the General Conference.
Action expected of the Executive Board: proposed decision in paragraph 7.

1.
In accordance with Rule 9 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Conference, the
provisional agenda for ordinary sessions of the General Conference is prepared by the Executive
Board on the basis of items submitted, pursuant to Rule 10, no later than 100 days before the
opening of the session; it is communicated to Member States and Associate Members not less
than 90 days before the opening of the session.
2.
In an annex to this document, the Director-General submits for consideration by the
Executive Board a preliminary draft of the provisional agenda containing:
(a)

the constitutional items (those provided for under paragraphs (a) and (e) of Rule 10 of
the Rules of Procedure);

(b)

items included pursuant to decisions taken by the General Conference at previous
sessions (paragraph (b) of Rule 10); and

(c)

items which the Director-General deems it necessary to raise (paragraph (f) of
Rule 10).

3.
As has been the usual practice since the 29th session (1997), the reports requested by the
General Conference for its own information on the implementation of certain resolutions are not
included in the draft provisional agenda; the corresponding topics will be dealt with in the different

181 EX/32
Part I – page 2
information documents (INF), including the Director-General's introduction to the general policy
debate, the full text of which will be published in this way.
4.
It is for the Executive Board to determine whether it wishes to propose the inclusion of other
items in accordance with para. (g) of Rule 10 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Conference.
The deadline for inclusion of items in the agenda (100 days before the opening of the session of
the General Conference) has been set for 26 June 2009 since the opening of the session is
scheduled for 6 October 2009. As the 181st session of the Executive Board takes place before
that deadline, the Director-General proposes that, as on previous occasions, the Board, when
approving the provisional agenda, authorize him to include in it any further items that may be
submitted before 26 June by Member States, Associate Members or the United Nations. The
Director-General will, naturally, inform the Chair and Members of the Board of such additional
items. The provisional agenda, so supplemented if need be, will be sent to Member States and
Associate Members no later than 6 July 2009 (90 days before the opening of the 35th session of
the General Conference).1
5.
After the circulation of the provisional agenda, Member States, Associate Members, the
Executive Board and the Director-General may request the inclusion in the agenda of
supplementary items no later than six weeks before the opening of the session, i.e. up to
25 August 2009. Such supplementary items will be communicated to Member States and
Associate Members no later than 16 September 2009 (20 days before the opening of the session).
The Executive Board will then be able to prepare a revised provisional agenda, which will be
submitted by the Chair of the Board to the General Conference for approval.
6.
After the time limit for the submission of supplementary items, further items may be added to
the agenda only if they are of an important and urgent character, if they have first been considered
by the General Committee of the General Conference, and if their inclusion in the agenda has
been approved by the General Conference by a two-thirds majority of the Members present and
voting (Rules 12.4, 15.2 and 42.1(c) of the Rules of Procedure).
PROPOSED DRAFT DECISION
7.

The Executive Board may wish to adopt a decision along the following lines:
The Executive Board,
1.

Having regard to Rules 9 and 10 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Conference,

2.

Having examined document 181 EX/32 Part I,

3.

Decides:
(a)

that the provisional agenda of the 35th session of the General Conference shall
comprise the items proposed in document 181 EX/32 Part I with the following
additions :
…

1

…

In compliance with 33 C/Resolution 92, the provisional agenda will be annotated.

…

181 EX/32
Part I – page 3
(b)

that any other items submitted by Member States or Associate Members or by
the United Nations, in accordance with Rule 9 of the Rules of Procedure, no later
than 100 days before the opening of the session (i.e. by 26 June 2009) shall be
inscribed by the Director-General on the provisional agenda, which shall then be
communicated to Member States and Associate Members no later than 90 days
before the opening of the session (i.e. 6 July 2009).

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex
ANNEX
PROVISIONAL AGENDA OF THE 35th SESSION
OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE1

Item

Title

1

ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION

1.1

Opening of the session by the President of
the 34th session of the General Conference
In accordance with Rule 28 of the Rules of Procedure,
at the opening of each session of the General
Conference, the President elected at the previous
session shall preside until the General Conference has
elected the President for the session.

1.2

Establishment of the Credentials Committee
and report by the Committee to the General
Conference

Reference2

Document3

Rules of Procedure of
the General Conference,
Rule 28

Rules 32 and 33

In accordance with Rule 32 of the Rules of Procedure,
the Credentials Committee shall consist of nine
members, who shall be elected by the General
Conference on the proposal of the Temporary
President.

1.3

Report by the Director-General on
communications received from Member
States invoking the provisions of Article IV.C,
paragraph 8(c), of the Constitution

Rule 83, para. 4
34 C/Res.02
182 EX/Dec.?

35 C/12 and Add.

According to Rule 83 of the Rules of Procedure, the
Director-General reports to the General Conference on
communications received from Member States
requesting voting rights invoking the provisions of
Article IV.C, paragraph 8(c), of the Constitution. In
implementation of 33 C/Resolution 92
(Recommendation 9), the General Conference will also
receive a recommendation from the Executive Board on
those communications received in time to be
considered by it at its 182nd session.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
determine whether the failure of the concerned Member
States to pay due contributions/instalments on payment
plans is due to conditions beyond their control, and
whether they may vote at the 35th session.

1
2

3

In compliance with 33 C/Resolution 92, the provisional agenda is annotated.
This column contains references to the provisions of the Constitution, the Rules of Procedure and the Financial
Regulations, and to the decisions of previous sessions of the General Conference or the Executive Board by
virtue of which the item appears on the provisional agenda.
This column contains references to documents planned to date.

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 2
Item
1.4

Title

Reference

Const. Article V.B.6(a)
In accordance with Rule 14.1 of the Rules of Procedure, Rules 9, 10 and 13
181 EX/Dec.?
the revised agenda shall be submitted by the
Chairperson of the Executive Board to the General
182 EX/Dec.?

Adoption of the agenda

Document
35 C/1 Prov.
35 C/1 Prov. Rev.

Conference for approval as soon as possible after the
opening of the session.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
take a decision on the proposals contained in document
35 C/1 Prov. Rev.

1.5

Election of the President and Vice-Presidents
of the General Conference and of the
Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons and
Rapporteurs of the commissions and
committees

Rules 26, 29, 35 and 48
181 EX/Dec.?
182 EX/Dec.?

35 C/NOM/1
and Add.

Rules 26 and 43
180 EX/Dec.32
181 EX/Dec.?
182 EX/Dec.?

35 C/2
35 C/2 Add.

In accordance with Rule 26.1 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference, at the beginning of each
session, shall elect a President and a number of VicePresidents not exceeding thirty-six, and establish such
committees, commissions and other subsidiary organs
as may be required for the transaction of its business.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
take a decision on the proposals contained in
documents 35 C/NOM/1 and Add.

1.6

Organization of the work of the session and
report by the President of the 34th session
thereon
The proposals of the Executive Board on various
aspects concerning the organization of the work of the
session are contained in documents 35 C/2 and Add.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
take a decision on the proposals contained in
documents 35 C/2 and Add.
In addition, the President of the 34th session reports to
the Conference on the work he has undertaken, since
the closure of that session, concerning the organization
of the present session.

35 C/43

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 3
Item

Title

1.7

Admission to the work of the General
Conference of observers from international
non-governmental organizations other than
those maintaining formal or operational
relations with UNESCO, and
recommendation of the Executive Board
thereon

Reference

Document

Const.IV.E. 13 and 14
Rules 6.7 and 85.1(d)
Foundations Directives
(Article IV.2)
182 EX/Dec.?

35 C/13

Const. V.B.10, VI.3(b)
Rule 10(a)

35 C/3

Const. V.B.6(b)
33 C/Res.78 (II), para. 4
34 C/Res.81
179 EX/Dec.22
180 EX/Dec.26
181 EX/Dec.?
182 EX/Dec.?

35 C/9
Parts I and II

In accordance with Rule 6.7 of the Rules of Procedure,
the Director-General submits to the General
Conference the list of foundations maintaining official
relations with UNESCO, and of international nongovernmental organizations other than those
maintaining official relations with UNESCO, that have
expressed an interest in participating as observers in
the General Conference, so that it may take a decision
on those requests.
Decision required: on the recommendation of the
Executive Board, the General Conference is invited to
decide whether to admit as observers at its 35th
session the organizations referred to in document
35 C/13.

REPORTS ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE
ORGANIZATION, AND EVALUATION OF
THE PROGRAMME
2.1

Report of the Director-General on the
activities of the Organization in 2006-2007,
presented by the Chair of the Executive
Board
In accordance with Articles V.B.10 and VI.3(b) of the
Constitution and Rule 10(a) of the Rules of Procedure,
the Chairperson of the Executive Board presents the
report on the activities of the Organization in 20062007, prepared by the Director-General in accordance
with the provisions of Article VI.3(b) of the Constitution.

2.2

Reports by the Executive Board on its own
activities and on programme implementation
In accordance with Article V.B.6(b) of the Constitution,
as well as 156 EX/Decision 5.5, paragraph 6.C(a), the
Executive Board reports to the General Conference on
its own activities in 2008-2009 (35 C/9 Part I).
Pursuant to 34 C/Resolution 81, the Executive Board
also reports to the General Conference on the
implementation of document 34 C/5 together with the
results achieved in the previous biennium (35 C/3)
(35 C/9 Part II).

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 4
Item

Title

Reference

Document

34 C/Res.1, para.12
179 EX/Dec.41
180 EX/Dec.45

34 C/4

34 C/Res.1, para.13
179 EX/Dec.26
180 EX/Dec.26

35 C/10

29 C/Res.87, para.1
Rec.23(i)

35 C/7

Const. V.B.6(a)
Fin. Reg. Articles 3.4
and 3.6
180 EX/Dec.21

35 C/5, Vol. 2

MEDIUM-TERM STRATEGY
DRAFT PROGRAMME AND BUDGET FOR
2012-2013
3.1

Review of the Medium-Term Strategy, 20082013
In 34 C/Resolution 1, the General Conference decided
to review the Medium-Term Strategy at its 35th session,
taking into account contributions that may be submitted
by Member States, proposals that may be made by the
Director-General and recommendations by the
Executive Board to that end.

3.2

Proposed procedure for consideration by the
General Conference regarding the Draft
Medium-Term Strategies
In 34 C/Resolution 1, the General Conference
requested the Executive Board to submit to the General
Conference at its 35th session a pertinent proposal for
future procedure for consideration by the General
Conference regarding the Draft Medium-Term
Strategies of UNESCO.

3.3

Preparation of the Draft Programme and
Budget for 2012-2013 (36 C/5)
In 29 C/Resolution 87, the General Conference
endorsed, among other things, recommendation 23(ii)
of the working group on the structure and function of the
General Conference, established pursuant to
28 C/Resolution 37.2. The recommendation proposed
that the General Conference should focus the major
part of its work on the main lines of emphasis of the
ensuing programme.

DRAFT PROGRAMME AND BUDGET FOR
2010-2011
4.1

Methods of preparing the budget and budget
estimates for 2010-2011 and budgeting
techniques
In accordance with Article V.B.6(a) of the Constitution,
the Executive Board invited the Director-General to
formulate draft document 35 C/5 on the basis of the
recommendations contained in 180 EX/Decision 21.

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 5
Item
4.2

Title
Consideration and adoption of the Draft
Programme and Budget for 2010-2011
According to Articles V.B.6(a) and VI.3(a) of the
Constitution, the draft Programme and Budget prepared
by the Director-General (contained in document 35 C/5)
is submitted together with the recommendations of the
Executive Board thereon (contained in documents
35 C/6 and Addendum) for consideration by the
General Conference.

Reference

Document

Const. V.B.6(a)
Fin. Reg. Articles 3.4,
3.6 and 3.7
Rules 80 and 81

35 C/5
35 C/6
35 C/8
35 C/8 ADM
35 C/8 PRX
35 C/8 ED
35 C/8 SC
35 C/8 SHS
35 C/8 CLT
35 C/8 CI

180 EX/Dec.21
181 EX/Dec.?
182 EX/Dec.?

Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
adopt the Programme and Budget of the Organization
for 2010-2011, in particular the various resolutions
contained in Volume 1 of document 35 C/5.

4.3

Adoption of the Appropriation Resolution for
2010-2011

Const. IX.2
Rule 85.2(i)

35 C/41
(during the
session)

34 C/Res.56
181 EX/Dec.?
182 EX/Dec.?

35 C/15

34 C/Res.47
179 EX/Dec.9
180 EX/Dec.10
181 EX/Dec.?
182 EX/Dec.?

35 C/16 and Add.

In accordance with Article 4.1 of the Financial
Regulations, the appropriations voted by the General
Conference shall constitute an authorization to the
Director-General to incur obligations and make
payments for the purposes for which the appropriations
were voted and up to the amounts so voted.
Decision required: The General Conference is invited to
adopt the Appropriation Resolution for 2010-2011.

GENERAL POLICY AND PROGRAMME
QUESTIONS
5.1

Proposals by Member States concerning the
celebration of anniversaries in 2010-2011
with which UNESCO could be associated
Pursuant to 159 EX/Decision 7.5, which established the
criteria and procedure for examining proposals for the
celebration of anniversaries in Member States with
which UNESCO could be associated, the DirectorGeneral submits to the Executive Board the proposals
received from Member States. The Board’s
recommendations to the General Conference are
presented in document 35 C/15.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
approve the recommendations made by the Executive
Board with regard to these anniversaries contained in
document 35 C/15.

5.2

Jerusalem and the implementation of
34 C/Resolution 47
This item is inscribed on the agenda in pursuance of
34 C/Resolution 47, by which the Director-General was
invited to submit a progress report on the
implementation of the Action Plan for the Safeguarding
of the Cultural Heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
take a decision on the proposals contained in document
35 C/16 Add.

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 6
Item
5.3

Title
Implementation of 34 C/Resolution 58
concerning educational and cultural
institutions in the occupied Arab territories

Reference

Document

34 C/Res.58
179 EX/Dec.39
180 EX/Dec.44

35 C/17 and Add.

33 C/Res.90
34 C/Res.4

35 C/18

34 C/Res.16
179 EX/Dec.26
180 EX/Dec.30

35 C/19

This item is included in pursuance of 34 C/Resolution
58. Document 35 C/17 summarizes progress achieved
by UNESCO since the 34th session of the General
Conference in providing assistance to educational and
cultural institutions in the occupied Arab territories.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
take a decision on the proposals contained in document
35 C/17 Add.

5.4

Strategy to make the UNESCO International
Bureau of Education (IBE) UNESCO’s centre
of excellence for curricula
In application of 34 C/Resolution 4, the DirectorGeneral proposes to the General Conference a draft
strategy designed to make IBE UNESCO's centre of
excellence for curricula.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
take a decision on the strategy proposed in document
35 C/18.

5.5

Amendments to the Statutes of the
Intergovernmental Regional Committee for the
Regional Education Project for Latin America
and the Caribbean (PRELAC)
In 34 C/Resolution 16, the General Conference
requested the Executive Board to submit such
amendments to the General Conference at its 35th
session for final review and approval.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
review and approve the amendments to the Statutes of
the Intergovernmental Regional Committee for PRELAC
contained in document 35 C/19.

5.6

Establishment of category 2 centres under
the auspices of UNESCO

179 EX/Dec.7
180 EX/Dec.19 (I)
In accordance with the decisions of the Executive Board 181 EX/Dec.?
listed here, the Director-General submits to the General 182 EX/Dec.?
Conference several proposals for the establishment of
category 2 centres under the auspices of UNESCO
presented in documents 35 C/20 Parts I to ??
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
approve the establishment of the centres and to
authorize the Director-General to sign the related
agreements, supplemented by the relevant
recommendations of the Executive Board.

35 C/20
Parts I to ??

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 7
Item

Title

5.7

Proposal for the proclamation by the United
Nations of 2011 as an international year of
chemistry

Reference

Document

179 EX/Dec.47

35 C/42

34 C/Res.38

35 C/44

176 EX/Dec.11
181 EX/Dec.?

35 C/45

Item proposed by the
Director-General

35 C/46

At its 179th session, the Executive Board welcomed the
resolution adopted by the International Union of Pure
and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) to have 2011
proclaimed as the international year of chemistry.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
transmit to the General Assembly of the United Nations
a proposal to proclaim 2011 the international year of
chemistry.

5.8

Report of the Director-General on the
activities carried out to celebrate the 60th
anniversary of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights
In 34 C/Resolution 38, the General Conference invited
the Director-General to submit a report to it at its 35th
session on the 60th anniversary commemorative
activities and on the ways in which those activities
specifically advanced the objectives set forth in the plan
of action for the commemoration of the 60th anniversary
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

5.9

Report by the Director-General on the
development and outcomes of the
International Basic Sciences Programme
(IBSP) during the first biennium of the
Medium-Term Strategy and on measures to
be taken to promote the services and
efficiency of IBSP
In 176 EX/Decision 11, the Executive Board invited the
Director-General to submit to the Executive Board at its
181st session and then to the General Conference a
report on the development and outcomes of IBSP
during the first biennium of the Medium-Term Strategy,
and on measures to be taken to promote the services
and efficiency of IBSP.

5.10

Follow-up to the World Summit on the
Information Society (WSIS)
The Director-General submits to the General
Conference a report on the follow-up to all the decisions
taken by the World Summit on the Information Society
so that the Conference may discuss the results
obtained since the second phase of the Summit (Tunis,
2005) and UNESCO’s role in their implementation.

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 8
Item

Title

Reference

Document

33 C/Res.92, para.5
177 EX/Dec.31
34 C/Res.88, para.4
179 EX/Dec.18
180 EX/Dec.22

35 C/21

Implementation of the guidelines and criteria
34 C/Res.90, para. 6
for category 2 institutes and centres approved 180 EX/Dec.18
in 33 C/Resolution 90
181 EX/Dec.?

35 C/22

METHODS OF WORK OF THE
ORGANIZATION
6.1

Implementation of 33 C/Resolution 92
(Relations between the three organs of
UNESCO)
At its 34th session, the General Conference invited its
President, the Executive Board and the DirectorGeneral, as appropriate, to present to the General
Conference at its 35th session a consolidated report on
the implementation of recommendations contained in
33 C/Resolution 92.

6.2

By means of 34 C/Resolution 90, the General
Conference authorized the Executive Board to adopt
and apply the integrated comprehensive strategy for
category 2 institutes and centres with a view to
submitting the strategy to the General Conference at its
35th session for final approval.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
approve the strategy contained in document 35 C/22.

CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL
QUESTIONS
7.1

Amendment to the Financial Regulations with
a view to the adoption of the International
Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)
The Executive Board, in 176 EX/Decision 40,
recommended that the General Conference approve
the adoption of IPSAS as the accounting standards of
UNESCO from 1 January 2010, noting that the
preparatory process was already under way within the
Organization.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
approve the Board’s recommendation. It is also invited
to recommend that the Secretariat examine any
relevant amendments to the Financial Regulations of
the Organization and that such amendments be
submitted to it at its 36th session.

34 C/Res.71
180 EX/Dec.34
181 EX/Dec.?

35 C/23

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 9
Item

Title

Reference

Document

34 C/Res.43
180 EX/Dec.12
181 EX/Dec.?

35 C/24 and Add.

34 C/Res.57
182 EX/Dec.?

35 C/25 and Add.

34 C/Res.68
180 EX/Dec.6
181 EX/Dec.?
182 EX/Dec.?

35 C/26 Parts I
and II

CONVENTIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS
AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL
INSTRUMENTS
A.
8.1

Preparation and adoption of new
instruments

Draft of the declaration of principles relating
to cultural objects displaced in connection
with the Second World War
Pursuant to 34 C/Resolution 43 and 181 EX/Decision ?,
the Director-General submits to the General
Conference for examination at its 35th session such a
draft declaration together with observations of Member
States thereon and the final report of the second
session of the intergovernmental meeting held in??.
Decision required: As recommended by the Executive
Board, the General Conference …

RELATIONS WITH MEMBER STATES
9.1

Request for the admission of Palestine to
UNESCO
In 34 C/Resolution 57, the General Conference decided
to include this item in the agenda of its 35th session.
Decision required: the draft resolution recommended by
the Executive Board is contained in document
35 C/25 Add.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL
QUESTIONS
10.1

Report by the Director-General on the
implementation of the reform process
In accordance with 34 C/Resolution 68 Part I paragraph
2(c) and 180 EX/Decision 6 (I) the Director-General has
pursued the implementation of the medium- and longterm staffing strategy, and reports on this subject to the
General Conference in document 35 C/26 Part I.
In accordance with 34 C/Resolution 68 Part II
paragraph 2, the Director-General also reports to the
General Conference on the decentralization process, in
particular the active participation of the Organization in
United Nations reform in the field (document 35 C/26
Part II).

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 10
Item

Title
A.

11.1

Reference

Document

33 C/Res.92 (R.5)
34 C/ Res.72
180 EX/Dec.37
181 EX/Dec. ?

35 C/27

Financial questions

Implementation of the action plan for
improved management of extrabudgetary
funds
In application of 34 C/Resolution 72, the Executive
Board reports to the General Conference on major
developments regarding UNESCO's extrabudgetary
activities, and their alignment with UNESCO's regular
programme activities.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
take a decision on the report contained in document
35 C/27, and to provide guidance on the programming
and implementation of UNESCO's extrabudgetary
activities.

11.2

Fin. Reg. 12.10
Financial report and audited financial
181 EX/Dec.?
statements relating to the accounts of
UNESCO for the financial period ended
31 December 2007 and report by the External
Auditor

35 C/28

According to Article 12.10 of UNESCO’s Financial
Regulations, the External Auditor’s report and the
audited financial statements, together with the report of
the Director-General on the accounts of UNESCO for
the financial period ended 31 December 2007, are
transmitted to the General Conference by the Executive
Board (181 EX/Decision?).
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
take note of and to approve the report by the External
Auditor and the audited financial statements on the
accounts of UNESCO for the financial period ended
31 December 2007.

11.3

Financial report and interim financial
statements relating to the accounts of
UNESCO as at 31 December 2008 for the
financial period ending 31 December 2009
In accordance with Articles 11.2 and 12.10 of
UNESCO’s Financial Regulations, the report of the
Director-General together with the interim financial
statements of UNESCO as at 31 December 2008 for
the financial period ending 31 December 2009 is
submitted to the General Conference.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
take note of the financial report of the Director-General
together with the interim financial statements of
UNESCO as at 31 December 2008 for the financial
period ending 31 December 2009.

Fin. Reg. 12.10
182 EX/Dec.?

35 C/29 and Add.

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 11
Item
11.4

Title
Scale of assessments and currency of
Member States' contributions

Reference

Document

Const. IX
Fin. Regs. 5.1 and 5.6

35 C/30 and Add.

Fin. Reg. 5.8
33 C/Res.80
175 EX/Dec.35
177 EX/Dec.48
182 EX/Dec.?

35 C/31 and
Addenda

Fin. Reg. 6.2

35 C/32

Const.VI.4
Staff Regulations and
Staff Rules,
Regulations 12.1 and
12.2

35 C/33

According to Article IX of the Constitution and Article
5.1 of UNESCO’s Financial Regulations, the General
Conference determines the scale of assessments of
Member States' contributions for each financial period.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
adopt the scale of assessments and the currency of
assessment and payment of contributions to the budget
for 2010-2011.

11.5

Collection of Member States' contributions
In accordance with 34 C/Resolution 76 (III), the existing
incentive scheme to encourage prompt payment of
contributions, due to expire on 31 December 2007, was
extended for a two-year period commencing 1 January
2008. The General Conference requested the DirectorGeneral to further examine the relevant provisions of
the Financial Regulations and to submit his findings to
the Executive Board at its 182nd session. In that
resolution, the Director-General was invited to report to
the General Conference at its 35th session on the
actual position concerning all payment plans agreed
upon between UNESCO and Member States in arrears
with their contributions.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
give guidance on ways of collecting arrears and of
obtaining approval of measures for the financing of the
programme during 2010-2011. It is also invited to
approve new payment plans presented in document
35 C/31 and Add. and to determine the future of the
incentive system.

11.6

Working Capital Fund: level and
administration
According to Article 6.2 of UNESCO’s Financial
Regulations, the General Conference determines the
level of the Working Capital Fund and the purposes for
which it shall be used. It is also invited to authorize
allocations for 2010-2011 of UNESCO Coupons
payable in local currency.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
examine the proposals contained in document 35 C/32
concerning the level of the Working Capital Fund and
the allocations for UNESCO Coupons for 2010-2011.

B.
12.1

Staff issues

Staff Regulations and Staff Rules
In accordance with Regulation 12.2 of the Staff
Regulations and Staff Rules, the Director-General shall
report to the General Conference at each session such
Staff Rules and amendments thereto as he may make
to implement those Regulations.

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 12
Item
12.2

Title
Staff salaries, allowances and benefits
In accordance with 34 C/Resolution 80, the DirectorGeneral has continued to apply to the staff of UNESCO
measures affecting salaries, allowances and other
benefits adopted by either the General Assembly of the
United Nations or the International Civil Service
Commission (ICSC).

Reference

Document

Staff Regulations and
Staff Rules, Chapter III,
Regulation 3.1

35 C/34

34 C/Res.82
181 EX/Dec.?

35 C/35

Regulations of the
United Nations Joint
Staff Pension Fund,
Art.6(c) and Art.14(a)
34 C/Res.83

35 C/36
Parts I and II

The Director-General informs the General Conference
of changes since the 34th session in this respect.

12.3

Report by the Director-General on the
situation concerning the geographical
distribution and gender balance of the staff of
the Secretariat
In accordance with 34 C/Resolution 82, the DirectorGeneral submits to the General Conference a report on
the situation of the geographical distribution and gender
balance of the staff of the Secretariat.

12.4

United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund and
appointment of Member States'
representatives to the UNESCO Staff
Pension Committee for 2010-2011
In accordance with Article 14(a) of the Regulations of
the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, the
Director-General presents a report on the Fund
(35 C/36 Part I).
Decision required: in accordance with Article 6(c) of the
Regulations of the Fund, the General Conference is
invited to appoint its representatives, i.e. three
members and three alternates, to serve on the
UNESCO Staff Pension Committee from 1 January
2010 to 31 December 2011 (35 C/36 Part II).

12.5

Report by the Director-General on the state of 27 C/Res.34
the Medical Benefits Fund and appointment
34 C/Res.84
of Member States' representatives to the
Board of Management for 2010-2011
In accordance with 34 C/Resolution 84, the DirectorGeneral reports on the implementation of measures
taken to ensure the long-term stability and equilibrium
of the UNESCO Medical Benefits Fund.
Decision required: in accordance with 27 C/Resolution 34, the General Conference is invited to appoint
two Member States’ representatives to sit as observers
on the Board of Management of the Fund during the
2010-2011 biennium.

35 C/37

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 13
Item

Title
C.

13.1

Reference

Document

34 C/Res.85
179 EX/Dec.34
181 EX/Dec.?

35 C/38

Const. VI.2
Rules 105-107

35 C/NOM/3
35 C/39

Const.V.4(a)
Rules 102 and 35.4
34 C/Res.09

35 C/NOM/2
and Add.

Rules 35.1 and 36
34 C/Res.022

35 C/NOM/4

Rules 35.1 and 39
34 C/Res.023

35 C/NOM/5

Headquarters questions

Report by the Director-General, in
cooperation with the Headquarters
Committee, on managing the UNESCO
complex
In accordance with 34 C/Resolution 85, the DirectorGeneral reports on the progress of restoration and
improvement of Headquarters buildings.

DIRECTOR-GENERAL
14.1

Appointment of the Director-General
In accordance with Article VI.2 of the Constitution and
with Rules 105 to 107 of its Rules of Procedure, the
General Conference is invited to appoint the DirectorGeneral of UNESCO for a period of four years.

ELECTIONS
15.1

Election of Members of the Executive Board
In accordance with Article V.4(a) of the Constitution and
Rules 35.4 and 102 of its Rules of Procedure, the
General Conference shall elect 29 Members of the
Executive Board to fill the vacancies occurring at the
end of the session and to serve until its 36th session.
The current composition of the Executive Board by
electoral group is given in an annex to document
35 C/NOM/2, as is the provisional list of Member States
whose candidatures had been communicated to the
Director-General by … 2009.

15.2

Election of the members of the Legal
Committee for the 36th session of the
General Conference
In accordance with Rule 36.1 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference is required to elect the 24
members of its Legal Committee to serve at the 36th
session. Membership of the Committee at the five
preceding sessions is set out in an annex to document
35 C/NOM/4.

15.3

Election of members of the Headquarters
Committee
In accordance with Rules 35.1 and 39 of its Rules of
Procedure, the General Conference is required to elect
12 members of its Headquarters Committee to serve
until the end of its 37th session.

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 14
Item

Title

15.4

Election of members of the Conciliation and
Good Offices Commission responsible for
seeking the settlement of any disputes that
may arise between States Parties to the
Convention against Discrimination in
Education
In accordance with Rule 35.5 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference is informed by the DirectorGeneral of the status of candidatures with a view to the
election of three members to the aforementioned
Commission.

15.5

Election of members of the Council of the
UNESCO International Bureau of Education
(IBE)
In accordance with Rule 35.5 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference is required to elect 14
members of the Council to serve until its 37th session.

15.6

Election of members of the Intergovernmental
Council for the Information for All Programme
(IFAP)
In accordance with Rule 35.5 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference is required to elect 13
members of the Council to serve until its 37th session.

15.7

Election of members of the International
Coordinating Council of the Programme on
Man and the Biosphere (MAB)
In accordance with Rule 35.5 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference is required to elect 15
members of the Council to serve until its 37th session.

15.8

Election of members of the Intergovernmental
Council of the International Hydrological
Programme (IHP)
In accordance with Rule 35.5 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference is required to elect 14
members of the Council to serve until its 37th session.

15.9

Election of members of the Intergovernmental
Committee for Promoting the Return of
Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or
its Restitution in Case of Illicit Appropriation
(ICPRCP)
In accordance with Rule 35.5 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference is required to elect 10
members of the Committee to serve until its 37th
session.

Reference

Document

12 C/Res.B.1
Arts. 2-5 of the Protocol
instituting the
Commission
Rule 35.5
34 C/Res.011
181 EX/Dec.?

35 C/NOM/6

Art. III of the IBE
Statutes
Rule 35.5
34 C/Res.010

35 C/NOM/7

Art.2 of the Statutes of
the Council
Rule 35.5
34 C/Res.020

35 C/NOM/7

Art.II of the Statutes
of the Council
Rule 35.5
34 C/Res.013

35 C/NOM/7

Art.II of the Statutes
of the Council
Rule 35.5
34 C/Res.014

35 C/NOM/7

Art. 2, paras. 2 and 4,
of the Statutes
of the Committee
Rule 35.5
34 C/Res.017

35 C/NOM/7

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 15
Item

Title

15.10

Election of the members of the Executive
Committee of the International Campaign for
the Establishment of the Nubia Museum in
Aswan and the National Museum of Egyptian
Civilization in Cairo

Reference

Document

21 C/Res.4/11 II,
paragraph 2
Rules of Procedure,
Rule 35.5
34 C/Res.018

35 C/NOM/7

Art. 2, paras. 2, 3 and 4,
of the Statutes
of the Council
Rule 35.5
34 C/Res.019

35 C/NOM/7

Art. II of the Statutes
of the Council
Rule 35.5
34 C/Res.015

35 C/NOM/7

Art. 11 of the Statutes
of the International
Bioethics Committee
Rule 35.5
34 C/Res.016

35 C/NOM/7

Art. 2, para.1,
of the Statutes of the
Committee
Rule 35.5
34 C/Res.012

35 C/NOM/7

Art.IV, para.1(a),
of the Statutes of the
Institute
Rule 35.5
34 C/Res.021

35 C/NOM/7

In accordance with Rule 35.5 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference is required to elect 14
members of the Committee to serve until its 37th
session.

15.11

Election of members of the Intergovernmental
Council of the International Programme for
the Development of Communication (IPDC)
In accordance with Rule 35.5 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference is required to elect 18
members of the Council to serve until its 37th session.

15.12

Election of members of the Intergovernmental
Council of the Management of Social
Transformations (MOST) Programme
In accordance with Rule 35.5 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference is required to elect 17
members of the Council to serve until its 37th session.

15.13

Election of members of the Intergovernmental
Bioethics Committee (IGBC)
In accordance with Rule 35.5 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference is required to elect 18
members of the Committee to serve until its 37th
session.

15.14

Election of the members of the
Intergovernmental Committee for Physical
Education and Sport (CIGEPS)
In accordance with Rule 35.5 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference is required to elect 9 members
of the Committee to serve until its 37th session.

15.15

Election of members of the Governing Board
of the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
In accordance with Rule 35.5 of its Rules of Procedure,
the General Conference is required to elect three
members of the Board to serve until its 37th session.

181 EX/32 Part I
Annex – page 16
Item

Title

Reference

Document

Rule 2
181 EX/Dec.?

35 C/40

36th SESSION OF THE GENERAL
CONFERENCE
16.1

Venue of the 36th session of the General
Conference
In accordance with Rule 2 of its Rules of Procedure, the
General Conference, during its ordinary session, shall
fix the venue of the next session.
Decision required: the General Conference is invited to
take a decision in this regard.

Printed on recycled paper

Executive Board

181 EX/32

Hundred and eighty-first session

Part II

PARIS, 20 March 2009
Original: English

Item 32 of the provisional agenda

DRAFT PLAN FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK
OF THE 35th SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
PART II

SUMMARY
Main sources: Constitution; Rules of Procedure of the General Conference;
29 C/Resolution 87; 33 C/Resolution 92; 160 EX/Decision 6.1.1/6.1.2;
180 EX/Decision 32.
Background: As per established practice, the Executive Board, when
preparing the agenda of the General Conference, also issues
recommendations to the Conference on the organization of its work, upon
proposals made by the Director-General.
Purpose: The Director-General submits to the Executive Board a draft plan
for the organization of the work of the 35th session of the General
Conference. This document will be amended on the basis of the decisions of
the Board with a view to its submission to the General Conference at its
35th session (35 C/2).
The financial and administrative implications of the reported activities fall
within the parameters of document 34 C/5.
Action expected of the Executive Board: proposed decision in paragraph 56.

181 EX/32
Part II
I.

GENERAL REMARKS

1.
The proposals for the organization of the work of the last sessions of the General Conference
were based on 29 C/Resolution 87, which itself stemmed from the recommendations of the “ad hoc
working group on the structure and function of the General Conference” (28 C/Resolution 37.2) as
well as on 160 EX/Decision 6.1.1/6.1.2 adopted by the Executive Board at its 160th session which
responded to the substantial reduction in funds allocated to the General Conference, primarily by
shortening its duration.
2.
In addition, the plan for the organization of the work of the 34th session took into account a
number of important additional considerations, in particular the different recommendations
contained in 33 C/Resolution 92 (relations between the three organs of UNESCO).
3.
Furthermore, at the 34th session, the members of the General Committee, during an
additional meeting of the Committee convened by the President at the request of several Member
States, took stock of the strengths and weaknesses of the organization of the work of the session
and encouraged the President to establish a working group to formulate recommendations for the
improvement of a number of aspects of the Conference’s organization. The informal working group
set up by the President worked between November 2007 and May 2008 and reached a number of
conclusions that were summarized by the President in his report on the organization of the work of
the General Conference. This report will be examined by the General Conference under item 1.6 of
the provisional agenda, but was brought to the attention of the Executive Board at its 180th session
(180 EX/INF.3) during its examination of item 32: Proposals concerning the organization of the
work of the 35th session of the General Conference. On that occasion, the Executive Board noted
with appreciation the report by the President of the General Conference and invited the DirectorGeneral to “… envisage incorporating those elements of the report which could beneficially be
utilized in his preparation of the draft plan for the organization of the 35th session of the General
Conference, to be presented at the 181st session of the Executive Board …” (180 EX/Decision 32).
4.
The present document has thus been drawn up on the basis of the recommendations made
by the Board in 180 EX/Decision 32. In addition, it may be said that all the above-mentioned reform
efforts had a common characteristic: the wish by Member States to enhance the decision-making
role of the General Conference and to render its sessions more flexible, interesting, lively and
interactive, in particular for the great number of ministers and other high-ranking delegates
attending each session of the Conference.
5.
Therefore, in order to take account of all these considerations, a number of structural
changes and innovative approaches are proposed in the present document. Notwithstanding the
further budgetary decrease under General Conference activities in document 34 C/5, the DirectorGeneral believes possible to accommodate a good part of the above-mentioned recommendations
by making additional efforts focused on the rationalization of the methods of work of the General
Conference – particularly as far as documentation is concerned – and on the optimization of the
management of human resources serving the Conference.
Timetable and times of meetings
6.
The 35th session of the General Conference will open on Tuesday, 6 October 2009 at
10 a.m. and will conclude its work on Friday, 23 October 2009. Meetings will be held from 10 a.m.
to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. However, the General Committee of the General Conference
and the bureaux of the commissions will meet from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Time limits for statements
7.
In the General Policy Debate, it is recommended that speakers restrict their national policy
statements to six minutes, in accordance with the procedures outlined in paragraph 20 below. In

181 EX/32
Part II – page 2
the commissions, the chairpersons will take whatever measures they deem appropriate regarding
any time limits on statements.
Seating arrangements
8.
In all rooms, the Member States will be seated in the alphabetical order of their names in
French, beginning with ....................., whose name has been drawn by lot.1 The Director-General
has examined the situation of seating in Room I in an attempt to avoid past problems regarding
seating (certain delegations split in two by aisles), which caused complaints from several
Delegations. Having studied the problem, and ascertained that Room I, now that the Organization
has 193 Member States, is reaching full capacity, and that any possible redesign of the Room
would be well beyond the Organization’s current budgetary resources, it is proposed either to
retain the current arrangements (two seats at desk, two behind), despite the small disadvantages
these entail, or to rearrange the seating so that all Member States have two seats (one in front at
the desk, one behind) in the front rows of Room I, and two additional seats further back in the
room. The Director-General would appreciate the Board’s guidance on this issue.
II.

DOCUMENTATION AND INFORMATION FOR DELEGATES

9.

General Conference documents are issued according to several different categories:
• 34 C/…: These are documents requiring a decision by the General Conference; they
constitute the main series of documents.
• 34 C/INF…: These documents bring information to the attention of the General
Conference but do not require a decision.
• 34 C/REP…: This series is used for reports to the General Conference by the subsidiary
organs it has set up (e.g. steering committees of intergovernmental programmes), and for
reports of international or regional conferences organized by UNESCO.
• 34 C/NOM…: These documents contain information on the elections to be held by the
General Conference (names of outgoing countries, number of seats to be filled, etc.).
• 34 C/DR...: This series comprises draft resolutions submitted by Member States.

10. As on previous occasions, the information requested by the General Conference on the
follow-up to some of the resolutions it adopted at previous sessions will be provided in an
information document.
11. Most of the documents will be sent to Member States before the session. Delegations will
also receive, on arrival, a full set of documents. A limited number of spare copies will also be
available in the meeting rooms. 2 All General Conference documents will be accessible on the
Internet as soon as they appear both before and during the session. The General Conference
website http://www.unesco.org/en/general-conference provides access to other useful information
(documentation since 1991, information on the elections to the Executive Board and to other
organs whose members are elected by the General Conference, practical information, etc.) and,
notably during the session, to the E-Journal of the General Conference (an online information tool
which provides a daily overview of the work of the Conference and also contains official notices
and other information of interest to participants).

1
2

The drawing of lots will take place at the 181st session of the Executive Board.
The number of spare copies of all documentation is being reduced in response to the budget constraints, and
Member States’ understanding and cooperation are sought.

181 EX/32
Part II – page 3
12. As in the previous session, it is proposed, among the measures envisaged to cope with the
budget decrease, to replace the production of provisional verbatim records by the production of
unedited transcripts of all plenary meetings, to be made readily available on the website. This
measure was efficiently enacted at the 34th session of the General Conference. The final form of
the verbatim records of all plenary meetings (Volume II of the Acts of the General Conference)
would still be produced and distributed to all Member States and, as it was the case at the 34th
session, the oral statements made in plenary by the Chairs of the subsidiary organs to present
their respective reports during the final phase of the Conference will subsequently be published as
information documents.
III.

VOTING RIGHTS

13. In order to exercise its right to vote, each State must have submitted valid credentials, in
accordance with the procedures set forth in Rule 23 of the Rules of Procedure.
14. It must also be up to date with its assessed contributions. According to Article IV.C,
paragraph 8(b), of the Constitution, “A Member State shall have no vote in the General Conference
if the total amount of contributions due from it exceeds the total amount of contributions payable by
it for the current year and the immediately preceding calendar year”. But paragraph 8(c) provides
that the General Conference may decide to make an exception to this rule “if it is satisfied that
failure to pay is due to conditions beyond the control of the Member State”. The procedure
applicable to communications from Member States invoking this provision is determined by
Rule 83 of the Rules of Procedure.
15. Under that rule, communications from Member States have to be submitted in the first three
days of the session at the latest: beyond that deadline, the States concerned may no longer be
authorized to take part in voting during the session. The examination of those communications, to
be entrusted to the Administrative Commission, will be subject to the criteria set forth in
paragraph 7 of Rule 83. It is to be noted, nevertheless, that recommendation 9 of
33 C/Resolution 92 contains a decision delegating their examination to the Executive Board at its
session immediately preceding the General Conference. While the statutory provision and
corresponding deadline outlined above hold true just as long as no amendment is made to the
Rules of Procedure, the Executive Board may wish to give furtherance to that element of
33 C/Resolution 92 pertaining to its own responsibilities and decide how it wishes to manage the
consideration of those communications submitted in time for its autumn session proceedings. The
Director-General’s communication to Member States will, for its part, contain an encouragement to
submit such communications in good time, thus opening up the possibility that the Board will be
able to deal with the majority of such communications in good time.
IV.

PLENARY MEETINGS

Opening of the 35th session and ensuing plenary meetings
16. The General Conference will open on Tuesday, 6 October, at 10 a.m. Following the
addresses by its Temporary President (President of the 34th session), the Chairman of the
Executive Board and the Director-General, the Conference will establish the Credentials and
Nominations Committees (which will immediately hold their first meetings), examine and adopt its
agenda, and examine the recommendations by the Executive Board on the admission of observers
from international non-governmental organizations.
17. The afternoon session will start by the election of the President and Vice-Presidents of the
General Conference and the establishment of Commissions and Committees, followed by
addresses by the Chairman of the Board and the Director-General to introduce the General Policy
Debate.

181 EX/32
Part II – page 4
18. The General Policy Debate will thus start on Wednesday, 7 October at 10 a.m. and last until
Saturday, 10 October afternoon. The answer by the Director-General to the Debate will take place
in the morning of Monday, 12 October.
Ministerial segment
19. In order to diversify and expand their speaking and exchange opportunities, Ministers and
other Heads of Delegation attending the Conference will have the opportunity to participate in both
the General Policy Debate and in the Plenary Ministerial Forum.
20. The General Policy Debate will continue to take its traditional form of consecutive policy
statements made by Heads of Delegation in Room I. The procedure followed since 2003
(165 EX/Decision 7.1) for drawing up the list of speakers will also be followed at the 35th session.
Immediately after the 181st session of the Board, Member States will be invited to submit to the
Secretariat, within a time limit of one month, several dates for their representative’s statement in
the general policy debate, indicating their preferences and specifying name and status of same. On
that basis, a provisional list of speakers will be drawn up, taking the wishes expressed and the
speakers’ protocol rank into account. Speaking time will be kept at six minutes, and a visual and
sound system will gauge speaking time; the President of the General Conference will be
empowered to interrupt any speaker exceeding the time limit.
21. As recommended by the report of the President of the General Conference, delegations shall
be asked to provide the official statements (short or extended versions, according to their wish) in
advance to the Secretariat of the General Conference for distribution. As is the practice during the
General Assembly of the United Nations, delegations would be requested to make available
350 copies of the statement for distribution purposes. In addition, each Member State is requested
to submit an official 10-line summary of the head of delegation’s statement. The summary should
be provided in English and French (working languages of the Secretariat) as well as in the original
language3 if this was one of the four other working languages of the General Conference. These
summaries will be posted every day online on the General Conference’s website. Costs related to
translation of this summary would be borne by the concerned Member State, as is the case in New
York.
22. Parallel with the national statements made in the General Policy Debate, ministers will have
the possibility to interact in the one-and-a-half day Plenary Ministerial Forum held in Room II.
The Forum will take place on Thursday, 8 October (all day) and in the morning of Friday 9 October.
It is proposed that these three half-day sessions be devoted, respectively, to debate on the
following themes:
first meeting: (8 October a.m.): Investing out of the crisis – through action in social domains
(Education, the Sciences, Culture and Communication);
second meeting (8 October p.m.): UNESCO’s contribution to attain the Internationally
Agreed Development Goals (IADGs) including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs);
third meeting (9 October a.m.): Shaping UNESCO for the next decade (as an effective
multilateral actor).
23. All ministers will be invited to participate at the Forum. Some of them (18 to 24, selected
taking into account the need for geographical balance) will be invited to make short (3 minutes)
opening statements, and all of them will then engage in an open debate. Each session will be
presided over by the President or a Vice-President of the General Conference or the DirectorGeneral and have a Moderator chosen from among the key participating ministers or a personality

3

Or any other language, including the three other official languages of the General Conference.

181 EX/32
Part II – page 5
in their own right well versed in UNESCO’s programmes and activities, who will be asked to launch
the discussion with a keynote and to summarize the debates at the end of each session.
24. As part of the Plenary, these three meetings will be part of the official Proceedings of the
Conference. The Director-General will therefore take the debates into account – together with the
national statements – in his response to the General Policy Debate, and their outcome will feed the
preparation of the draft resolution concerning the Draft Programme and Budget for 2012-2013
(36 C/5) (see paragraph 33(b) below) and, if relevant, the adjustment of the Medium-Term Strategy
within the context of its “rolling” nature (see Section VIII below).
Elections
25. The election of Members of the Executive Board will take place on Wednesday,
14 October 2009, according to the “Procedure for the election of Members of the Executive Board”
(Appendix 2 of the Rules of Procedure). If necessary, a second ballot will be held on Thursday,
15 October. 4 Pursuant to Rule 1 of these provisions, candidatures should reach the DirectorGeneral at least six weeks before the opening of the session. In accordance with Rule 4,
“subsequent candidatures shall be admissible only if they reach the Secretariat of the General
Conference at least 48 hours before the beginning of the ballot” (that is, by 9 a.m. on 12 October).
26. The election related to the appointment of the Director-General is scheduled for
Thursday, 15 October (afternoon). An investiture ceremony will be organized on a suitable date
before the closure of the session.
27. Voting in all the other elections will be organized by the Nominations Committee, which will
submit the results to the plenary for approval. It will, in accordance with the wishes expressed in
33 C/Resolution 92, be organized at as early a juncture as possible, probably on Friday,
16 October.
V.

GENERAL COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE

28. The General Committee of the General Conference (Rules 41 and 42 of the Rules of
Procedure) is composed of the President, the Vice-Presidents (not to exceed 36) and the
chairpersons of the committees and commissions of the General Conference. Its role is to assist
the President in directing the general work of the session. The Chairperson of the Executive Board
attends its meetings, without the right to vote. The General Committee will normally meet twice a
week from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Its first meeting will take place at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, 7 October.
VI.

COMMISSIONS

29. Under Rule 43 of the Rules of Procedure, the General Conference shall establish at each
session “such commissions and other subsidiary organs as it deems necessary for the transaction
of the business of that session”. In practice these commissions are, on the one hand, the
programme commissions reflecting the structure of the Medium-Term Strategy and Draft
Programme and Budget under consideration and, on the other, the Administrative Commission. As
in the 34th session, it has been recommended that the Conference establishes seven
commissions:
• PRX Commission: General questions, programme support and external relations;
• ED Commission: Education;
4

“If two or more candidates obtain the same number of votes and, as a result, there are still more candidates than
seats to be filled, there will be a second secret ballot restricted to those candidates who obtained the same
number of votes” (Rule 95).

181 EX/32
Part II – page 6
• SC Commission: Natural sciences;
• SHS Commission: Social and human sciences;
• CLT Commission: Culture;
• CI Commission: Communication and information;
• ADM Commission: Finance and administration.
30. Annex I shows the envisaged allocation of agenda items to the various organs of the
Conference.
31. The work of the programme commissions will be coordinated by their chairpersons at regular
meetings chaired by one of their number (to be designated by common consent). Depending on
the availability of space and time, joint meetings of the commissions may be held if necessary.
32. The bureaux of the commissions will be responsible for preparing the processing of draft
resolutions (classification, grouping of draft resolutions, contacts with sponsors) and will, if
necessary, act as negotiation groups.
Joint meeting of commissions
33. In order to ensure the necessary interactive discussion of the enhanced interdisciplinary
dimensions of the Organization’s work, it is proposed that all programme commissions meet jointly,
whenever necessary, as resolved following discussion in the General Committee. Furthermore, a
joint meeting is scheduled over one-and-a-half days towards the end of the session to examine the
following items:

VII.

(a)

Item 3.1: Review of the Medium-Term Strategy for 2008-2013; (as appropriate: see
Section VIII below);

(b)

Item 3.3: Preparation of the draft Programme and Budget for 2012-2013 (36 C/5). As
recommended by the Report of the President of the 34th session on the basis of past
practice of the Conference, the Commissions would examine jointly a draft resolution
(prepared by the Secretariat on the basis of an analysis of the interventions at the
General Policy Debate, the debates of the Plenary Ministerial Forum and the answer by
the Director-General) containing the main elements of guidance to the Director-General
for the preparation of the ensuing C/5 document, to be adopted in plenary;

(c)

Draft resolutions proposing amendments (with budgetary implications) addressed to
two or more resolutions contained in Volume I of the Draft Programme and Budget for
2010-2011 (35 C/5) (i.e. involving two or more commissions);

(d)

Item 4.3: Adoption of the Appropriation Resolution for 2010-2011 (preparation).

COMMITTEES

34. In accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the General Conference, the following
committees shall be established at each session.
35. The Credentials Committee (Rules 32 and 33 of the Rules of Procedure) consists of nine
members elected at the first plenary meeting of the General Conference on the proposal of the
Temporary President. It will meet immediately, at 12 noon, to examine the credentials of
delegations, representatives and observers. It will present its first report to the plenary at the end of
its second meeting and will hold as many further meetings as may be necessary. Until the

181 EX/32
Part II – page 7
Credentials Committee has made its report and the General Conference given a ruling, all
delegations will be attending provisionally, with the right to vote.
36. The Nominations Committee (Rules 34 and 35 of the Rules of Procedure) consists of the
heads of all delegations entitled to vote. It will hold its first meeting at 12 noon on Tuesday,
16 October in order to establish, after examining the recommendations of the Executive Board, the
list of nominations for the offices of President and Vice-Presidents of the General Conference, and
to consider nominations to the chairs of the commissions. The Committee will meet in due course
in order to draw up the lists of nominations for all the other offices to be filled by election by the
General Conference.
37. The Legal Committee (Rules 36 and 37 of the Rules of Procedure) submits its reports either
directly to the General Conference or to the organ from which the matter has been referred or
which has been designated by the General Conference. At the 35th session it will be composed of
the following 24 members, elected at the 34th session:5
Algeria
Argentina
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Chile
Egypt
France
Guatemala

India
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Kenya
Lebanon

Monaco
Philippines
Romania
Serbia
Slovakia
Sudan
United States of America

38. The Headquarters Committee (Rules 39 and 40 of the Rules of Procedure) meets between
the sessions of the General Conference to advise the Director-General on all questions relating to
the Organization’s Headquarters. Until the closure of the 35th session, it will be composed of the
following 24 Member States, elected by halves at the 33rd and 34th sessions respectively:
Algeria
Australia
Bangladesh
Bolivia
Cameroon
Congo
Côte d’Ivoire
Czech Republic

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
France
Ghana
Lebanon
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Lithuania

Mexico
Netherlands
Peru
Saint Lucia
Spain
Sweden
Syrian Arab Republic
Zimbabwe

VIII. REVIEW OF THE MEDIUM-TERM STRATEGY FOR 2008-2013 (34 C/4)
39. At its 34th session (2007) the General Conference adopted the Medium-Term Strategy for
2008-2013 and decided that the Medium-Term Strategy would be a rolling strategy, and “to review
the Medium-Term Strategy at its 35th session, taking into account contributions that may be
submitted by Member States, proposals that may be made by the Director-General and
recommendations by the Executive Board to that end (34 C/Resolution 1, para. 12).
40. At the time of writing, no Member State has submitted contributions in this regard, and
neither the Director-General nor the Executive Board has yet considered it timely to formulate
proposals or recommendations for the revision of the Strategy. However, should the Conference
wish to proceed to this revision, particularly in the light of the policy orientations of the Ministerial
Segment, this item of the agenda (3.1) would be examined by the joint meeting of Commissions,
which would submit recommendations for adoption by the Conference.
5

At the 34th session, Group V(a) presented two candidates for three vacant seats. The remaining vacant seat will
be open for election at the 35th session.

181 EX/32
Part II – page 8
IX.

EXAMINATION OF THE DRAFT PROGRAMME AND BUDGET FOR 2010-2011 (35 C/5):
DRAFT RESOLUTIONS PROPOSING AMENDMENTS

41. Draft resolutions proposing the adoption of amendments to the Draft Programme and Budget
are processed on the basis of the procedure set out in Rules 80 and 81 of the Rules of Procedure.6
In November 2000, the Legal Committee met, in accordance with the wishes of the General
Conference, to examine that procedure, “in particular to ensure that [the Rules of Procedure]
contain objective and verifiable admissibility criteria for such draft resolutions” (30 C/Resolution 87). The Committee consequently adopted an “Explanatory Note” (see Annex II), which
provided a framework, at the 31st session, for examination of the admissibility of draft amendments
to the C/5 document by the Secretariat and then, in certain cases, by the Legal Committee.
42. This note was used again in the context of the 32nd, 33rd and 34th sessions, in the light of
the “finalization” undertaken by the Legal Committee at its November 2002 meeting (see Annex III)
and will also apply to the 35th session.
43. According to the above-mentioned Explanatory Note, this category of draft resolutions must be
addressed to an operative paragraph of Part II of the Draft Programme and Budget. Hitherto, these
paragraphs (the draft resolutions contained in document C/5) appeared within a box at the first
paragraph of each programme in Part II of the document. The Draft Programme and Budget for 20102011 (35 C/5) will be issued in three fascicules (Volumes 1 and 2 plus a Technical Note and Annexes),
Volume 1 containing all draft resolutions proposed by the Director-General and thus facilitating the
identification of those paragraphs that are subject to amendment through draft resolutions.
44. Member States submitting a draft resolution are invited to indicate clearly the amount of their
budgetary implications and, in all cases, the source of funding envisaged, should they be adopted
by the General Conference, namely, the activity shown in document 35 C/5 (draft) that would
be curtailed or abolished for the purpose of releasing appropriate funds, or an attempt to
find extrabudgetary resources. For this purpose they are requested to use the form in Annex IV.
It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the Director-General to release appropriate
resources to take action, during the execution of the Programme, on any resolutions that were to
be adopted without the General Conference stipulating how their implementation should be
financed. All resolutions adopted in extenso by the General Conference (and reproduced in
Volume 1 of the Records), as well as other decisions approved on the basis of the commission
reports, should therefore mention clearly the amount of resources needed and the method of
funding envisaged for their implementation, either a drive to find extrabudgetary resources or the
identification of equivalent savings in the regular programme.
45. Draft resolutions will be attributed for examination to the Commission concerned, according
to the part of draft document 35 C/5 to which they are addressed. However, should a draft
resolution propose shifts in programmatic or budgetary aspects affecting different Major
Programmes or Parts of document 35 C/5, its examination would jointly be done by all
commissions during a joint meeting, in order to formulate coherent recommendations for adoption
by the Plenary.
X.

SPECIAL MEETINGS DURING THE 35th SESSION

46. A number of special meetings are to be held alongside the official proceedings of the
General Conference, as indicated below.
47. The Director-General will organize two commission-level ministerial round tables. The first
round table will be organized on the theme: The lessons of the five major international
6

It should be noted that these provisions apply only to draft resolutions concerning the Draft Programme and
Budget. Draft resolutions submitted under other items of the agenda are subject to other rules, which are set out
in Rule 79.

181 EX/32
Part II – page 9
conferences on education for a new education for a new century (exact title to be confirmed).
This meeting, which will be held in parallel with the general policy debate, will be open to ministers
who wish to take part, on the understanding that those of all Member States are invited to do so. It
will be held on the afternoon of Friday, 9 October, and on Saturday, 10 October (all day).
48. The second round table will be devoted to: “Building stewardship for the Ocean: the
contribution of UNESCO to Responsible Ocean Governance”. This round table is scheduled to
take place on 12 October (afternoon) and 13 October (all day).
49. As during previous sessions, a Youth Forum will be held immediately before the opening of
the General Conference, on Thursday 1, Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October. The report of the Forum
will be presented to the General Conference.
50. A one-day Partners Forum will be organized before the opening, on Monday 5 October to
engage delegates, parliamentarians, donors, National Commissions, UNESCO Clubs, NGOs and
Foundations and the private sector in an open dialogue on cooperation issues. The report of the
Forum will be presented to the General Conference.
51. Other participatory activities will be organized in the framework of the thematic exhibition of
the session, and within the Partners village which will run parallel to the entire duration of the
Conference.
52. Detailed information on all these special meetings will be provided in document 181 EX/32
Part II Add.
53. The General Assembly of States parties to the 1972 World Heritage Convention will
take place on Monday, 19 October (afternoon), Tuesday, 20 October (all day) and Wednesday,
21 October (morning).
XI – VISIBILITY OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
54. The report by the President of the 34th session contains a series of recommendations aimed
at raising the visibility of the Organization during the General Conference. Based on these
recommendations, a specific communication strategy will be elaborated by the Bureau of Public
Information for the 35th session of the General Conference including, inter alia, the preparation by
each Sector of media-friendly notes before the session, the issuing of a daily in-session “News of
the day” on key issues, the holding of Press Conferences by the Director-General with visiting
Heads of State and other personalities and the provision of media assistance to Ministers within
convenient Press-conference premises.
55. Furthermore, as recommended by the report by the President of the 34th session of the
General Conference, efforts will be made to improve the fitting-out of Room I and other areas of
the Headquarters premises (following the termination of the Fontenoy site renovation) in order to
underline the importance of the General Conference as the most significant event in the life of the
Organization and thus contribute to enhance its visibility.
56.

The Executive Board may wish to adopt a decision along the following lines:
The Executive Board,
1.

Having considered document 181 EX/32 Part II and Add.,

2.

Approves the suggestions contained in those documents, subject to the following
comments:
...

181 EX/32
Part II – page 10
...
3.

Invites the Director-General to draw up on this basis document 35 C/2 on the
organization of the work of the General Conference.

181 EX/32 Part II
Annex I
ANNEX I
ASSIGNMENT OF ITEMS OF THE AGENDA
TO THE VARIOUS ORGANS OF THE CONFERENCE
Plenary
1.1

Opening of the session by the President of the 34th session of the General Conference

1.2

Establishment of the Credentials Committee and report by the Committee to the General
Conference

1.4

Adoption of the agenda

1.5

Election of the President and Vice-Presidents of the General Conference and of the
chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and rapporteurs of the Commissions and Committees

1.6

Organization of the work of the session

1.7

Admission to the work of the General Conference of observers from international nongovernmental organizations other than those maintaining formal and operational relations
with UNESCO, and recommendations of the Executive Board thereon

2.1

Report of the Director-General on the activities of the Organization in 2006-2007, introduced
by the Chairperson of the Executive Board

2.2

Reports by the Executive Board on its activities and on programme implementation

3.1

Review of the Medium-Term Strategy for 2008-2013

4.3

Adoption of the Appropriation Resolution for 2010-2011

9.1

Request for the admission of Palestine to UNESCO

12.1

Election of Members of the Executive Board

13.1

Venue of the 36th session of the General Conference

14.1

Appointment of the Director-General

Joint meeting of Commissions
3.1

Review of the Medium-Term Strategy for 2008-2013;

3.3

Preparation of the draft Programme and Budget for 2012-2013 (36 C/5);

4.3

Adoption of the Appropriation Resolution for 2010-2011 (preparation).

Draft resolutions proposing amendments (with budgetary implications) addressed to two or more
resolutions contained in Volume 1 of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010-2011 (35 C/5).
PRX Commission
3.2

Proposal for the procedure for consideration by the General Conference of Draft MediumTerm Strategies

181 EX/32 Part II
Annex I – page 2
4.2

Consideration and adoption of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010-2011
•

Part II.A:

UNESCO Institute for Statistics

•

Part II.B:

Programme-Related Services1

•

Part II.C:

Participation Programme

•

Part III.A:

External Relations and Cooperation

5.1

Proposals by Member States for the celebration of anniversaries in 2010-2011 with which
UNESCO could be associated

6.1

Implementation of 33 C/Resolution 92 (relations between the three organs of UNESCO)

6.2

Implementation of the guidelines and criteria for category 2 institutes and centres approved
in 33 C/Resolution 90

ED Commission
4.2

Consideration and adoption of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010-2011
•

Part II.A: Major Programme I – Education

5.3

Implementation of 34 C/Resolution 58 concerning educational and cultural institutions in the
occupied Arab territories

5.4

Strategy designed to make IBE UNESCO’s centre of excellence for curricula

5.5

Amendment to the Statutes of the Intergovernmental Regional Committee for the Regional
Education Project for Latin America and the Caribbean (PRELAC)

SC Commission
4.2

Consideration and adoption of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010-2011
•

Part II.A: Major Programme II – Natural sciences

3.3

Establishment of category 2 centres under the auspices of UNESCO

5.9

Report by the Director-General on the development and outcomes of the International Basic
Sciences Programme (IBSP) during the first biennium of the Medium-Term Strategy and on
measures to be taken to promote the services and efficiency of IBSP

1

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5

Coordination of action to benefit Africa
Public information
Strategic planning and programme monitoring
Budget preparation and monitoring
Fellowships Programme

181 EX/32 Part II
Annex I – page 3
SHS Commission
4.2

Consideration and adoption of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010-2011
•

5.8

Part II.A: Major Programme III – Social and human sciences

Report by the Director-General on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60th
anniversary commemorative activities

CLT Commission
4.2

Consideration and adoption of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010-2011
•

Part II.A: Major Programme IV – Culture

5.2

Jerusalem and the implementation of 34 C/Resolution 47

5.3

Implementation of 34 C/Resolution 58 concerning educational and cultural institutions in the
occupied Arab territories

8.1

Draft Declaration of Principles Relating to Cultural Objects Displaced in Connection with the
Second World War

CI Commission
4.2

Consideration and adoption of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010-2011
•

5.10

Part II.A: Major Programme V – Communication and information

Follow-up to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)

ADM Commission
1.3

Report by the Director-General on communications received from Member States invoking
the provisions of Article IV.C, paragraph 8(c), of the Constitution

7.1

Amendments to the Financial Regulations in view of the adoption of International Public
Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)

4.1

Methods of preparing the budget and budget estimates for 2010-2011 and budgeting
techniques

4.2

Consideration and adoption of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2008-2009
•

Part I

General Policy and Direction

•

Part II

Programmes and Programme-Related Services

•

Part III.B

Field management and coordination

•

Part III.C

Human resources management

•

Part III.D

Accounting, treasury management and financial control

181 EX/32 Part II
Annex I – page 4
•

Part III.E

Administration2

•

Part IV

Anticipated Cost Increases

10.1

Report by the Director-General on the implementation of the reform process

11.2

Financial report and audited financial statements relating to the accounts of UNESCO for
the financial period ended 31 December 2007, and report by the External Auditor

11.3

Financial report and interim financial statements relating to the accounts of UNESCO as at
31 December 2008 for the financial period ending 31 December 2009

11.4

Scale of assessments and currency of Member States’ contributions

11.5

Collection of Member States’ contributions

11.6

Working Capital Fund: Level and administration

12.1

Staff Regulations and Staff Rules

12.2

Staff salaries, allowances and benefits

12.3

Report by the Director-General on the situation of the geographical distribution and gender
balance of staff

12.4

United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund and UNESCO Staff Pension Committee and
appointment of Member States’ representatives to the UNESCO Staff Pension Committee
for 2010-2011

12.5

Report by the Director-General on the state of the Medical Benefits Fund and appointment
of Member States’ representatives to the Board of Management for 2010-2011

13.1

Report by the Director-General, in cooperation with the Headquarters Committee, on
managing the UNESCO complex

Nominations Committee
1.5

Election of the President and Vice-Presidents of the General Conference and of the
Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons and Rapporteurs of the Commissions and Committees

15.1

Election of Members of the Executive Board

15.2

Election of the members of the Legal Committee for the 36th session of the General
Conference

15.3

Election of members of the Headquarters Committee

15.4

Election of members of the Conciliation and Good Offices Commission responsible for
seeking the settlement of any disputes that may arise between States Parties to the
Convention against Discrimination in Education

2

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6

Administrative coordination and support
Procurement
Information systems and telecommunications
Conferences, languages and documents
Common services, security, utilities and management of premises and equipment
Maintenance, conservation and renovation of Headquarters premises

181 EX/32 Part II
Annex I – page 5
15.5

Election of members of the Council of the UNESCO International Bureau of Education (IBE)

15.6

Election of members of the Intergovernmental Council for the Information for All Programme
(IFAP)

15.7

Election of members of the International Coordinating Council of the Programme on Man
and the Biosphere (MAB)

15.8

Election of members of the Intergovernmental Council of the International Hydrological
Programme (IHP)

15.9

Election of members of the Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of
Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in Case of Illicit Appropriation
(PRCP)

15.10 Election of the members of the Executive Committee of the International Campaign for the
Establishment of the Nubia Museum in Aswan and the National Museum of Egyptian
Civilization in Cairo
15.11 Election of members of the Intergovernmental Council of the International Programme for
the Development of Communication (IPDC)
15.12 Election of members of the Intergovernmental Council of the Management of Social
Transformations (MOST) Programme
15.13 Election of members of the Intergovernmental Committee on Bioethics (IGCB)
15.14 Election of the members of the Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and
Sport (CIGEPS)
15.15 Election of members of the Governing Board of the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
Legal Committee3
4.2

Consideration and adoption of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2010-2011 (draft
resolutions)

3

The legal aspects of certain issues discussed under other agenda items may also be considered by the Legal
Committee.

181 EX/32 Part II
Annex II
ANNEX II
“EXPLANATORY NOTE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RULES 80
AND 81, SECTION XIV, OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE
OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE1
I.
The purpose of this Note is to specify and, as appropriate, clarify the procedure for the
submission and examination of draft resolutions referred to in Rule 80 of the Rules of Procedure of
the General Conference (hereinafter called DRs). The draft resolutions concerned are those
containing one or more amendments to the Draft Programme and Budget (the C/5 document)
which have “budgetary implications” – that is, if approved, they will affect the amounts proposed for
any of the budgetary lines included in Part II of the Draft Appropriation Resolution.
II.

1
2
3
4
5

In the submission and examination of DRs, the following rules shall be strictly applied:
1.

At least 90 days before the opening of the session of the General Conference,2 and
taking into account Rule 80.2 of the Rules of Procedure, the President of the General
Conference or on his behalf the Director-General shall formally communicate to
Member States the exact deadline for the submission of DRs. All DRs shall reach the
Director-General, in writing, 45 days before the opening of the session of the General
Conference.3

2.

The Director-General shall formulate his conclusions on the admissibility of the DRs.
To this end, a DR may only be considered inadmissible in one of the following cases:
(a)

when an operative paragraph of Part II of the Draft Programme and Budget is not
affected by the DR (such operative paragraphs will always appear in bold and
within a box, making them thus clearly identifiable); or

(b)

when the budgetary implication of the DR is equal to or lower than US $40,000;
or

(c)

when the DR does not have international, regional or subregional scope,
i.e. when it refers to an activity to be implemented for the benefit of a single
Member State; or

(d)

when the activity proposed in the DR conforms to all the conditions required in
the appropriate resolutions for the presentation of requests to the Participation
Programme (currently 30 C/Resolution 50).

3.

Within a maximum period of 25 days from the deadline referred to in paragraph 1,4
Member States shall receive the comments of the Director-General regarding their
respective DRs. Such comments shall clearly indicate: (a) whether the DR is
admissible or inadmissible; and (b) if it is considered inadmissible, which of the cases
specified in paragraph 2 justifies, in the opinion of the Director-General, his conclusion.
If a decision is not taken by the Director-General within this 25-day period, the DR shall
automatically be considered admissible.

4.

Any Member State may appeal the conclusions of the Director-General regarding the
inadmissibility of its DR. To this end, not later than five days before the opening of the
session of the General Conference,5 its President or on his behalf the Director-General

Adopted by the Legal Committee in November 2000.
By 7 July 2009.
By 21 August 2009.
By 11 September 2009.
By 1 October 2009.

181 EX/32 Part II
Annex II – page 2
shall receive from such Member State a letter of appeal in which the reasons for this
recourse shall be clearly stated. Any letter of appeal not satisfying this deadline or not
reasoned shall be automatically rejected.
5.

Unless otherwise decided by a simple majority of its members, the Legal Committee
shall examine all the letters of appeal as the first item of its agenda. It shall confirm or
reject the conclusions of the Director-General on each DR which motivated the appeal.
To this end, it shall ascertain whether the reasons presented by the Director-General in
his comments conform to any of the cases presented in paragraph 2 above. In addition
to its letter of appeal a Member State may make a further written submission. It will be
expected to provide orally any additional information required by the Legal Committee.

6.

A Member State which is a member of the Legal Committee shall not vote on an
appeal submitted by itself.

III. In the exercise of their respective duties regarding the admissibility of DRs, the Secretariat
and the Legal Committee shall apply Section XIV of the Rules of Procedure of the General
Conference, as interpreted by this Note.
IV. At the request of the General Conference, this Note may be revised by the Legal
Committee.”

181 EX/32 Part II
Annex III
ANNEX III
“FINALIZATION OF THE EXPLANATORY NOTE ON THE APPLICATION OF RULES 80
AND 81 OF SECTION XIV OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE GENERAL
CONFERENCE CONCERNING ADMISSIBILITY CRITERIA FOR DRAFT RESOLUTIONS
RELATING TO THE DRAFT PROGRAMME AND BUDGET AND THE EXAMINATION
OF SUCH DRAFT RESOLUTIONS
(LEG/2002/1)
3.
Since the Legal Committee did not have a mandate to amend the wording of the
“Explanatory Note on the application of Rules 80 and 81 of the Rules of Procedure of the General
Conference”, its members discussed a certain number of difficulties connected with the application
of the note. One member of the Committee expressed himself in favour of endorsing the
explanatory note, except for the wording of paragraph 2(b) in which the limitation established was
not supported by any statutory or regulatory norm of UNESCO.
4.
Some members questioned the role assigned to the Legal Committee in regard to the matter
and also the legal value of the explanatory note.
5.
It was stated that the Explanatory Note imposed no new obligations on Member States and
that it merely provided an interpretation of the relevant provisions of the Rules of Procedure of the
General Conference, an interpretation which was brought to the attention of the Executive Board
and of the General Conference, which took note thereof in 31 C/Resolution 67.
6.
Several members deemed it desirable to act with caution and to refrain from amending the
wording of the Explanatory Note. One member who shared that view nevertheless stressed that
the note did not resolve all of the difficulties involved in applying the relevant provisions of the
Rules of Procedure.
7.
Some members proposed asking Member States about the difficulties encountered in
applying the Explanatory Note, with a view to introducing, as appropriate, the necessary
modifications. It was envisaged that the Chairperson of the Legal Committee could contact the
Member States and report back to the Committee in that regard.
8.
Several members pointed out that the procedure established by Rules 80 and 81 of the Rules
of Procedure of the General Conference had functioned satisfactorily on the whole and that it was
not for the Legal Committee to introduce elements of flexibility which could not fail to create delicate
problems in regard to application. It was clearly stated that the Explanatory Note was not intended to
apply to all draft resolutions but only to those with budgetary implications. Some members stressed
that that point should be brought to the attention of the Member States in the clearest possible terms
and that the resolution on the Participation Programme should be attached to the note.
9.
Several members emphasized the need for full consultation with the Member States and the
Secretariat during the preparation of the Draft Programme and Budget (C/5).
10. The representative of the Director-General indicated that the reference to 30 C/Resolution 50
in the Explanatory Note should now be taken as referring to 31 C/Resolution 36 which followed on
from the previous resolution. He assured the members that he was aware of the difficulties
encountered by certain Member States and that the Secretariat was constantly trying to improve
consultations with the Member States in regard to the preparation of the Draft Programme and
Budget (C/5). He further confirmed that the Secretariat was prepared to undertake what the Legal
Committee called ‘educational measures’ to inform the delegations clearly and repeatedly about
the terms of the Explanatory Note and the implications of non-observance.”

181 EX/32 Part II
Annex IV
ANNEX IV
FORM FOR THE SUBMISSION OF DRAFT RESOLUTIONS PROPOSING THE ADOPTION
OF AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT PROGRAMME AND BUDGET FOR 2010-2011

35th SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
Draft resolution proposing the adoption of amendments to the Draft Programme and
Budget for 2010-2011
Submitted by:
State(s) .................................................................................................................................
Referring to Volume 1 of document 35 C/5
Number of draft resolution1:
...............................................................................................................................................

Proposed modification, deletion or addition (specify paragraph):

State the amount of budgetary implications of the proposed amendment:
...............................................................................................................................................
Indicate the proposed source of funding (budget proposed for other parts of document
35 C/5 or extrabudgetary resources):
...............................................................................................................................................

1

Paragraph number of the box containing each draft resolution.

181 EX/32 Part II
Annex IV – page 2

Explanatory note (no more than 20 lines):

Please give fax number (or email address) for subsequent correspondence:
.......................................................................................................................................................

Name:
Date:

.........................................................................
Signature(s) for each sponsoring State

Printed on recycled paper

181 EX/32 Part II
Annex V

ANNEX V

35TH SESSION of the GENERAL CONFERENCE (Provisional Timetable of Work)
Youth Forum (Thursday 1 - Saturday 3 October)
Partners Forum (Monday, 5 October)
COMMISSIONS

WED

7
THU

O 8
C 9
T 10
O
B
12
E
R 13
FRI

SAT

MON

TUE

WED

14

2 15
0
16
0 17
9
THU

SAT

FRI

MON

19
TUE

20
WED

21
THU

22
FRI

23

am pm am pm am pm am pm am pm am

6

pm am pm am pm am pm am pm am

TUE

pm am pm am pm am pm am pm am

Date

PLENARY MEETINGS

ADM

PRX

ED

SC

COMMITTEES
SHS

CLT

CI

LEG

Opening
Intro. General
Policy Debate
GPD

1
ADM

GPD

Min.
Forum

1
LEG
2
LEG
3
LEG

GPD

Min.
Forum

4
LEG

GPD

Min.
Forum

GPD

GPD
GPD
GPD

DG’s Reply

2
ADM
3
ADM

4
ADM
5
ADM
6
ADM

1
PRX
2
PRX
3
PRX

7
ADM

4
PRX
5
PRX

Round
Table
Round
Table

3
CRE
4
CRE

1
BUR

2
NOM

3
NOM

1
ED
2
ED
3
ED

Round
Table
Round
Table
Round
Table

4
ED
5
ED

1
SC
2
SC
3
SC

5
NOM
1
CI
2
CI
3
CI

ADM
8 Rep
PRX
7 Rep

ED
7 Rep

3
BUR

EXB
elections

4
CI

4
SC
5
SC

1
CLT
2
CLT
3
CLT

1
SHS
2
SHS
3
SHS

4
SHS

5
CLT

5
SHS

1972

SC
6 Rep

1972
1972
SHS
6 Rep

5
CI
Other

4
BUR

elections

4
CLT

1972

CLT
6 Rep

PLEN (reports)

Closure

1
NOM

4
NOM

DG Appointment

PLEN (reports)

1
CRE
2
CRE

BUR

Round
Table

6
ED

PLEN (reports)

NOM

2
BUR

6
PRX

PLEN (reports)

CRE

JOINT MEETING of COMMISSIONS

CI
6 Rep

5
BUR

Executive Board

181 EX/32

Hundred and eighty-first session

Part II Corr.

PARIS, 21 March 2009
Original: French

Item 32 of the agenda

DRAFT PLAN FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK
OF THE 35th SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
PART II
CORRIGENDUM
Annex I, page 2
Add, under PRX Commission:
1.6

Organization of the work of the session and report of the President of the 34th session
thereon

Printed on recycled paper

Executive Board
Hundred and eighty-first session

181 EX/32
Part II Add.

PARIS, 22 April 2009
Original: English

Item 32 of the provisional agenda

DRAFT PLAN FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK
OF THE 35th SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
ADDENDUM

SUMMARY
The present document contains detailed information on the organization of
the Plenary Ministerial Forum of the General Conference and on main side
events to be organized alongside the official proceedings, as well as the
communication plan for the session.

(i)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Plenary Ministerial Forum .............................................................................................................

1

Ministerial Round Table on Education ..........................................................................................

4

Ministerial Round Table on Oceans ..............................................................................................

6

Youth Forum .................................................................................................................................

9

Partners Forum ............................................................................................................................. 12
Exhibition on Culture and Development ........................................................................................ 14
Communication Plan ..................................................................................................................... 16

181 EX/32 Part II Add.
PLENARY MINISTERIAL FORUM
Thursday, 8 October and Friday, 9 October (morning)
1.

Proposed themes of the Forum sessions
(a)

Investing out of the crisis – through action in social domains (education, the sciences,
culture and communication and information) – 8 October a.m.
The principal focus of the discussion shall be action to be taken by governments and
multilateral organizations, in particular UNESCO, countering the impact of the financial
and economic crisis and avoiding the rollback of decades of investment, policy
development and achievements in the social sectors. As recognized by the G-20
London Leader’s Communiqué of 2 April 2009 and by the CEB Communiqué of 5 April
2009, continued investment is needed in the various social sectors that are important
drivers for development and are crucial for recovery and overcoming the negative
fallout of retrenchment that may have occurred. The debate could focus on concrete
action that can be taken and supported by UNESCO, globally in terms of monitoring
and advocacy and at regional and country levels in terms of concrete policy advice and
capacity-building support, with possible implications for a further reinforcement of
priorities and the focus of the Organization’s action.

(b)

UNESCO’s contribution to attain the Internationally Agreed Development Goals
(IADGs), including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – 8 October p.m.
By 2010, a decade will have passed since the adoption of the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs), with only five years left for ensuring the attainment of these MDGs.
Thus, a holistic approach may be called for to assess how far UNESCO has been able
to assist Member States in moving towards the realization of all internationally agreed
development goals, including the MDGs, and what orientations may be needed in the
five years leading up to 2015. The two education-related MDGs will be a major area of
interest as will be the attainment of the six Dakar Goals of EFA, globally and at the
country level. Other important goals relate to the provision of freshwater and sanitation
as well as environmental protection. Above all, the impact of UNESCO’s action in
support of halving the world’s poverty and as part of the global United Nations effort will
need to be discussed. The result of the deliberations may provide a reinforced direction
to UNESCO to help sustain and reinforce the quest for the international goals.

(c)

Shaping UNESCO for the next decade (as an effective multilateral actor) – 9 October a.m.
The debate could focus on an assessment of the overall role of UNESCO in the
framework of the United Nations system. The impact of United Nations reform on
UNESCO’s activities and operations may be of particular interest in comments by
ministers. Deliberations can also be directed as to the coordinating role and impact of
UNESCO in EFA, the impact of UNESCO’s action in science, technology and
innovation policies, freshwater management and the oceans, the role in the ethics of
science and technology, UNESCO’s unique role in protecting and promoting cultural
diversity, including cultural heritage in all its aspects, culture and development as well
as intercultural dialogue, and the impact of UNESCO in the field of freedom of
expression and the media as well as building the foundations and structures of
knowledge societies, not least through effective use of information and communications
technologies. Lastly, ministers may comment on the future relevance of UNESCO’s
menu of interventions, including policy advice, related capacity-building, normative and
standard setting action, benchmarking and monitoring as well as a forum for ideas and
innovation.

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 2
2.

Time

Three extended, self-contained sessions of approximately four hours each (9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or
1.30 p.m., and 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. or 6.30 p.m.)
3.

Format

At the beginning of the Plenary Ministerial Forum series, i.e. at the first Forum, there will be brief
introductory statements by the Director-General and by the President of the General Conference.
Each of the three Forum sessions will be chaired by an elected officer of the General Conference
(i.e. the President of the General Conference or a Vice-President – to be arranged sufficiently in
advance) and moderated by an invited personality. Each session will also be introduced by one or
two keynote speakers.
Following the keynote speakers, speakers will have three minutes for their interventions. There will
follow an open debate guided by the moderator, involving all Ministers present, with multiple
interventions possible in this framework.
This format is designed somehow in line with the model provided by the United Nations General
Assembly during the 2000 Millennium Summit and the 2005 World Summit – when Heads of State
were moderating various panel discussions among their peers, based on set statements as well as
ad hoc interventions, involving likewise Ministers and Executive Heads of United Nations
organizations.
4.

Moderator

The Moderator chosen for each Plenary Ministerial Forum shall be an international and
knowledgeable personality, known for his or her impartiality and capable of conducting and
animating a dynamic and constructive debate among the Ministers.
The choice of keynote speakers will be based on regional balance.
5.

Ground rules

Ministers should be given the option for:
• set interventions during one of the ministerial events;
• participating in the ministerial event discussions as a commentator or discussant;
• offer their statements over alternative outlets (e.g. television video/UNESCO Internet
portal)
If a delegation is not represented by a minister, such representatives would be invited to speak at a
Forum only after all ministers had completed their interventions.
No speaker below the rank of vice-/assistant minister should be entitled to speak during the
ministerial sessions.
If a minister has prepared a longer statement, the time limits for the interventions would still need
to be observed, but the full text could be distributed and also be made available on the UNESCO
portal.
6.

Output

The main lines of the deliberations and any conclusions, as summarized by the moderator, would
be captured in a summary report on each Plenary Ministerial Forum, to be prepared by the
Secretariat (BSP) and issued as an INF document.

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 3
As for all plenary meetings, provisional non-edited transcripts will be immediately available, and
verbatim records established within Volume 2 of the Records of the General Conference.
A draft resolution addressing the preparations of the subsequent Draft Programme and Budget
(36 C/5) and outlining possible adjustments to document 34 C/4 shall be prepared by the
Secretariat (BSP) on the basis of interventions at the general policy debate, the Director-General’s
response thereto and the conclusions and recommendations of the three Plenary Ministerial Forum
sessions. This DR will be examined jointly by all commissions, with adoption envisaged for the
closing plenary meeting.
7.

Publicity/Visibility

Efforts should be made to maximize the exposure and involvement of ministers in the work of the
General Conference by arranging dedicated live or taped television programmes.

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 4
MINISTERIAL ROUND TABLE ON EDUCATION
Friday, 8 October (afternoon) and Saturday, 9 October
What Education for the Future?
Lessons from the five major international education conferences
1.

Background

The global crisis, of unprecedented scale, affects everyone but hits hardest the poor and
marginalized populations many of which already suffered during previous years and decades of
economic growth because of persistent inequalities throughout the world. Children, youth and adult
women and men around the world, often from the same population groups, also suffer from global
and national inequalities in education. At the same time, in high- as well as in low-income
countries, education quality and relevance are debated and the ability of education systems to
adequately equip learners of all ages with the necessary knowledge, values, competencies and
skills to face the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s world is being questioned. In this context,
the series of landmark global education conferences1 which UNESCO is holding in 2008 and 2009,
as well as the 2008 High-Level Group on EFA-HLG, bear a particular relevance.
The shared vision which runs through the conferences is one of education systems that encourage
equity and inclusion, quality learning, flexibility and innovation. They are anchored in the conviction
that education is a right, a foundation and prerequisite for sustainable development and that
learning happens throughout life.
UNESCO’s conference cycle is aiming to encourage a dynamic and far-reaching reflection on the
transformative power of education to serve this vision and to engage policymakers, researchers
and a range of institutions in reorienting education systems – from early childhood to adult age, in
formal and non-formal settings – to promote equity, quality and sustainable development.
This Education Ministers’ Round Table will review and debate the results and recommendations of
the four global conferences and the 2008 EFA High-Level Group, building on the outcomes of the
previous General Conference Round Tables where ministers discussed “Quality Education” (32nd
session, 2003), “Education for All” (33rd session, 2005) and “Education and Economic
Development” (34th session, 2007).
2.

Expected outcome
• Education systems viewed and approached in a holistic, not a fragmented, manner.
• Evidence provided for positioning quality education and learning throughout life as keys
towards more inclusive and sustainable societies.
• Deepened understanding of the knowledge, values, competencies and skills needed to
build better societies.
• Views on educational renewal exchanged and successes and challenges shared.
• Renewed commitment to building education systems that encourage equity and inclusion,
quality learning, flexibility and innovation.

1

48th International Conference on Education: “Inclusive Education: the Way of the Future” (25-28 November
2008, Geneva, Switzerland); World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development: “Moving into the
Second Half of the United Nations Decade” (31 March-2 April 2009, Bonn, Germany); Sixth International
Conference on Adult Education-CONFINTEA VI: “Learning and Living for a Viable Future: the Power of Adult
Learning” (19-22 May 2009, Belém, Brazil); the 2009 World Conference on Higher Education: “The New
Dynamics of Higher Education and Research for Societal Change and Development” (5-8 July 2009, Paris,
France).

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 5
3.

Themes

In addition to the planned General Conference document on the outcomes of the major education
conferences, a special Background document will be prepared to guide the debates of the MRT,
organized around the following three themes:

4.

Theme 1

Knowledge, values, competencies and skills for today’s and tomorrow’s
societies. Friday, 8 October, 2.30-6.30 p.m.

Theme 2

Building education systems that are inclusive, equitable, of high quality and
supportive of sustainable development. Saturday, 9 October, 9.30 a.m.1.30 p.m.

Theme 3

Promoting changes in policies and practices: The way forward. Saturday,
9 October, 2.30-6.30 p.m.

Format

Ministers of all Member States will be entitled to participate and at the same time be given a broad
concept paper on each of the themes of the Round Table (already under preparation).
At the beginning of the Ministerial Round Table, there will be brief introductory statements by the
Director-General and the Chairperson of Commission ED.
Each session will be guided by one moderator. The sessions will be opened by interventions
offered by a panel of three to four panellists, pre-selected with consideration of regional balance,
who will provide specific input on the particular topics of the session from a range of perspectives
(eight minutes per presentation),
The format seeks to develop a mix between these prepared interventions and an open debate
guided by the moderator among all Ministers present. Such a format might warrant that there
would be a time limit. Equitable regional representation will be taken into account.
5.

Output

The Round Table rounds up the 2008-2009 education conference cycle and each conference
already resulted in the adoption of conclusions and recommendations. Therefore, instead of a
communiqué, a summary report of the debates will be prepared and published.

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 6
MINISTERIAL ROUND TABLE ON OCEANS
Monday, 12 October (afternoon) and Tuesday, 13 October
Building stewardship for the ocean:
the contribution of UNESCO to responsible ocean governance
1.

Rationale

The ocean is the ultimate global commons. The ocean, and in particular the high seas is a unique
international space where the International Community and the United Nations bear special
responsibilities under the authority of the General Assembly and in particular within the framework
of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
There are alarming signs for the ocean. Fishing is in a critical condition in many regions of the
world, special natural habitats are being altered in an irreversible way, the current rate of
biodiversity loss is not being abated, and piracy and other types of organized crime, like the illegal
shipping of drugs, arms and people, are increasing.
Despite the fact that UNCLOS provides a wide and integrated legal framework on which to operate
and build sound and effective regulations to the different uses of the ocean, severe limitations do
exist especially in the monitoring and enforcement of those regulations. Regardless of 20 years of
efforts to improve ocean governance, too many users, industries and governments, are silently
comfortable with the status quo. The final political accountability of authorities existing on land,
where citizens live and where their everyday life will eventually be directly affected by failing
regulations, does not exist in the oceans. The big expanses of the ocean are difficult to survey,
monitor and to enforce existing law and regulations. Big efforts through the concerted action of
several nations are needed, as in the current piracy threat off the Horn of Africa.
These limitations have to be seen in the context of a fundamental weakness of national and
international institutions, still too compartmentalized on a sector by sector division of duties and
responsibilities, leaving little room for integrated policy-making addressing cross-cutting issues, or
simply too weak or non-existing in some developing and least developed countries.
UNESCO through its IOC and formerly through its Division of Marine Sciences, has been at the
centre of all the efforts to build stewardship through science and provide governance for oceans
during the last 50 years. In 1960 following a recommendation of the First Intergovernmental
Conference on Oceanographic Research, the UNESCO General Conference created the
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, IOC, as a body with functional autonomy within
the Organization. It is fair to say that today the IOC with its 137 member states and its own
Assembly, is the only United Nations body that through science holds a wide enough mandate to
be an effective promoter within the United Nations system of a cross-cutting approach to the main
issues affecting oceans.
Conscious of these developments and in an effort to improve the overall governance of the Ocean,
in 2002 the Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg agreed to “establish by 2004 a
regular process under the United Nations for global reporting and assessment of the state of the
marine environment, including socio-economic aspects, both current and foreseeable, building on
existing regional assessments (Johannesburg Plan of Implementation)”.
Despite the fact that the deadline of 2004 has long passed, the initiative to establish under the
United Nations General Assembly a process to conduct regularly Integrated Assessments for the
Ocean, is a major commitment that the world community must undertake. Keeping the marine
environment under permanent review and, drawing upon the best scientific evidence available, the
Regular Process will contribute to the sustainability of the oceans seas: Integrated assessments,
by looking at the interaction of different sectors under a common conceptual framework including

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 7
socio-economic factors, will generate policy advice of a higher level, filling information and
knowledge gaps required for the sustainable use of the ultimate Global Commons: the Ocean.
This Ministerial Round Table attempts to focus the attention on this new effort by the United
Nations towards a responsible ocean governance and to rally the support of UNESCO’s Member
State, many of them with a high level of engagement in UNESCO’s programmes related to oceans.
2.

Expected outcome
• Role of Science in supporting and legitimizing management of the Ocean and its
resources better appraised and explained;
• The existing mandates and the division of labour within the United Nations acknowledged;
• The need for integrated assessments, at the regional and global levels exposed;
• Knowledge gaps and institutional limitations explored: the new challenges identified;
• The role of Ocean in Climate Change explained and examples to adaptation to the
impacts of climate change demonstrated;
• Rally support for the establishment of the Regular Process and engage in promoting
responsible ocean governance.

3.

4.

Themes
Theme 1:

The role of science and the United Nations in providing governance for the
ocean. Monday, 12 October, 2.30 to 6.30 p.m.

Theme 2

The contribution of UNESCO to monitor the state of the ocean and its
ecological services: the United Nations regular process. Tuesday,
13 October 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Theme 3

Ocean and Climate Change, the impacts on and from the Ocean: adapting
coastal cities to sea-level rise. Tuesday, 13 October, 2.30 to 6.30 p.m.

Format

Ministers of all Member States will be entitled to participate and at the same time be given a broad
concept paper on each of the themes of the round table (already under preparation).
At the beginning of the Ministerial Round Table, there will be brief introductory statements by the
Director-General, the Chairman of IOC and the Chairperson of Commission SC.
Each session will be guided by one moderator. The sessions will be opened by interventions
offered by a panel of three to four panellists, pre-selected with consideration of regional balance,
who will provide specific input on the particular topics of the session from a range of perspectives
(eight minutes per presentation).
The format seeks to develop a mix between these prepared interventions and an open debate
guided by the moderator among all ministers present. Such a format might warrant a time limit.
Consideration of equitable regional representation will be taken into account.
5.

Output

The main lines of the deliberations and any conclusions, as summarized by the moderator, would
be captured in a summary report for each of the round-table sessions.

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 8
The aim of this Round Table is to rally support for the United Nations Regular Process and the role
that UNESCO and its Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission can play in conducting the
first Integrated Assessment of the Ocean between 2010 and 2015.

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 9
YOUTH FORUM
Thursday, 1 October to Saturday, 3 October
The UNESCO Youth Forum will be held from 1 to 3 October 2009, prior to the 35th session of the
General Conference. It will bring together young people from all around the world for a three-day
exchange on topical issues.
MAKING THE UNESCO YOUTH FORUM A PLATFORM FOR GENUINE PARTICIPATION:
CHALLENGES
Ensuring quality debates
The selection of the youth participants is of utmost importance to the quality of the debates. In
order to have quality delegates, while avoiding the professionalization of the participation in youth
conferences, the nomination criteria set up for the event need to be paid special attention. In
addition, youth delegates must be adequately prepared to participate in the debates on the themes
of the Forum, both by the UNESCO Secretariat and the Member States.
What’s next? The follow-up imperative
The five UNESCO Youth Forums organized to date produced substantive reports with a series of
recommendations of very large focus; the nature of these reports made the follow-up to the
Forum’s results quite difficult to ensure.
If the UNESCO Youth Forum is not to remain a one-time event, there should be a clear
commitment for follow-up from all concerned. In this regard, the sixth UNESCO Youth Forum will
produce a final report containing key and precise recommendations and commitments made by the
youth participants on the two themes of the Forum. The document will be drafted by an elected
drafting committee composed of representatives of youth delegates (one per region), the President
of the Forum and representatives of one or two NGOs as observers. The report will be presented
at the General Conference. Youth delegates are encouraged to acquaint their country’s official
delegation to the General Conference and their Permanent Delegation to UNESCO on the results
of the Forum and the recommendations and commitments produced. Member States are invited to
support the Report of the Youth Forum during the General Conference and to assist in the followup of the recommendations following the Forum.
UNESCO’S RESPONSE: THE SIXTH UNESCO YOUTH FORUM
Themes
A cross-cutting theme of the sixth UNESCO Youth Forum will be dedicated to the strengthening of
youth participation – UNESCO Youth Forum, a long-term approach. Furthermore, in order to
ensure the connection between the Youth Forum and the General Conference, the main theme of
the sixth Youth Forum, “Investing out of the crisis: what role for young people?”, will be consonant
with one of the themes of the Ministerial Forum to be held during the General Conference:
“Investing out of the crisis – through action in social domains (education, sciences, culture and
communication).

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 10
Participants
Youth delegates
Youth delegates will be nominated by UNESCO Member States (two delegates maximum per each
Member State). In order to ensure the quality of the delegates, a list of criteria for the selection of
the delegates has been established: age (18-24 years old); membership in a representative youth
organization and involvement in youth-related issues at the community level; gender parity (in the
case of the nomination of two delegates); representation of indigenous peoples. UNESCO will
support Member States in the nomination process to identify quality and active youth delegates
through field networks.
Panellists
In addition to adult experts, youth representatives of international youth associations, young
economists or researchers will also be invited to participate in the panels.
Observers
High-quality international or regional NGOs, sister United Nations agencies and other
intergovernmental organizations will be invited to participate in the Forum.
Preparatory process
Production of reference documents: policy and research papers
In order to provide the participants of the Forum with the most relevant background information,
UNESCO will commission two policy papers on the themes of the Forum: “Investing out of the
crisis: what role for young people?” and “Youth participation – UNESCO Youth Forum, a long-term
approach”.
Moreover, the UNESCO Intersectoral working group in charge of the preparation of the event will
mobilize its networks to encourage the preparation of quality research papers by young
researchers or students. The best papers could be presented during the panels.
Online tools
In order to enable youth delegates to get in touch with one another and allow them to discuss the
themes and exchange their ideas prior to the Forum, an online forum will be set up. In addition,
online discussion threads open to youth worldwide on specific themes will be set up. The main
salient points resulting from these virtual exchanges will be reviewed in summary documents to be
used as background information for the Forum.
Format and agenda
The Forum will include opening and closing plenary sessions, panels as well as parallel sessions.
The plenary sessions will be moderated by a professional facilitator.
– Session 1 (in plenary): “Investing out of the crisis: towards a partnership between UNESCO and
youth organizations”: presentation of the UNESCO paper, presentations by youth panellists and
experts
– Session 2 (in parallel – seven sessions): Presentations, in relation to the two themes of the
Forum, on UNESCO’s programmes with and for youth will be prepared and chaired by
UNESCO’s sectors and central services

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 11
The discussions of these parallel sessions will provide input to the drafting committee on the
themes of the Forum for the elaboration of the final report.
– Session 3 (in plenary): “Youth participation – UNESCO Youth Forum, a long-term approach”:
presentation of the UNESCO paper, presentations by youth panellists, presentation of leading
experiences on youth civic participation

Wednesday
30 September
8-9 a.m.

Thursday
1 October

Friday
2 October

Registration

Report back to
plenary on parallel
sessions

9-10 a.m.
10-11 a.m.
11 a.m.12 noon

Saturday
3 October

Opening session

Seven parallel
sessions

Youth and the
crisis

Youth
participation
(Principles,
approaches and
lessons learned
from past Youth
Forums)

12-1 p.m.

Conclusions and
finalization of the
report
(plenary)

1-2 p.m.
2-3 p.m.
3-4 p.m.
4-5 p.m.
5-6 p.m.

Registration

6-7 p.m.
7-8 p.m.
8-9 p.m.

Get-in-touch event

Meeting of the
Drafting
Committee

Closing session

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 12
PARTNERS FORUM
Monday, 5 October
1.

Subject

The purpose of the UNESCO Partners Forum is to bring together all the external actors who
support and defend UNESCO’s ideals. It will now form an integral part of the General
Conference, in the same way as the Youth Forum, and it will be aligned on the latter’s concept
and format, both being held consecutively before the opening of the session. It thus goes beyond
the simple framework of the first International Forum of Civil Society held on the sidelines of the
34th session of the General Conference.
This Forum will mainly seek to show the importance of these many different partners for
UNESCO’s viability, vitality and visibility at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Without these
partners, UNESCO can do virtually nothing with regard to globalization and is in danger of
becoming stale intellectually after more than 60 years of existence; with its partners, it can hope to
do much more. Thus by going beyond the traditional intergovernmental cooperation framework,
UNESCO sees new prospects opening up thanks to these various partners and will be able to
count on new support for its action in its fields of competence in the service of humanity. Lastly, the
opening up to new partners will make it possible to stimulate and enrich intellectual cooperation in
the cause of peace, which remains UNESCO’s ultimate goal.
2.

Date

The Forum will take place on Monday, 5 October 2009 in Room II, on the eve of the 35th session
of the General Conference, in order to ensure the best possible participation, especially that of the
delegations to the Conference.
3.

Title

“UNESCO and its partners: multiple partnerships for a common ideal”
4.

Themes

The Forum will focus on two themes:
• the assessment of the various successful partnerships over the past decade, at the end
of the term of office of the outgoing Director-General (1999-2009);
• future prospects for new partnerships in the follow-up to Millennium Development Goal 8:
(Developing a global partnership for development), the Cardoso Report on United
Nations-Civil Society Relations, the Global Compact of the United Nations encouraging
partnership with the private sector, and the ongoing reform of the United Nations system
for the purpose of “Delivering as One” (One United Nations) with the support of new
partners (UNDG/UNDP partnerships for progress programme)
5.

Format

The Forum will be in two parts: a morning meeting and an afternoon meeting. The debate should
not be confined to only one sectoral theme (e.g. EFA, climate change, cultural diversity, United
Nations reform). It will allow an exchange on successful experiences (best practices) and the
results obtained (success stories) by various partners in their cooperation with UNESCO.

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 13
The Forum will be opened by the Director-General and the outgoing President of the General
Conference (34th session). A guest of honour will deliver a speech on the importance of new
partners for UNESCO at the opening ceremony.
The morning meeting, devoted to the assessment of established partnerships, will be structured
around the two following debates:
• Partnership with civil society;
• Partnership with the parliamentary world.
The afternoon meeting, devoted to future prospects with new partnerships, will discuss the
following two themes, one-and-a-half hours on each:
• New networks of partners;
• New funding networks.
The meeting will be chaired jointly by the Assistant Director-General for External Relations and
Cooperation and the Assistant Director-General for the Africa Department.
6.

Participants

The meeting will be open to:
• various types of new and traditional partners of UNESCO, civil society and the private
sector, government and parliamentary circles at the local, national, regional and
international levels: NGOs, UNESCO Clubs and Centres, cities and municipal authorities,
local and regional authorities, parliamentarians, foundations, former UNESCO fellowshipholders and UNESCO prize-winners;
• partners of the “great family” of UNESCO who use the name and logo of the Organization:
UNESCO Chairs, associated schools, associated libraries, category 2 centres and
institutes, national committees for intergovernmental programmes, goodwill ambassadors,
artists for peace;
• intergovernmental and institutional partners (National Commissions for UNESCO,
permanent delegations to UNESCO, delegations to the 35th session of the General
Conference, Members of the Executive Board) and members of the subsidiary bodies of
the governing bodies.
The goal is therefore to bring together the greatest possible number of partners from various
horizons in order to discuss and compare the added value, which they can bring to UNESCO’s
action and to the promotion of its values in Member States.
7.

Expected results

The final report of the Forum will be presented to the General Conference meeting in plenary by
the elected General Rapporteur, and will then be published as an information document (INF) of
the session. The proceedings of the Forum will be published at a later date.

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 14
EXHIBITION ON CULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT
1.

Rationale and objectives

The exhibition will aim at demonstrating to what extent culture contributes to ensuring the
sustainability of development.
The exhibition will showcase existing examples of programmes and projects emphasizing culture
as a means and vehicle to development at national and local levels across the different regions of
the world. National ownership through participatory and inclusive processes including communitybased initiatives, will be a central feature of the programme and projects retained.
Over the past decade, UNESCO has developed a holistic approach in order to demonstrate the
key role of culture in socio-economic development as well as its potential for social cohesion and
peace-building. Such inclusive approach linking culture and development is also reflected in a
number of international legal principles enshrined in UNESCO Conventions in the field of culture
(notably the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage
(1972); the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003); and the
Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005)).
By linking the principles of the standard-setting action of UNESCO in the field of culture and its
translation and impact at national level, the exhibition will showcase projects demonstrating
UNESCO’s added value at country level. The sample of selected projects will reflect both
geographical diversity and the diversity of approaches to the culture and development
issue. The two-fold aspects – cultural policies for development and the cultural dimension
of development – will be equally emphasized.
The main message of the exhibit will be passed through a wide and diverse array of
perspectives. The starting point for the Culture Sector will be to showcase selected projects under
the UNDP/Spain MDG Achievement Fund (MDG-F) illustrating the interdisciplinarity of high impact
culturally-based projects which often include a social, environmental and educational component,
by showing United Nations joint action led by UNESCO at country level. But other projects,
showing the need to take into account the cultural dimension of development policies in education,
sciences or communication, will also be highlighted.
2.

Culture as a powerful asset for sustainable development

The more “classical” approach to the nexus culture and development (how culture can be a
resource for income generation and job creation, etc.) will be demonstrated through UNESCO
“flagship projects” in the field of culture as well as other projects, which focus on the management
of tangible, intangible and documentary heritage, the development of cultural and creative
industries, handicrafts and museums, cultural tourism and tourism of memory; culture as a vehicle
for reconciliation and social cohesion, etc. A clear linkage should be established on this occasion
with the “partners’ village”, together with some “side events” earmarked to take place during the
General Conference, such as round tables or public lectures highlighting the role of each actor or
“stakeholder” in this endeavour.
3.

Intersectoral entry points

For, the exhibition is not intended to be restricted to the cultural field per se as a source of
development but rather aims also at stressing the importance of culturally sensitive approaches as
a guarantee and resource for the sustainability of economic and social development and at
showing to what extent culturally sensitive approaches can help us better respond to the
challenges we are facing today in the present context of financial and economic crisis.

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 15
From issues related to human security (environmental hazards and climate change included) to
biodiversity erosion, we can no longer afford to consider culture and nature as two separate orders.
In this respect we have much to learn from the good practices of environmental management
embedded within local and indigenous knowledge and know-how, which view the Earth in terms of
a global ecosystem made up of co-evolving interactions. Insofar as “culture” and “development”
imply a capacity to adapt to the constraints of diverse contexts and natural circumstances, the
environmental sustainability of development projects can only be firmly guaranteed by integrating
the cultural component in their design. The exhibition will therefore provide an opportunity to
show to what extent knowledge (notably traditional and local knowledge) and know-how
constitute incontrovertible resources when addressing natural resources (i.e. biodiversity),
water, climate change and risk mitigation issues.
Education is a process that firmly connects the transmission of knowledge to the transmission of
values. To enable true sustainable development, education must take into account cultural
diversity, i.e. diverse contexts, diverse worldviews and perspectives but also intercultural
competencies and multilingualism. Such an approach to education paves the way for inclusive
societies and quality education. In return, cultural diversity enables education to renew its methods,
and types of learning. Hence, focusing notably on multicultural education, the exhibition will
demonstrate the importance of the cultural dimension in and across education.
Increasingly, information and knowledge are key determinants of wealth creation, social
transformation and human development. Documentary heritage contains knowledge which is at the
centre of human existence and reflects our linguistic and cultural diversity. As the main vector for
human knowledge and communication, documentary heritage is increasingly influenced by
technology and digitization, which in turn profoundly impacts human development and access to
information. The diversity of digital knowledge is fundamental in promoting exchange and
sustaining cultural diversity while determining the extent to which one can participate in emerging
knowledge societies. The exhibition will show the role of culture in efforts to build knowledge
societies, notably regarding issues related to access, preservation and multilingualism.
In the same vein, social transformation and the renewal of societies are intrinsically linked to
culture. As a focal point of identity, continuity and common values, culture is a driving force for
dialogue, social cohesion and innovation and an important asset to increase social equity and
promote dignity. The exhibition will show the relevance of culturally sensitive action to
address societal issues (HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, social inequalities, etc.). Moreover,
it will be the occasion to highlight the experience of UNESCO in a number of intersectoral
projects based on a culturally-sensitive approach to poverty reduction.
To illustrate this demonstration, intersectoral projects involving all programme sectors of UNESCO
will be solicited.

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 16
COMMUNICATION PLAN
Informing the press and UNESCO’s various communities of interest about the General Conference
will be undertaken on several fronts, including the mainstream media (newspapers, agencies and
broadcast outlets) and “new” or “social” media such as Facebook.
The election of a new Director-General will guarantee heightened interest in the event and more
focused attention on UNESCO’s programme and budget. BPI is already fielding questions from the
media on the election process and declared candidates.
A key to exploiting this interest to maximum effect is providing sufficient background information to
journalists about the event and the stakes involved in this years’ edition.
This requires the preparation of media-friendly information materials that are brief, easy-to-read
and focused on the news-worthy aspects of the General Conference, including the election, visits
from high-level dignitaries, key debates and side events.
This information should figure prominently on the General Conference website, along with
document 35 C/5, which will be flagged prominently on the home page of unesco.org in the six
United Nations working languages as of late summer.
The Bureau of Public Information (BPI) will also organize a series of workshops for journalists
prior to the event, explaining how the general Conference works and the stakes involved in this
year’s edition. This is being planned with a group of journalists from the Arab region (date yet to be
decided); Portugal (late May); France (including foreign correspondents – late August early
September); and a group of journalism students from Sciences Po in Paris (May 4).
BPI will also:
• revise the general information brochure about UNESCO; updating the information for
both the print and electronic versions (under way);
• signal the General Conference on the monthly calendar of events sent to the media (as
of April);
• prepare and distribute a media advisory announcing the General Conference and its
programme six weeks ahead of the event, and urging journalists to finalize their
accreditation;
• provide coverage of key events of the General Conference for the home page of the web
portal;
• prepare and distribute press releases of any major announcements, visits of highranking dignitaries, or decisions taken at the event (election of the new Director-General,
for example);
• organize press conferences for personalities attending the General Conference, or
officials from the Organization who can explain various decisions or procedures;
• ensure photographic coverage of the event for the preparation of an on-line photo gallery,
which could be exploited both on UNESCO.Org and on the Organization’s Facebook and
YouTube pages.
The new, bigger and better equipped press room being planned for the General Conference will
provide journalists with a more comfortable working space with WIFI connections; an area for
press conferences (although major press conferences involving interpretation will take place in

181 EX/32
Part II Add. – page 17
Room 9); exhaustive coverage (via flat-screen television) of the debates in the main conference
room; access to all of the background documents they may require on the proceedings or any side
events.
Daily briefings will be organized in the press room for attending journalists to explain the key
events of each day.

Printed on recycled paper

Executive Board
Hundred and eighty-first session

181 EX/32
Part III
PARIS, 9 March 2009
Original: French

Item 32 of the provisional agenda

INVITATIONS TO THE 35TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE

SUMMARY
Under the Rules of Procedure of the General Conference, the Executive
Board decides on the non-Member States to be invited to the General
Conference, makes recommendations on the issuing of invitations to certain
organizations and takes a number of other measures. In this document the
Director-General also lists, for information, the States and organizations that
are automatically notified of the convening of a session of the General
Conference or invited to attend.
The financial and administrative implications of the activities presented fall
within the parameters of document C/5.
Action expected of the Executive Board: decision proposed in paragraph 12.

181 EX/32
Part III
I.

STATES

A.

Member States and Associate Members of UNESCO

1.
In accordance with Rule 6, paragraph 1, of the Rules of Procedure of the General
Conference, the Director-General will notify the Member States and Associate Members of the
Organization, not less than 90 days in advance, of the date and place of the 35th session of the
General Conference.
2.
During the 90-day period preceding the 35th session, the Director-General will similarly notify
any State that becomes a Member of UNESCO by depositing an instrument of acceptance of the
Constitution and signing it before the 35th session.
B.

Non-Member States

3.
In accordance with Rule 6, paragraph 4, of the Rules of Procedure of the General
Conference, the Executive Board decides upon the list of States not Members of UNESCO (Holy
See and Liechtenstein) that are to be invited to send observers to the 35th session of the General
Conference. The decision required of the Board in this matter shall be taken by a two-thirds
majority.
4.
The Director-General will notify the States that appear on the list drawn up by the Board and
invite them to send observers.
II.

PALESTINE

5.
In accordance with Rule 6, paragraph 6, of the Rules of Procedure of the General
Conference, the Executive Board includes Palestine in the appropriate list before each session of
the General Conference so that it may send observers.
6.
The Director-General will notify Palestine of the convening of the session and invite it to send
observers.
III.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

A.

United Nations, and bodies, programmes and specialized agencies of the United
Nations system

7.
In accordance with Rule 6, paragraph 2, of the Rules of Procedure of the General
Conference, the Director-General will notify the following organizations of the convening of the
session and invite them to send representatives:
(a)

United Nations, bodies and programmes
United Nations
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
(UNRWA)
United Nations University (UNU)

181 EX/32
Part III – page 2
World Food Programme (WFP)
Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT)
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those
Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in
Africa (UNCCD)
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)
International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women
(INSTRAW)
United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI)
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
(b)

Specialized agencies of the United Nations system
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
World Health Organization (WHO)
World Bank
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
World Trade Organization (WTO)
World Tourism Organization (WTO)

B.

Intergovernmental organizations

8.
In accordance with Rule 6, paragraph 3, of the Rules of Procedure, the Director-General will
notify the following organizations and invite them to send observers:
(a)

Intergovernmental organizations with which UNESCO has concluded an
agreement providing for mutual representation at meetings of governing bodies1
African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group)
African Development Bank (ADB)
African Centre for Applied Research and Training in Social Development (ACARTSOD)
African Union (AU)
Amazonian Parliament
Andean Parliament
Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)

1

The Director-General will also invite any intergovernmental organization with which he may be authorized to
conclude an agreement by the Executive Board at its 181st and 182nd sessions.

181 EX/32
Part III – page 3
Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS)
Arab Centre for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD)
Arab Federation for Technical Education (AFTE)
Arab Gulf Programme for United Nations Development Organizations (AGFUND)
Arab Gulf States Folklore Centre
Arab Gulf States Information Documentation Centre (AGSIDC)
Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO)
Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD)
Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU)
Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM)
Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC)
Central American Educational and Cultural Coordination (CECC)
Central American Integration System (SICA)
Central American Parliament (PARLACEN)
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
Commonwealth Secretariat
Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP)
Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD)
Conference of Ministers of Education of French-Speaking Countries (CONFEMEN)
Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sport of French-Speaking Countries
(CONFEJES)
Council of Europe (CoE)
Eastern African Centre for Research on Oral Traditions and African National
Languages (EACROTANAL)
East African Community (EAC)
Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL)
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
European Commission (CEC)
European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
Executive Secretariat of the Andrés Bello Convention (SECAB)
Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils (FASRC)
Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC)
Indigenous Parliament of America
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
Intergovernmental Television and Radio Corporation (ITRC MIR)
International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM)
International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (ICAMAS)
International Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences (CAB International)
International Centre for the Bantu Civilizations (CICIBA)
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)
International Centre for Promotion of Enterprises (ICPE)
International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)
International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT)
International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF)
International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML)
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO)
Islamic States Broadcasting Organization (ISBO)
Italian-Latin American Institute (ILAI)
Joint Administration of the Turkic Culture and Arts (TURKSOY)

181 EX/32
Part III – page 4
Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR)
Latin American Centre for Physics (CLAF)
Latin American Economic System (SELA)
Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO)
Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO)
Latin Union (UL)
League of Arab States (LAS)
Organization of American States (OAS)
Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI)
Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)
Pan-African Telecommunications Union (PATU)
Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS)
Regional Council for Adult Education and Literacy in Africa (CREAA)
Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA)
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)
Southern African Development Community (SADC)
South-East Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO)
South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC)
Supreme Council for Sport in Africa (SCSA)
University for Peace (UPEACE)
West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)
World Customs Organization (WCO)
(b)

Other intergovernmental organizations
African Academy of Languages (ACALAN)
African Institute of Informatics (IAI)
African Regional Centre for Engineering Design and Manufacturing (ARCEDEM)
African Regional Organization for Standardization (ARSO)
Afro-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO)
Andean Community (CAN)
Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO)
Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD)
Arab Industrial Development and Mining Organization (AIDMO)
Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU)
Arab Labour Organization (ALO)
Arab Maghreb Union (AMU)
Arab Postal Union (APU)
Arab Satellite Communications Organization (ARABSAT)
Arab Telecommunication Union (ATU)
ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO)
Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO)
Asian Development Bank (AsDB)
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Association of Caribbean States (ACS)
Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST)
Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI)
Colombo Plan for Cooperative Economic and Social Development in Asia and the
Pacific
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC)

181 EX/32
Part III – page 5
Coordinating Committee for Coastal and Offshore Geoscience Programmes in East
and South-East Asia (CCOP)
Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS)
Council of Arab Economic Unity (CAEU)
Danube Commission (DC)
Eurasian Economic Community (EURASEC)
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
European Parliament (EP)
European Space Agency (ESA)
Forum Secretariat
Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB)
Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
Inter-American Children’s Institute (IIN)
Inter-American Commission of Women (IACW)
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)
Intergovernmental Foundation for Educational, Scientific and Cultural Cooperation
(IFESCCO)
International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural
Property (ICCROM)
International Commission for the Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea
(CIESM)
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES)
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA)
International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR)
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
International Organization of Space Communications (INTERSPUTNIK)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO)
Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI)
Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC)
Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE)
Latin American Institute for Educational Communication (ILCE)
Nordic Council (NC)
OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund)
Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC)
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
Pan-African Institute of Education for Development (PIED)
Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO)
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)
Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE PA)
Permanent Commission for the South Pacific (CPPS)
Permanent Secretariat of the General Treaty on Central American Economic
Integration (SIECA)
Regional Centre for Book Development in Latin America and the Caribbean
(CERLALC)
Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME)
Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS)
Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild
Animals (CMS)
Secretariat of Ibero-American Cooperation (SECIB)
Secretariat of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD)
Senegal River Development Organization (OMVS)
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

181 EX/32
Part III – page 6
Union of African Parliaments (UAP)
University of the South Pacific (USP)
(c)

Organizations having observer status
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Sovereign Military Order of Malta

C.

International non-governmental organizations, foundations and similar institutions

9.
In accordance with the provisions of Article IV, paragraph 14, of the Constitution, Rule 6,
paragraph 7, of the Rules of Procedure and Section I.8.1 of the Directives concerning UNESCO’s
relations with non-governmental organizations, the Director-General will notify organizations
maintaining formal relations with UNESCO of the convening of the session and invite them to send
observers.
10. In accordance with Rule 7 of the Rules of Procedure, Section II, paragraph 4.1(b), of the
Directives concerning UNESCO’s relations with non-governmental organizations and Article IV,
paragraph 2, of the Directives concerning UNESCO’s relations with foundations and similar
institutions, the Director-General will notify the non-governmental organizations maintaining
operational relations with UNESCO and the foundations and similar institutions maintaining official
relations with the Organization of the provisions concerning their participation as observers at the
General Conference, and will request them to inform him at least one month before the opening of
the session of the agenda items under which their representatives wish to participate in the debate.
D.

Other international organizations with which UNESCO has concluded an agreement
providing for mutual representation
Inter-Parliamentary Union
Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF)
United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG)

11. In the event that other international non-governmental or semi-governmental organizations
should request admission, in accordance with Rule 7 of the Rules of Procedure, as observers at
the 35th session of the General Conference, their request will be brought to the attention of the
Executive Board at its 182nd session.
Action expected of the Executive Board
12.

The Board may wish to adopt a decision worded as follows:
The Executive Board,
1.

Having examined document 181 EX/32 Part III,

2.

Takes cognizance of the notification to be sent by the Director-General to Member
States and Associate Members in accordance with Rule 6, paragraph 1, of the Rules of
Procedure of the General Conference;

3.

Takes note of the invitations to be sent by the Director-General to intergovernmental
organizations in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 of that Rule;

181 EX/32
Part III – page 7
4.

Decides, in accordance with paragraph 4 of that Rule, that the following States shall be
invited to send observers to the 35th session of the General Conference:
Holy See
Liechtenstein;

5.

Includes Palestine in the list provided for in paragraph 6 of that Rule and notes that the
Director-General intends to send it an invitation in accordance with that paragraph;

6.

Notes the invitations that the Director-General intends to send to international
non-governmental organizations maintaining formal relations with UNESCO;

7.

Decides to examine at its 182nd session the admission to the 35th session of the
General Conference of observers from non-governmental organizations (other than
those maintaining formal relations with UNESCO), foundations and similar institutions
maintaining official relations with UNESCO, as well as from other international
organizations.

Printed on recycled paper