Phl elected to Unesco bodies

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines was elected as member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Headquarters Committee and the UNESCO International Bureau of Education, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The Philippine embassy in Paris reported to the DFA that the Philippines was elected during the UNESCO General Conference in Paris held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 10.

The 25-member UNESCO Headquarters Committee advises the Director General on all questions relating to the organization’s headquarters.

Other members of the Headquarters Committee are Albania, Chile, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic People’s Republic of Congo, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Gambia, India, Ireland, Japan, Mauritania, Nigeria, Oman, Portugal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Spain, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Great Britain, Venezuela, and Zambia.

The International Bureau of Education (IBE), based in Switzerland, is the UNESCO institute specializing in educational contents, methods and structures. Its overall mission is to contribute to the attainment of quality Education for All (EFA).

The IBE builds networks to share expertise on curriculum development in all regions of the world, and aims to introduce innovative approaches in curriculum design and implementation, improve practical skills, and facilitate international dialogue on educational policies and practices.

In addition to these two subsidiary bodies, the Philippines remains a member of the Intergovernmental Council for the Information for All Program where the Philippines sits as vice chair, the Intergovernmental Council on the Management of Social Transformations where the Philippines serves as Rapporteur, and the Conciliation and Good Offices Commission Responsible for Seeking the Settlement of any Disputes which may arise between States Parties to the Convention against Discrimination in Education.

The Philippine delegation to the 36th UNESCO General Conference was headed by Sen. Edgardo Angara with Ambassador and Philippine Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Cristina Ortega as vice head.