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STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT PAUL BIYA AT THE 34TH GENERAL CONFERENCE OF UNESCO

Paris, 23 October 2007

The President of the General Conference of UNESCO, In the wake of the Second World War, The Chair of the Executive Council, the founding countries of UNESCO Mr. Director-General, assigned it the exalting mission of Mr Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and casting out war from people’s minds the Grenadines, and averting it between nations. Heads of Delegation, To that end, it was mandated to Distinguished Delegates, promote science which fosters better Ladies and Gentlemen, understanding of the world, education which gives access to knowledge I would like first of all to say how pleased and, lastly, culture which is a source I am to be with you in this prestigious of fulfilment and communion. hall, in response to the kind invitation of Mr. Koïchiro Matsuura. Since its inception, UNESCO, thanks to the determination of its successive I am moved by your very warm leaders and in spite of the difficult welcome, the kind remarks made economic climate, has performed the about my country and me by the missions assigned to it in a generally President of the Conference and satisfactory manner. the honour given me to address, for the first time, your eminent assembly At this juncture, I would like to pay on the occasion of the 34th General tribute to all those who, at one time Conference of our organization. or another, played a crucial role in the promotion and accomplishment Cameroon and UNESCO maintain of these lofty tasks. I am referring in fruitful and exemplary cooperation particular to Mr. Koïchiro Matsuura ties. My presence here is an expression for his efforts to champion UNESCO’s of such cooperation as well as a universal cause and for his role in the testimony to the interest we have in successful conduct of the reforms of an organization whose goals, actions our organization. and achievements are entirely in line with the deep aspirations of all our In a changing world of globalization, peoples. UNESCO, which celebrates its 61st

1 1 anniversary this year, has maintained is constantly differed. It must be its full authority over its fundamental effective, it must translate into responsibilities. It remains the guarantor significant acts and achievements of the principles and values of that truly respond to the needs and universality, justice, respect for human expectations of countries of the South rights and tolerance which constitute which, we all know, are still enormous. the best possible context for dialogue among cultures. Many of us believe that it is much less an issue of means than that of political Ladies and Gentlemen, will in an increasingly globalized world. For, we are all aware of our common The World Summit of 2005 had rightly destiny, through the wonders of science underscored this fact; today, our world and technology as well as the various faces many challenges that threaten threats currently facing us, namely its stability and even its very existence. the ecological threat. Therefore, if The exhibition UNESCO is organizing on we face common challenges and if this theme is a reminder of this gruesome we run the same risks, then we must reality. In fact, natural disasters, global seek collective solutions which call warming, major pandemics, poverty, for increased international solidarity. and, of course, war and terrorism That is why, at the Millennium Summit, are among the most serious threats held under the auspices of the United facing humanity. Our duty is to tackle Nations Organization, during which we these scourges resolutely in order to took stock of the 20th century and also protect our common heritage from paved the way for a new Millennium disaster, because we must at all cost of peace and progress for all, I had safeguard our planet for present and proposed that a forum for discussion future generations. and action on a globalization ethic be opened. Faced with this irreversible Developing countries in general, and process, it seemed urgent to me, in island and coastal states, notably fact, that the international community in , are particularly exposed should reflect on the ways and means to these threats. Accordingly, they of bringing all countries on board, deserve special attention from our especially those of the South which Organization, which must show its ran the risk of being marginalized and solidarity with them because the weakened, and therefore of growing inequality of terms of trade and the even poorer. debt burden are obstacles to their development. In short, it appeared urgent to me that every step be taken to ensure that Such solidarity must be manifested on countries of the South assume their all fronts notably, political, economic, rightful place in this changing world social and cultural. It should not be of globalization and be able to derive restricted to the expression of good the utmost benefit, in order to contain, intentions, to catalogues of individual if not narrow, the ever widening gap and collective resolutions or to between rich and poor countries. For, commitments whose implementation strictly speaking, many of the

2 so-called poor countries are basically restate the sincere gratitude of my not poor, they may even be government to our various bilateral considered potentially rich. All they and multilateral partners for their need is multifarious and substantial support and assistance during these support to their own efforts, such as difficult times. fair remuneration for their products, transfer of relevant technologies, However, it should be acknowledged increase in development assistance, that much remains to be done to capital flows for productive achieve the objectives set in 2000 investment with a view to creating by the to eradicate and strengthening the bases and poverty, ignorance and pandemics conditions that enable them to that seriously hinder the improvement achieve progress and development. of the living conditions of many people in several regions of the world. In the face of globalization and its multiple challenges, we have therefore As the custodian of the values of justice to invent and promote a shared ethic and equity, UNESCO must continue to of solidarity, which is no less than a assert itself as the conscience of the lesson in history, a requirement in international community at the service today’s world and a duty towards the of North-South solidarity. I am pleased future. to note that the agenda of the 34th Session of the General Conference is Cameroon, for its part, has always consistent with these concerns. underscored that only a firm political will can help break the vicious circle Mr. Chairman of the Executive Council, of underdevelopment and extreme Ladies and Gentlemen, poverty. It seems to me, therefore, that in this regard, developed countries I know the seriousness with which your have a special responsibility which Council, of which Cameroon was they have undertaken to assume a Vice-Chair for Africa, has, for four within various international bodies like years now, been working to formulate the G8, the World Bank, the IMF and the Medium-Term Strategy for 2008 the WTO and others. – 2013 and the budget of the 2008 - 2009 biennium. I am pleased, of course, that most of the major commitments have I note with satisfaction that this strategy been honoured, thus enabling many and budget continue to give priority countries, including mine, to obtain to Africa. I thus have an opportunity considerable assistance necessary to thank all Member States for their for financing socio-educational constant concern for our continent and health programmes geared which has benefited from the steadfast towards achieving the Millennium support of UNESCO, notably through Development Goals. its contribution to the struggle for sustainable development. Moreover, Allow me to take the opportunity the programme “Priority: Africa” afforded me by this forum to

3 is a good illustration of the attention the recognition of the special situation our organization pays to the African of the continent. continent. Ladies and Gentlemen, Although many of the actions contributing to the achievement of Cameroon, my country, at the dawn of the Millennium Development Goals its independence, became a member have been undertaken, it should be of UNESCO and thereby adhered to its acknowledged that the resources ideals. It remains profoundly attached allocated to “Priority: Africa” have to the cooperation it maintains proven to be inadequate. To remedy with our organization in its areas of this situation, it would certainly be competence, namely education, necessary to seek extra-budgetary science, culture and communication. funds to enable UNESCO to successfully pursue this programme adopted at Cameroon’s educational system on the 25th Session of our Conference in the whole bears the imprint of UNESCO. 1989 and which will soon celebrate its One of its actions, which was a twentieth anniversary. This is perhaps milestone in Cameroon, is the support the time to carry out an evaluation of it provided towards the establishment the programme. of the Advanced Teachers Training College of Yaounde in 1961. In this spirit, it seems to me that cooperation between UNESCO Since then, cooperation between and the African Union is more than my country and UNESCO has been ever indispensable to address the growing from strength to strength. specific needs of the continent. Cooperation agreements signed with With the support of the UNESCO Office African regional organizations such in Yaounde, whose competence I as CEMAC, of which Cameroon is a should acknowledge here, various member, WAEMU, COMESA and SADC national and sub-regional projects also afford an appropriate framework have been implemented. for the determination of UNESCO and Africa to work in close collaboration. In the area of education, for example, I will like to mention capacity building Thus, a resolution on the implementation for steering the educational system of the decisions of the Assembly of and education for HIV/AIDS prevention the African Union held in Khartoum in in schools. January 2007 on science, technology and sustainable development will be In the area of science, UNESCO, tabled for adoption at this assembly. through the “Families First Africa” I hope that all Member States will project helped to set up the Chantal support it. Biya International Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Permit me to seize this opportunity to I am pleased to express here my express my appreciation to the African grattitude to the Director-General of Group for the effective role it played in UNESCO and to our partners who,

4 through extra-budgetary funds, have forced into different cultural moulds, enabled the centre to develop. could be reunited and be able to build a common future. Anglophones, I must also mention the contribution on the one hand, and Francophones, of UNESCO to the preservation of on the other, are forging an exemplary the Dja Wildlife Reserve which was blend. What would have been an classified as a world heritage site and obstacle, they turned into an asset; which is at the fore of our cooperation what could have been a difference, programmes. they turned into a source of wealth.

Concerning the digital divide between A peace-loving country, Cameroon developing and developed countries, is equally proud of its cultural I feel it is indispensable to make great diversity which it enshrined in its 1996 efforts to remedy the situation, if Constitution. In August 2006, we possible with the assistance of our therefore enthusiastically acceded foreign partners. In Cameroon, a lot to the Convention on the protection has been done in that domain, but and promotion of the diversity of much remains to be done, particularly cultural expressions. For my country, with regard to the construction of composed of over 200 ethnic groups appropriate infrastructure. with a mosaic of languages and cultural expressions, this convention Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, is undeniably a great stride in the conservation and development of Cameroonians, as a whole, by dint of our rich heritage. Thanks to tolerance trials and sacrifices, have developed which characterizes relations between a keen sense of responsibility. They individuals and groups, diversity is have understood that the progress today a part of Cameroon’s cultural to which they aspire would be vain identity. From this point of view, my without a harmonious functioning country takes pride in being in the of their institutions to guarantee vanguard of the dialogue between stability and without their relations cultures. with neighbouring countries being founded on mutual understanding In fact, we have always felt that and interests. culture, in the widest meaning of the term, is the best antidote to disunity Over the last decades, the government and violence. The cultures we have of my country has been working for inherited are all or almost all the result this purpose. Today, I can safely say of a blending of multiple influences. that Cameroon has proven that it is The major civilizations of the Far East, possible, with diverse peoples brought South-East Asia, the Middle-East and together by the accidents of history, the Mediterranean well illustrate this. to form a Nation which is conscious of Even Africa which, for a long time, was its unity and of its identity. torn apart and compartmentalized was the scene of fruitful contacts It was not a foregone conclusion that contacts between diverse cultures. peoples divided by colonisation and For these reasons, I do not believe

5 in a clash of civilisations but rather in a Ladies and Gentlemen, dialogue of cultures, an indispensable condition for the advent of a new, just Member States have entrusted to and unified international order. For, it UNESCO crucial responsibilities and is our conviction that all cultures have missions for the future of humanity. Our and offer positive values that should organization has always performed be explored and promoted for the them very competently. Today, benefit of all of humanity. Ignoring UNESCO is at the crossroads owing to these specific values means laying the growing expectations of our peoples bed for prejudice, misunderstanding and the stagnation of its resources. and intolerance which generate divisions and conflicts. On the other It deserves that, together, we give hand, promoting them and making it increased support to enable it to them accessible to all, means creating effectively carry out its mission. affinities and building bridges between peoples and between nations, which Thank you for your attention. foster understanding, respect and mutual coexistence and, hence, peace in the world.

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TOAST BY THE HEAD OF STATE AT THE LUNCHEON OFFERED IN HONOUR OF MADAM IRINA BOKOVA, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF UNESCO Yaounde, 16 September 2014

Madam Director-General of UNESCO, We stand proud of the ground covered together. To refresh your memory, I Permit me to tell you how delighted my would like to recall the leading role wife and I are to welcome you on the played by your Organization in the occasion of your visit to Cameroon. creation, running and functioning of the Yaounde Higher Teachers I need not remind you that you are very Training College (ENS) which recently much at home in Cameroon. By some commemorated its 50th anniversary. happy coincidence, you bear the Your support in the preservation, same name as a well-known locality promotion, expression and influence in the south-west of Cameroon. By the of our culture is equally immeasurable. way, you are an illustrious dignitary of We proudly remember the brochure Bokova. The custodians of tradition containing the findings of the survey have granted you the attributes of conducted under your supervision that status. on all the dances of Cameroon. We do remember your assistance This once again shows how pleased in preparations for Cameroon’s we are to welcome you here today, participation at the first-ever Festival Madam Director-General. of Negro Arts in Dakar and the first Pan-African Cultural Festival in Algiers. Ladies and Gentlemen, Lastly, I would like to mention UNESCO’s contribution towards As you are aware, our relationship restoring historical monuments such as with UNESCO is longstanding, coming the Foumban Palace and preserving on the heels of our accession to our wildlife, especially the Dja Reserve international sovereignty over half a which features on your Organization’s century ago. Our belonging to this list of World Natural and Cultural body was driven by our desire to draw Heritage since 1987. closer to all peoples of the world. As a protector and promoter of the equality of cultures, UNESCO was the most appropriate interlocutor.

1 1 Madam Director-General, have brought your Organization Ladies and Gentlemen, closer to the people, making them more aware of UNESCO’s work. With increasing ideological conflicts and trouble spots, UNESCO’s role in the Cameroon highly appreciates your quest for peace, highly commendable support in your various areas of as it is, needs to be stepped up. For, we competence and we are sure that must bear in mind that victory through your visit will further enhance our the force of arms cannot alone ensure multidimensional cooperation. peace, that is, lasting peace. In this regard, I wish to commend the Lasting peace cannot be imposed, opening in Cameroon of a major it is built and lived daily by mutual UNESCO office for Central Africa. acceptance and tolerance which Pursuant to my instructions, the lead to and promote dialogue. All Government has taken all necessary these virtues indeed constitute the measures to facilitate its establishment raison d’être of UNESCO. and ensure its proper functioning.

The Preamble of UNESCO’s constitution Madam Director-General, clearly states and I quote: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in Allow me to conclude where I the minds of men that the defences should have started. I wish to heartily of peace must be constructed”. congratulate you on your re-election Unquote. at the helm of UNESCO. I wish to commend the mastery and skill with Madam Director-General, which you devote yourself to the service of humanity. The preservation of peace also entails the fight against inequality and Ladies and Gentlemen, poverty. My wife and I now invite you to raise You know this very well because in your glasses in honour of Madam 2009 you placed your first tenure Irina BOKOVA, Director-General of under the banner of promoting a UNESCO, to the success of her mission “new humanism”; humanism based at the service of peace and to the on solidarity and focused on the full sustainability of Cameroon-UNESCO development of the individual and all relations. mankind. Thank you. You gave priority to the development programmes of African countries. The geographical and operational reorganization of UNESCO’s services is also credited to you. By establishing five Regional Offices in Africa, you

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CAMEROON IN UNESCO

ameroon’s presence is represented by Mr Aurélien Eteki highly visible within UNESCO. Mboumoua (1962-1968); Mr Jean Felix This is partly attributed to Loung (1980-1985); Mr Adamou Ndam the position held by the Njoya (1985-1989); Mr Ebenezer Njoh Ccountry at the African Group of this Mouelle (1995-1999); and Mr Joseph organisation. Mboui (2003-2007).

Cameroon demonstrated its Cameroon has ceaselessly commitment through financial participated in UNESCO’s activities contributions for the renovation of this year, notably through the personal the Executive Council’s hall. It equally involvement of the Head of State, recorded a remarkable performance and the actions of the First Lady, on the occasion of UNESCO’s Africa Mrs Chantal BIYA, as the Goodwill Week in May 2015. Ambassador for Education and Social Inclusion. 2015 nominations in UNESCO bodies and committees Candidacy into the Executive Council Cameroon has repeatedly earned the confidence of Member States On the instructions of the Head in almost all positions since it joined of State, Professor Ebenezer Njoh UNESCO. Mouelle’s candidacy into UNESCO’s Executive Board shall be presented In 1968, Cameroon chaired the 15th during the 38th General Conference. session of the General Conference This is in accordance to an agreement through Mr Aurelien Eteki Mboumoua. finalised in 2011 within the African In 2013, Cameroon’s Youssouf Adjidja group. Consequently, Cameroon Alim, Minister of Basic Education withdrew its application to host the and Chairperson of the National headquarters of the sub-regional Commission of UNESCO, presided office for Central Africa in favour of over the Audit Committee of the 37th and the sub-region pledged session of the General Conference. to support Cameron’s candidature in 2015. Cameroon has served at UNESCO’s Executive Board for 20 years. It was

1 1 Presidency of the Humanities and Presidency of the African Group Social Sciences Commission Cameroon has been chairing the affairs Cameroon will chair the Commission of of the African Group at UNESCO since Human and Social Sciences of the 38th January 2015. Our country has gained session of the General Conference. It a privileged position that enhances its is also an achievement. visibility within the organisation. This is an enviable post which could play in Other Applications favour of Cameroonian candidates.

Cameroonian applications were Cameroonians at UNESCO submitted to the subsidiary committees as follows: Cameroon has enjoyed a good representation at top ranking positions - Programme on Man and the within UNESCO. However, only one Biosphere (MAB); Cameroonian currently serves as a - Programme for the Management of director because others have gone Social Transformations (MOST); on retirement. Mr. Lazare Eloundou, - International Programme for the is a Director at the UNESCO Office in Development of Communication Bamako, . (IPDC); Fifteen other Cameroonians are - Intergovernmental Committee working at the UNESCO headquarters for Physical Education and Sport in Paris. (CIGEPS).

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FORUM OF LEADERS OF THE 38TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF UNESCO

he Forum of Leaders is an disasters. international platform for reflection In general, the Forum is held in a and debate created in 2011 within context marked by the persistence of the UNESCO General Conference violence around the world because of Tto raise, at the highest level, inspiration the dissatisfaction of basic needs of the and guidance for future actions of the majority of the population. Organization. It will be this year at its third edition after 2011 and 2013. While the thrust of globalization especially by ICT has enabled an unprecedented The Forum generally brings together, reconciliation of peoples and cultures, Heads of State and Government around as well as a remarkable development a theme of strategic and interdisciplinary of States through shared progress of interest in order to propose innovative science and technology, it is nevertheless or even revolutionary solutions and true that we are witnessing the rise of new methods to address the problems violence, intolerance, exclusion, etc. To encountered in the implementation these perverse effects of globalization, of programmes in UNESCO’s fields of are added the climate change problem competence. and the proliferation of natural disasters. The Forum of leaders which comes a few Context of the 2015 Forum weeks after the adoption by the United Nations of the post-2015 development The Forum of leaders of the 38th General programme is one of the very first Conference is of particular interest meetings of world leaders. because it occurs when UNESCO celebrates with splendor, the 70th Furthermore, the proximity of the 21st UN anniversary of its establishment on the Conference on Climate Change (COP 16th of November 1945 in London. 21), programmed in Paris from the 30th of November to the 1st of December 2015, UNESCO wanted to make this anniversary is an opportunity for UNESCO to seek an event of high importance, to enable ways to effectively project themselves in leaders of the member states take a the fight against climatic disturbances. retrospective and prospective view of the Organization’s activities. The Heads Date and theme of the Forum of State and Government will be able to give their point of view on the currency The Forum of leaders of the 38th session and relevance of the provisions of of the General Conference of UNESCO UNESCO’s Constitution against the will be held from the 16th to the 18th rise of extremism and violence, the of November 2015. The choice of multiplication of conflicts and natural these dates is motivated by the will of

1 1 the Director General, Irina Bokova, to Stakes of the Head of State’s participation coincide the beginning of the forum with in the Forum of Leaders the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitutive Act of The Forum of Leaders is a high profile UNESCO. event that will ensure the message of the President of the Republic, H.E. Paul BIYA, Unlike the forums of 2011 and 2013, no to have a global reach. topic has been adopted. Organizers are expecting Decision Makers to express their The Head of State’s participation in this vision concerning the place of UNESCO forum will be an ideal opportunity to in the international arena, 70 years after share Cameroon’s experience in the its creation and on the implementation promotion and preservation of peace, of the post-2015 development agenda. the fight against insecurity maintained in the Far North region by the Boko Haram The discussions at the Forum will be terrorist group and in the Adamawa moderated by Mr. Stanley Mutumba and East regions by other foreign armed Simataa, Namibian Vice Minister of gangs. Information and Communication Technologies, in his capacity of the This forum is also an opportunity for the President of 38th General Conference President of the Republic to propose of UNESCO. He will be accompanied innovative ideas and demonstrate his by the Director General of UNESCO, commitment in the framework of the Madam Irina Bokova, and the President implementation of the provisions of of the Executive Council of UNESCO, Mr. the Constitutive Act, the decisions and Mohamed Amir Amir. programs of UNESCO.

Participants at the Forum The forum will also be the crowning of an intense activity marked particularly According to information provided by the visit to Cameroon of the Director by UNESCO, 24 Heads of State and General of UNESCO, Mrs. Irina Bokova , Delegation had confirmed, by 30 on the 15th and 16th of September 2014. October 2015, their participation at the In conclusion, the participation of the Forum of leaders, that is: Head of State of Cameroon, strongly - 05 African heads of State awaited by UNESCO, is highly symbolic (Cameroon, Equatorial , Gabon, because President Paul BIYA is considered Mali and ); a Wise Man of Africa. UNESCO will see - 03 Latin America and Caribbean a significant support from a foreground Heads of State; continental Personality, capable of - 10 Heads of State and Government causing greater adherence of the other of North America and Europe; African Heads of State to the cause of the - 05 Asian and Pacific heads of State Organization. Such support is particularly and Government. significant as UNESCO still faces an acute financial crisis. Also participating in the Forum will be Madam Sheika Moza, mother of the Emir of Qatar, President of several Foundations including the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.

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VISIT OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF UNESCO TO CAMEROON

(15-16 September 2014)

t the invitation of the President development in Africa. of the Republic, H.E. Paul The Director General of UNESCO also BIYA, Irina BOKOVA, Director appreciates the humanitarian work of General of the United Nations the First Lady, Madam Chantal BIYA, in AEducational, Scientific and Cultural favor of the young girl and the vulnerable Organization (UNESCO), paid an official social strata. This social commitment visit to Cameroon on the 15th and 16th earned Chantal BIYA a recognition from of September 2014 . This visit enabled UNESCO, which appointed her in 2008 the Director General of UNESCO, who as Good Will Ambassador of UNESCO came to Cameroon for the first time, to for Education and Social Inclusion. Mrs. revisit with the authorities, the rich and Bokova kept on materializing her esteem multidimensional cooperation that our for the Head of State and the First Lady, country has had with the organization as well as her commitment to Cameroon since 1960, date of the establishment of through a strong decision: the opening diplomatic relations. in Yaounde of the seat of UNESCO’s The highlight of the stay in Cameroon of Multi-sectoral Regional Office for Central the Director General of UNESCO was the Africa, bringing together ten countries audience granted by the Head of State, (, , Cameroon, Congo, followed by a luncheon hosted in her Gabon, , Central honor by the Presidential Couple at Unity African Republic, DR Congo, Sao Tome Palace, on the 16th of September. In the and Principe and ) and which speech he delivered at the luncheon, she officially proceeded to inaugurate President Paul BIYA hailed the support during the official visit. Another important of UNESCO in its fields of competence. moment of the official visit of the Director The Head of State further called for General of UNESCO to Cameroon took strengthening the role of UNESCO in the place at the University of Yaounde I search for peace over the increasing campus where Irina Bokova received ideological conflicts and hotbeds of the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in tension. On her part, the Director General Educational Sciences in front of more of UNESCO said her visit to Cameroon is than a thousand enthusiastic and «the choice of friendship» and of history appreciative lecturers and students. In her that unites UNESCO to Cameroon. acceptance speech of this doctorate, Since her election at the head of Mrs. Bokova stated: «Cameroon can UNESCO in 2009, Mrs. Irina Bokova has emerge by 2035. It has the ability.’’ In had favorable bias for Cameroon, conclusion, Cameroon is honored to which is justified particularly by the have received the visit of a great friend farsighted policy of peace and stability on its soil. led by Cameroon’s Head of State and which makes Cameroon a model of

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CONTEXT AND CHALLENGES OF THE 38TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF UNESCO The year 2015 is for UNESCO a good The reflection within UNESCO in year, despite the acute financial crisis collaboration with Member States that it is facing, as reflected in the contributed to the definition of the multitude of special events organized post-2015 development agenda, around the world. This renewed vitality adopted last September at the United of the Organization is due to two Nations General Assembly in New main factors: the celebration of the York. 70thanniversary of its establishment on the 16th of November 1945 in Regarding the celebration of the 70th London, and the maturity of three anniversary of UNESCO, it began on important decades that mobilized the the 31st of October 2014 by a grand efforts of this organization since 2004. ceremony in memory of Nelson This refers to the decade of Education Mandela. It continued with special for Sustainable Development; the events organized by UNESCO as well decade of Education for All (EFA); as by Member States. Thus, UNESCO and the decade of the Millennium hosted in Paris, on the 28th of April 2015, Development Goals (MDGs). under the aegis of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, the heads of In short, it is balance sheets time at all UN system agencies, who came to UNESCO: assessment of the 70 years of celebrate this 70th anniversary with existence; assessment of the decades the Director General, Irina Bokova,. under its responsibility. The holding of this 38th session of the General Conference will be coupled The mixed results of the above- on the 16th of November 2015, to the mentioned three decades, as celebration of the 70th anniversary well as the increasing number of of UNESCO. An important historical natural disasters, the persistence moment that will enable member of conflicts and violence, cultural state leaders to assess the work of and humanitarian emergencies, led UNESCO and to present their vision of the United Nations in general and the organization. UNESCO in particular to table a new approach to development which should ensure the longevity of peace and sustainable development.

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ACTION OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF UNESCO

rs. Irina Bokova, elected Given the persistence of the financial in 2009 and re-elected crisis, the Director General has been in 2013 as the Director heavily involved in the search for extra- General of UNESCO, budgetary funding by a constant plea Mplaced her activities under the banner for support to UNESCO from partners of promoting a new humanism and and Member States, of which she met implementing structural reforms to with authorities at the highest level increase tenfold the effectiveness during her official visits. and visibility of the Organization. This strong activity of the Director The positive results of her action and General of UNESCO, however, her remarkable commitment earned earned her some criticism from some her brilliant re-election in 2013. members of the Executive Council for whom, in times of crisis, the number of However, the ongoing financial crisis, trips must significantly be reduced. as well as the permanent violations of peace, the assassinations of a growing Moreover, observers see in her number of journalists, natural disasters debauchery of energy, a pre- or the destruction of irreplaceable campaign for the post of Secretary historical high value cultural works General of the United Nations. She often classified as World Heritage, are would therefore become, if she is some of the challenges faced by the elected, the first female Secretary Director General of UNESCO. General of the UN, after being the first female Director General of UNESCO. In 2015, Mrs. Bokova worked tirelessly for the deployment of the last efforts in achieving the goals of Education for All (EFA) and was strongly involved in the integration process of UNESCO’s concerns in the post-2015 development agenda.

1 1 CAMEROON-UNESCO: STATE OF COOPERATION

ameroon adhered to the ideals The cooperation between Cameroon of UNESCO on November 11, and UNESCO is also supported by the C1960. It has established a fruitful action of the First Lady, Mrs Chantal Biya. cooperation; politically, institutionally On November 14, 2008, she was named and in the different fields of competence as the Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO under UNESCO (education, culture, for Education and Social Inclusion, communication and information). in recognition for her commitment to women, vulnerable people and Major political and institutional moments minorities, and her contribution to promoting the ideals of this organisation. All successive Director-Generals of UNESCO have made official visits to Cameroon’s financial contributions to Cameroon. Mr Amadou Mathar M’bow, UNESCO (23-29 July 1980) Mr Federico Mayor Zaragoza (30-31 January - 1st February Cameroon honours its financial 1991) , Mr Koïchiro Matsuura (15-17 obligations to UNESCO through; a January 2004 and 9-10 January 2009), contribution to the regular budget of the and Mrs Irina Bokova (September 15-16 organisation and often participates in September 2014). voluntary donations.

The President of the Republic, His In 2011, the Head of State made a Excellency Paul BIYA paid the first official special contribution of more than 300,000 visit by a Head of State of Cameroon US dollars, about FCFA 150 million to at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on the Special Emergency Fund created October 23, 2007 to attend the 34th by the Director-General following the session of the General Conference. The suspension of US and Israeli contributions. visit helped in strengthening relations Cameroon also provided funds for the between Cameroon and UNESCO. refurbishment of the hall of the UNESCO Executive Council. While on a working visit to France in February 2013, the Head of State granted UNESCO Structures in Cameroon an audience to Mrs. Irina Bokova, current Director-General of UNESCO. This led to The Multi-Sectoral Sub-regional Office the announcement of an agreement for Central Africa for Yaounde to host the UNESCO Sub- Regional Office for Central Africa. The Cameroon hosted the Multi-Country office is now operational. Office that covered the and Chad for a long time.

1 Thus Cameroon benefited from the - The UNESCO flagship project in transformation of this structure into Multi- Cameroon, produced in association sectoral Sub-Regional Office for Central with other partners, is the creation of the Africa, which has been extended to ten Advanced Teachers’ Training School, countries. This include: Angola, Burundi, ENS Yaounde in 1961. Mrs Bokova was a Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial special guest to the institution during her Guinea, DRC, Sao Tome and Principe, official visit in September 2014. Central African Republic, and Chad. - Supplying computers in schools, training UNESCO Chairs of trainers, supporting Government’s contracting policy for temporary There are three in Cameroon: the UNESCO teachers, and supporting environmental Chair in Education at the University policies to fight against desertification in of Buea (2008); the UNESCO Chair in northern Cameroon. Intellectual Property in Legal Studies at - Increasing national and sub-regional the University of Yaounde II (2004); and vocational training through virtual the UNESCO-NATUA Chair in Agronomy universities and the construction of some and Public Policy at the University of structures at ENS Maroua; Dschang (1992). - Assisting several programs and projects in the field of education. UNESCO programmes in Cameroon b) Natural Sciences The cooperation between Cameroon and UNESCO unfolds in every domain UNESCO helped in the «Scientific Policy” run by the organisation. This highlights the project in Cameroon, which was aimed vitality of the relationship as underlined by at formulating research priorities related Mrs Bokova during her visit to Cameroon to an economic and social development in September 2014. In addition to plan. participation in international meetings, our country is testing this cooperation Numerous scientific projects have across multiple projects. received assistance from UNESCO. For example, the virtual laboratory at the a) Education University of Yaounde I to track drying lakes, the development of a plan to Cooperation in this area is old and rich. conserve the Dja Reserve, promotion of Cameroon benefits from UNESCO’s solar energy in collaboration with the technical assistance to projects such Chantal Biya Foundation, etc. as Education for All (EFA), with priority to basic education, literacy, teacher c) Social and Human Sciences training as well as primary education to marginalised groups such as the pygmies. Cameroon received particular support UNESCO’s assistance to research in from UNESCO for the 2007 publication higher education is provided through the of the «Manual on gender extension granting of scholarships, infrastructural approaches». development, and the organisation of seminars. Financial aid has been allocated to three projects under the Fund for the Projects carried out by UNESCO Elimination of Doping in Sports. Other projects developed within the framework

2 of social sciences are open to funding recommendations. However, the Dja from UNESCO. Reserve is still likely to be listed as a World Heritage in Danger. Cameroon d) Culture has received an additional one-year moratorium to prevent this. UNESCO facilitates the development of our natural and cultural heritage. The The World Heritage Committee most outstanding projects are: calls particularly on the basis of the recommendations of the International The inscription in the World Heritage List Union for the Conservation of Nature of the Dja Wildlife Reserve on December (IUCN), for the cancellation of 11, 1987 and the Tri-Sangha Reserve, a exploration and mining permits around site shared with Congo and CAR in 2012. the reserve. It also accelerates the fight against poaching. A request was made The inscription of a site as a World for the provision of information on the Heritage entails many obligations and environmental and social management requires regular monitoring. This is to avoid plans around the Mekin Hydro Dam and it being registered as a World Heritage Hevea Plantation in southern Cameroon. in Danger. The Tri-Sangha Reserve is Cameroon shall submit a report on the currently experiencing some difficulties conservation of this reserve in December because of the instability in CAR. 2016.

The situation of the Dja Reserve Creation or funding of 29 Community Radio in Cameroon. Created in 1950, the Dja Wildlife Reserve is part of the tropical rainforests that form It is in the early 1980s, with the start of the Congo Basin. This reserve, surrounded UNESCO’s International Programme for by the Dja River, is especially noted for Development of Communication (IPDC), its biodiversity and a wide variety of that community radio stations were primates that live there. Covering an opened in Cameroon in collaboration area of about 526,000 hectares, the Dja with Mr Claude Ondobo Ndzana. 15 Reserve is the natural habitat of many of such community radios exist in the animal and plant species, many of which country. are threatened. Current breakdown of UNESCO’s Cameroon received financing of Community Radio by Region: Adamawa about 300,000 US dollars (about 150 = 1 radio; Centre = 7 radio stations; East million FCFA) in January 2013 from the = 2 radio stations; Far North = 3 radio Franz Weber Foundation, to help in the stations; Littoral = 2 radio stations; North implementation of the World Heritage = 1 radio; North West = 3 radio stations; Committee recommendations for the West = 4 radio stations; South = 4 radio conservation of biodiversity in the area. stations; South West = 2 radios stations.

The last session of this Committee held in Bonn (Germany) in July 2015. It welcomed the efforts of the Cameroonian Government to secure the Dja Reserve and the guarantees made to progressively implement the

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THE FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL SITUATION OF UNESCO

he financial situation of UNESCO that it was a temporary fund whose has not improved much since operation, strictly regulated, expired. the decision by the United States Today it comes to redeploy its balance to stop paying their assessed in the implementation of programmes Tcontributions which represented about through a new fund named «Invest 30% of the Organization’s budget. In for the effective implementation trying to balance its budget, UNESCO, of the Programme». This raises the among others, created a special question of what new mechanism will emergency fund open to multiple UNESCO use to replenish its budget contributions, and proceeded to the after exhaustion of the remaining elimination of positions and certain Emergency Fund. benefits. Despite these developments, the crisis continues. Anyway, the discussions are tough in UNESCO regarding the next budget. This situation which justifies the In this respect, two theories oppose recurring call of the Director General themselves within the Executive Board to the generosity of Member States, between, on the one side, the majority is very harmful to the achievement of European capitalist states who of UNESCO’s programmes, some vote for the adoption of a reduced of which are threatened to be budget to which programmes will shutdown. This is the case for a flagship be adapted, on the other side, the programme like ‘The General History majority of developing countries who of Africa «Though the contributions prefer a budget increase to enable generated by the Emergency Fund UNESCO implement its programmes greatly assisted in the implementation and preserve the sovereign powers of of programmes, the fact remains the Organization, increasingly eroded

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CHANTAL BIYA: AN AMBASSADOR AT THE SERVICE OF UNESCO PRINCIPLES he First Lady of Cameroon, Mrs Mrs Chantal Biya published an Chantal BIYA has created several educational book entitled «The Long youth projects in favour of her Road» in 2010. This book provides the country and Burundi since her Cameroonian youth with a learning Tappointment as UNESCO’s Goodwill grid on the milestones, often ignored, Ambassador for education and social in the history of our country. This was inclusion in November 14, 2008. the contribution of the First Lady during the celebration of the golden This distinction was awarded to jubilees of the independence and Mrs Chantal BIYA by the former reunification of Cameroon. Director General of UNESCO, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura. It appears without The First Lady also produced 10,000 prejudices as the crowning of her boxes of a card game called «All social commitment and integral Citizens». Topics covered were on development of individuals in the history of Cameroon, values Cameroon and Africa. and symbols of the Republic, the organisation of social life, respect The first action of the First Lady of for others and their differences, Cameroon began in 2008 with the environmental protection, etc. This creation of the UNESCO Chair at the is a game that allows young people University of Buea in the South West to learn while having fun. The peak region. This chair will know its actual of this citizenship campaign was at start thanks to her donations. the occasion of the 49th edition of the National Youth Day, parallel to a In 2009, Mrs Chantal BIYA sponsored competition organised in Yaounde the publication of a book entitled from February 1-8, 2015, under «Dirty Kid», on the fight against child the patronage of the First Lady. abuse in the world. The UNESCO This competition, which brought headquarters in Paris played host together 20 young contenders from to a photo exhibition on the subject the best schools in the ten regions of by photographer François Perri. This Cameroon, was intended to promote coincided with the celebration of the excellence in schools and improve 20th anniversary to commemorate the knowledge of the Cameroonian the Convention on Children’s Rights. youth.

1 1 Mrs Chantal BIYA is also the national infrastructure with a donation of sponsor of «Operation MIJEF 2035». computers. Executed with the support of the country representation of the African UNESCO is also a partner of CIRCB Institute of Computer Science (IAI), the alongside the Ministry of Basic project aims to train a million youth, Education and the Ministry of Posts women and children in the use of and Telecommunications. All four computers and the Internet by 2035. institutions have combined their This is in synchronization with the ideals efforts in the national educational defended by UNESCO. community outreach project on the fight against STDs and HIV/AIDS in The action of the UNESCO Goodwill schools called «social vaccine». The Ambassador extends beyond national project was initiated in 2009 under borders. In 2012, Mrs Chantal BIYA the patronage of the First Lady of assisted in the training programme Cameroon, Mrs Chantal BIYA. It aims for girls in Burundi. The objective to develop the skills passed to students is to strengthen the crucial role of by Cameroonian teachers for the education in human development. adoption of behaviours that can prevent sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. UNESCO AND THE CHANTAL BIYA INTERNATIONAL REFERENCE CENTRE In the context of strengthening (CIRCB) this successful cooperation, CIRCB postulated to become a UNESCO The Chantal BIYA International category two centre, which will allow it Reference Centre (CIRCB) for research to pursue its action at the sub-regional on the prevention and management level. of HIV/AIDS is a landmark realisation within Cameroon’s cooperation with During her official visit to Cameroon UNESCO. It was created on February in September 2014, Mrs Irina Bokova, 23, 2006, under the initiative of the First focused on the «vitality» existing Lady of Cameroon. UNESCO is among between UNESCO and Cameroon, the major organisations that worked and emphasised that: «Our relationship towards the creation of CIRCB through is also embodied in the work of the the “Families First Africa” project, Chantal BIYA International Reference whose purpose is the development of Centre, which is very active in the fight a therapeutic vaccine against HIV/ against AIDS, and with which we have AIDS. close ties ...»

The Documentation and Visiting CIRCB, the Director General Communication Centre (CDC) of of UNESCO was able to appreciate CIRCB has benefited from UNESCO’s the true value of the work that is done office in Cameroon. This was during and the commitment of its promoter, the initial stages of the digital space Mrs Chantal BIYA: «I am very proud and library in February 2008. In 2013, of the involvement of UNESCO in UNESCO strengthened the CDC the wonderful projects of the CIRCB.

2 I am also proud of our Goodwill missions are research, public health, Ambassador for education and clinical trials, and training. The aim of social inclusion, Madam Chantal BIYA these missions is not only to improve the whom I have met several times. I know services rendered to patients, but to all about her action in the fields of also provide support to programmes education, the fight against poverty, initiated by the Ministry of Public HIV/AIDS, and all her works in favour Health in Cameroon. of the underprivileged. I am impressed by the fact that UNESCO is involved The CIRCB is a multidisciplinary in projects that are implemented research institution with a regional and at CIRCB. We will continue to work international vocation. It is located together.» in Yaounde and attached to the Ministry for Public Health. It intends to CIRCB is the product of a mammoth participate in the overall momentum advocacy initiated by the First Ladies of the international community to of Africa. This was through a Non- accelerate the knowledge and the Governmental Organisation called quality of services for people infected the African Synergy, which was and affected by the pandemic. created by Mrs Chantal Biya with the The CIRCB label is more rooted in aid of a number of partners including its scientific council, which includes the Cameroonian and Italian eminent professors from the world of Governments, the World Foundation medicine, science and research. The for AIDS Research and Prevention, council is chaired by Professor Luc UNESCO, and the Human Virology Montagnier (co-discoverer of the AIDS Institute. The overall objective was to virus). carry out research on the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS. Its

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