UNESCO guide

8/7/2019 UNESCO guide

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Preamble of the Constitution of the UNESCO

I. A brief History of UNESCO 1

II. Historical Background of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations 2

III. Bhutan National Commission for UNESCO 3

IV. Organiszational Chart of Bhutan National Commission for UNESCO 4

V. Purposes of UNESCO Clubs 5

VI. Relations between the Clubs and UNESCO 7

VII. How to Start a UNESCO Club 7

VIII. Some of the suggested activities for Club 8

IX. Some Tips for smooth functioning of the club 15

X. Roles and responsibilities of the coordinator 16

XI. International UN Holidays 17-19

In Japan humiliated by defeat ANNEXURE I

World Heritage Today and Tomorrow with young people

Frequently asked Questions about UNESCO Clubs, Centres

and Associations


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Forward

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,

is a Specialized Agency of the United Nations. It currently comprises 193 Member

States and six associate Members.

Formed to keep a watchful eye on developments in the world and help Member

States and associate Members find answers to the key problems that beset our

societies in the areas within its competence. UNESCO is involved in a broad

range of activities, Building the defenses of peace through international

intellectual cooperation remains UNESCOs prime objective.

To achieve its objectives, UNESCO needs the help of people throughout the

world. This support may include: promoting the UNESCO Clubs movement

whose aim is to create more public support for and interest in the activities of the

organization, taking the initiative in celebrating the official International Days

proclaimed by the United Nations.

In order to widen the vision of UNESCO Club Members and to enable them to

organize and commit themselves to the building up of defenses of peace, in a

small way, locally with small efforts, we have in the following pages attempted to

provide answers to questions like: what the UNESCO Clubs are for, what is their

relationship with UNESCO, what are their activities, how to run the Club

activities, what qualities a Club leader should develop etc.

We hope that this manual will help your school in developing the UNESCO Club

Movement and guiding its Coordinators to effectively play their roles.

Bhutan National Comm ission for UNESCO


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That since wars

begin in the minds of men, it is

in the minds of men that the defenses of

Peace must be constructed.That ignorance of each others ways and lives has been a

common cause, throughout the history of mankind, of that suspicion

and mistrust between the peoples of the world through which

their differences have all too often broken into war;

That the great and terrible war which has now ended was a war made

possible by the denial of the democratic principles of the dignity, equality

and mutual respect of men, and by the propagation, in their place, through

ignorance and prejudice, of the doctrine of the inequality of men and races:

That the wide diffusion of culture, and the education of humanity for

justice and liberty and peace are indispensable to the dignity of man and

constitute a sacred duty which all the nations must fulfill in a spirit of

mutual assistance and concern;

That a peace based exclusively upon the political and economic

arrangements of governments would not be a peace which could

secure the unanimous, lasting and sincere support of the

peoples of the world, and that peace must therefore

be founded, if it is not to fail, upon the intellectual

and moral solidarity of mankind.


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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

A brief History of UNESCO

As early as 1942, in wartime, the governments of the European countries, which wereconfronting Nazi Germany and its allies, met in the United Kingdom for the Conference of

Allied Ministers of Education (CAME). The Second World War was far from over, yet those

countries were looking for ways and means to reconstruct their systems of education oncepeace was restored. Very quickly, the project gained momentum and soon took on a universal

note. New governments, including that of the United States, decided to join in.

Upon the proposal of CAME, a United Nations Conference for the establishment of aneducational and cultural organization (ECO/CONF) was convened in London from 1 to 16

November 1945. Scarcely had the war ended when the conference opened. It gathered togetherthe representatives of forty-four countries. Spurred on by France and the United Kingdom, twocountries that had known great hardship during the conflict, the delegates decided to create an

organization that would embody a genuine culture of peace. In their eyes, the new organization

must establish the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind and, in so doing, prevent theoutbreak of another world war.

At the end of the conference, thirty-seven countries founded the United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organization. The Constitution of UNESCO, signed on 16 November

1945, came into force on 4 November 1946 after ratification by twenty countries: Australia,

Brazil, Canada, China, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Greece,

India, Lebanon, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, UnitedKingdom and United States. The first session of the General Conference of UNESCO was held

in Paris from 19 November to 10 December 1946 with the participation of representatives from

30 governments entitled to vote.

The ashes of the Second World War are reflected in the composition of the founding Member

States of UNESCO. Japan and the Federal Republic of Germany became members in 1951,Spain in 1953. Other major historical factors, as the Cold War, the decolonization process and

the dissolution of the USSR, also left their trace on UNESCO. The USSR joined UNESCO in

1954 and was replaced by the Russian Federation in 1992. Nineteen African States became

Members in 1960. Twelve Republics from the former Soviet Union joined UNESCO in the

period 1991 to 1993.

As a consequence of its entry into the United Nations, the People's Republic of China has beenthe only legitimate representative of China at UNESCO since 1971. The German Democratic

Republic was a Member from 1972 to 1990, when it joined the Federal Republic of Germany.

Today, UNESCO is working to create the conditions for genuine dialogue based upon respect

for shared values and the dignity of each civilization and culture.


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This role is critical, particularly in the face of terrorism, which constitutes an attack against

humanity. The world urgently requires global visions of sustainable development based upon

observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which lie atthe heart of UNESCOs mission and activities.

Through its strategies and activities, UNESCO is actively contributing to the achievement of

the Development Goals of the United Nations Millennium Declaration by 2015, especially

those aiming to:

halve the proportion of people living in extreme poverty

achieve universal primary education

eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education

combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

ensure environmental sustainability

Today, UNESCO functions as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universalagreements on emerging ethical issues. The Organization also serves as a clearinghouse for

the dissemination and sharing of information and knowledge while helping Member States to

build their human and institutional capacities in diverse fields. In short, UNESCO promotesinternational co-operation among its 193* Member States and six Associate Members in the

fields of Education, Science, Culture and Communication.

UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations

Since the first UNESCO Club was founded in Japan, in 1947, UNESCO Clubs, Centres and

Associations have been very valuable partners for the Organization. (story of Japan -Annexure)

Club movement members, who are all volunteers, include people of all ages and nationalities

from every walk of life; they share a commitment to UNESCOs ideals and work to translate

them into reality on the ground. Members are therefore well placed to present the views of

civil society to decision-makers.

In the half-century the UNESCO Clubs movement has been in existence, the world has

witnessed a vast range of events concerning every one of UNESCOs fields of competence.

In 2006, the movement includes some 3,700 associations, Centres and UNESCO Clubs in

more than 100 countries throughout the world.

At the international level, the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations

(WFUCA) is responsible for informing, coordinating and mobilizing its members, with

UNESCO's support and cooperation.


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In the light of civil society's growing role in public policy-making, the Club movement can

play a key part in educating citizens, and can contribute to dialogue between cultures and

generations for sustainable development.

Bhutan National Commission for UNESCO

Bhutan became a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organisations (UNESCO) on 13th April 1982. However, until 1 October 1986, Bhutan

remained without a National Commission Secretariat. Sensing the need to establish a

Secretariat as envisaged in the Charter, Bhutan National Commission for UNESCO (BNCU)was formed on 1st October 1986 under the command of His Majesty the King Jigme Singye

Wangchuck.

With the permanent Secretariat the Bhutan National Commission for UNESCO is attached to

the Ministry of Education. An Executive Committee was formed under the Chairman ofMinister, Ministry of Education.

Consequent upon its establishment Bhutan National Commission for UNESCO was entrustedwith the following functions.

- to serve as a focal point and coordinating agency for UNESCO activities;

- to coordinate all UNESCO assisted projects in Bhutan;

- to co-ordinate any forth coming activities of UNESCO;

- to prepare relevant proposals and assist delegates for UNESCO General Conference and

meeting;

- to represent and participate as member in some of the UNESCO Committees;

- to further establish our countrys image and co-operation with other National

Commissions by way of participations in International Commission activities.


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Chairman

ExecutiveCommittee

Secretariat

Secretary

Education Culture Information,

Communication and

Sciences

Library and

Documentations

Secretary General

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF BHUTAN NATIONAL

COMMISSION FOR UNESCO


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UNESCO is the UNs agency which encourages world wide cooperation in education, science,culture and communication. The UNESCO Clubs are mainly educational in character,

providing opportunities for people to prepare themselves to take part in the benefits of culture

and science. It is a centre for life long education. It aims to get its members to think and towork with open-mindedness and an understanding of other people. The activities of UNESCO

are truly represented by UNESCO Clubs.

One of the main purposes of UNESCO Clubs is to develop understanding and support ofUNESCOs programmes and activities among their own members and among the public at

large; they are by no means limited in scope. Their interest extends to the entire family of

United Nations agencies and bodies and beyond that to international relations and internationalcooperation as a whole. By bringing together people who are already interested in world

problems and their solutions, the UNESCO Clubs provide invaluable assistance to UNESCO

and the National Commissions in public information activities.

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The Clubs have a commitment to civic awareness at both the national and the international

levels. They are optimists, determined to create a better world for themselves and for everyone.

UNESCO Clubs are groups of people of all ages, from every walk of life and social and

professional backgrounds who share UNESCO ideals and make it more widely known.Although the Clubs may differ in form, they all have something in common, i.e. a firm belief in

UNESCOs ideals as set forth in its Constitution and a commitment to the principles of theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights.

The aims of UNESCO Clubs may be summarized as follows:

- To promote understanding of the aims and ideals of UNESCO and to work for the

success of its programmes;

- To promote international understanding, cooperation and world peace through a better

knowledge of different national cultures and awareness of what constitutes the cultural

heritage of mankind;

- To contribute to the training in democracy of their members and particularly of youngpeople, through practical studies dealing with questions posed by the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights;

- To inculcate tolerance in its members and to adopt an objective approaches in the search

for truth trough the study of major world problems;


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- To participate in economic or social development. This is to be conceived as the

attainment of the conditions most conducive to the full development of the human

personality;

- To take steps to help developing countries particularly by doing everything possible to

convince public opinion and governments in technologically advanced countries of the

need to intensify such aid.

- Each Club is free, of course, to decide which of these aims should be given priority.

Besides Clubs can formulate their own aims differently or can add other aims, of adifferent nature or simply less general in scope.

Functions

The function of the Clubs may be summed up in three words: training, information, action. In

essence they mean training of the members; information both for members and for the general

public, by obtaining and disseminating factual data about national and world problems, the

activities of international organizations, the activities of the Club itselflastly, the actionwhich is the essential condition for the existence of a club.

Lectures and discussions on general local problems, study groups on topics of current interest,

exhibitions and film shows and the circulation of documentation of the work of the United

Nations and its agencies these and other activities designed to promote the aims of UNESCO,help to form enlightened citizens.

Financial Assistance

UNESCO Clubs may be hampered in their activities by lack of financial resources. UNESCO

does not subsidize the Clubs and with rare exceptions does not provide them with directfinancial support. Clubs must direct their requests through the countrys National Commission

for UNESCO.

UNESCO may provide financial assistance for the organization of national meetings for

establishing a federation; organization of UNESCO weeks, or any other activities to make

UNESCO and its work known and activities promoting cooperation between Clubs of differentcountries and regions.

UNESCO makes available to all Clubs, free of charge, publications of general interest about theOrganization.


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Relations between the Clubs and UNESCO The Clubs were born of individual initiative. From the beginning to the present day, they have

been set up in an answer to a widespread feeling among their members, of the need to

participate more actively in international life, in harmony with UNESCOs approach and withinits fields of competence. Their activities are directed towardsthe ideal set forth inthe Preambleto the UNESCO Constitution. Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of

men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.

Although UNESCO allows its name to be used by the clubs, this title implies no official linkbetween UNESCO and these associations (Clubs), which are the responsibility of the National

Commission for UNESCO. UNESCO Clubs are strictly prohibited to use the official logo of

UNESCO. The UNESCO Clubs may use the logo, designed and approved by World Federation

of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA).

No Commercial activity, of any kind can be undertaken by UNESCO Clubs. They arepurely, voluntary, non-government, non-profit making, and social organizations.

How to start a UNESCO ClubThere are no technicalities involved in opening a UNESCO Club or Association.

Assemble a group of like minded students desirous to promote internationalunderstanding and to involve themselves in the program and activities of UNESCO.

Chalk out aims and objectivities, adopt a constitution, and elect office bearers. Topics of discussion/meetings, membership fees and other administrative matters

can be decided with mutual consent of members in a democratic manner. Hold periodical meeting of members to discuss strategies for implementing those

programmes and activities.(Club Time)

School UNESCO ClubSchool UNESCO Club: Under the Chairmanship of the school Principal, nominate a teacher as

the In charge/Coordinator of UNESCO Club,

Inform the students about the purpose of a UNESCO Club and enroll the interestedstudents as members. Appoint office bearers and executive committee membersamongst the students.

Select activities (like observation of International days, Year of Decades etc.)[These are only the broad guidelines. Interested people/ schools are free to adopt any method/procedure to form a group/association of interested people, teachers and students].


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SOME OF THE SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES THATUNESCO CLUBS MAY ORGANIZEEDUCATION:

Today 771million of the worlds citizens are illiterate, according the UNESCO Institute forStatistics. Moreover, out of every 5 persons age children in developing countries is not in

school, totaling over 100 million globally, 53% of them girls. To promote literacy visit the

nearby villages, community, labor camps and find out how many children/persons are notattending the school/left their schools due to various reasons. Discuss with your teacher(s) and

friends and look out ways to promote literacy among these disadvantage groups. (Report your

success to our office. We shall explore possibilities of printing out your reports)

Adult Education

Similarly you may also visit nearby villages and see if there is Non-Formal Centers. If Non-

Formal Center already exits, activate it. Render your free service by volunteering to teach/help

at the Center. In absence of such a Center, please discuss with your teacher(s) and start a centre

to offer Non-Formal Education on voluntary basis as and when it is convenient to the learners.You can also teach something useful and practical in daily life, particularly on health,

sanitation, hygiene, HIV/AIDS, TB etc.

Seminars and Discussions

Organize a seminar on better understanding of the problems of illiteracy for illiterate people in

your locality. Invite the Principal of a school/College/Institute, Official of the DzongkhagAdministration, DMO, Lam Nyeten etc. Few debatable suggested topics are given below:

a) How does literacy contribute towards greater national cohesion and internationalsolidarity?

b) Educate a boy and it benefits one individual: educate a girl and it benefits a family.Debates, Film shows

You can also organize debates on democracy, quality of education, diversification of post-secondary education in relation to employment opportunities: What in your opinion, should

these programmes consist of? How can education prepare youth for the challenges of the 21

st

century?

Sometimes arrange educational film shows on various topics for small groups and discuss

about the film:


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REDUCING COMMUNICATION GAP IN THE SERVICE OFMANKINDThe UNESCO programme is aimed at reducing the communication gap, existing disparities and

imbalances in society.

Collect news from TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines, and discuss their relevance to peace.

Write short articles about them.

UNESCO Club news agency

Start a UNESCO Club news agency in your school. Collect news on UN, National andInternational news for two or three days. Organize a news reading session once a week in the

morning assembly and read it just as on radio/TV. (Bajothang HSS has introduced)

Discussions

a. Discuss the social-cultural impact of new communication technologies. What arethe latest developments in communication technology and how much of it has been

adopted by our government? How successful are they? Have you lately observed

any of them in operation? Give details.

b. What other means would you suggest to reduce the communication gap?c. How does media help stimulate public awareness on the following issues?

Democracy, peace and security; economic and social development; protection of

environment; health; HIV/AIDS; combating epidemics; drugs abuse, youthproblems; cultural diversity of the world.

Exchange Programme

You could extend invitation to your neighboring school(s) having UNESCO Clubs to visit

your school as and when you have debates, science exhibition, cultural programme etc. Suchexchange programme will provide scope for sharing of ideas, experiences, develop

friendship and better understanding thereby reducing communication gap. Similarly your

school could also visit them and organize joint meeting as to how some important events

could be organized jointly. You could also plan a joint campaign on HIV/AIDS and field tripto historical sites.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYScience and advanced technology for the betterment of men.

Decorate your school bulletin board with the above slogan with pictures and photographs of

Scientists who helped in the following fields:

Reducing communication gap;Social comfort;

Preventive medicine;


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Discovery of radium etc.

Science exhibition

Arrange a science exhibition in your school. You could invite some of the neighborhood

schools to participate in it, and see the exhibition. Display models, charts, experiments, etc.

Science exchange programme

Visit other schools for exchange of scientific programmes. Arrange inter-school debates, essay

or paper-reading sessions, or demonstration through models.

Invite science teachers from other schools to lecture or chair a debating session.

Discussions

a.

How can science and technology help improve living standards?

b. Are innovations in science and technology blessings or curses? What dangers do youforesee in technological application of scientific inventions, when not put to beneficial

use of humankind? Can you write about a few such application and their consequences?

Information Centre

Set up a science information centre in your school. Collect cuttings from Newspapers,Periodicals and pictures on the latest scientific developments.

Quiz programme

Organize science quiz competition to stir scientific curiosity and develop scientific tempers

among students.

Excursions

Visit a science lab. Study the various exhibits there.

Science meeting

Arrange science meetings and discuss how science and engineering can promote greater well-

being and peace.


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S O CIAL S CIEN CEPromotion of Sports Activities

Sports help develop the human physique. Sports also help promote international understandingand bring people together.

The following are a few of the activities which could be organized:

a. Organise inter-school sports meet.b. Celebrate sports week in School.c. Arrange inter-school sports festival.

If possible, contact an outstanding sportsperson of your city and discuss how sports activities

could be promoted.

Opportunities to Others

Open a sports centre in the neighborhood and arrange fixed hours for various groups to practiceand participate, in both indoor and outdoor games.

ENVIRONMENTHealthy environment promotes peace of mind, health, equality; and unhealthy environment isthe breeding ground for ill-health, squalor, disaffection, loss of mental balance.

What are natural hazards? Is there any way to predict and prevent them? Can you suggest waysof coping with each of the natural disasters listed below?

How do the following affect man: earthquakes; droughts; cyclones; landslide; famines; floods;

How do the above affect international understanding and security?

Research work

Why do natural disasters occur? Which are the countries you find most prone to them? What

rehabilitation efforts are made in these countries? Which international agencies extend aid asrelief?

Man Made Pollution

How does man pollute his environment? What preventive measures would you suggest?

Has technology added pollutants to the environment?Is there any relation between heavy vehicular traffic and pollution? Is the countryside,

therefore, better?


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Charts and Graphs

Prepare charts and graphs to show relativity of pollution in villages, small towns, and

metropolitan cities.

Organize a photo feature exhibition of natural disasters and man-made pollution

Do trees help fight pollution?

Water Resources

How is man influenced by the hydrological cycle?

How is water polluted? How does water pollution affect mans health? What should be done to

reduce water; pollution?

What are water resources?

What measures should be adopted to ensure clean drinking water?

Charts can be prepared to show how water is polluted and the evil effects of such pollution

Research

Is there any water-related project in your area? Find out details. Visit a village and observe the

water facilities there for the farmers cultivation and for domestic use.

If there is no safe drinking water in the village/school, how will you go about in solving this

problem? prepare a project report on your efforts to provide safe drinking water.

Outdoor

Visit a nearby water tank and see how the water supplied in the locality is disinfected.

PEACE AN D UN DER S TAN DIN GCreating an ambience of peace and understanding is essential for the human race to flourish.

What role can school children play in promoting peace and prosperity?

Peace March

Arrange peace marches and invite political leaders to flag them off. Look for sponsors. Collect

funds. Utilize the collection to promote peace education and offer prayers.

Workshop in School

Organize a workshop on promotion of peace and international understanding.


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Respect for Human Rights

Learn the fundamental rights listed in the UNESCO Charter. Three articles from the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights have inspired all the work of UNESCO: the right to education,the right to share in cultural life and in the benefits of scientific progress, and the right to

freedom of speech and access to information.

Also make it a point to know the fundamental rights guaranteed to Bhutanese citizens by the

Druki Tsathrim Chenmo. Observe the prevalence of such rights in your neighborhood. Visit a

village and see the social structure of rights and duties. If you observe any violation of rights,probe further.

CULTUREBhutan has ratified The UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the

Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of ownership of Cultural Property and also Convention forthe Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Intangible Heritage

Cultural heritage is not limited to material manifestations, such as monuments and objects that

have been preserved over time. This notion also encompasses living expressions and the

traditions that countless groups and communities worldwide have inherited from their

ancestors and transmit to their descendants, in most cases orally.

Drametisi Nga Chham has been proclaimed as a masterpiece under the Oral and Intangible

Heritage in Humanity by UNESCO in November 2005.

Culture is the basis of both social continuity and social progress. It is our responsibility to

preserve and promote our rich Tangible/Intangible cultural heritage. You may organize the

following few suggested activities:

i. Photo display of various Chhams and its significanceii. Collect information about local festivals and its significance

iii. Information on local traditional lore, customs and historical talesiv. Information on traditional music, folklore, oral traditions and beliefsv. Visit cultural sites (temples, Nyas etc.) and interview people who can share information

such as when built, who built, its purpose and significance of Nyas.vi. Record the local culture, which might be extinct after some years.

Finally write articles on above in your school magazine or the newspaper


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Discussion

a. What are the dangers threatening our cultural heritage?b. What steps should we take to preserve our cultural wealth?c. Is cross-cultural interaction health?

Listed below, as a guide, are some of the activities which have been successfully undertaken byUNESCO Clubs representing an extremely wide variety of members, age-groups and

geographical locations.

Providing information on the United Nations system, and especially on UNESCO. Participating in the International Years proclaimed by the United Nations or UNESCO. Action in favour of respect for human rights and the rights of children; and education

for peace, human rights and democracy.

Combating all forms of discrimination and stereotyping and promoting the status ofwomen.

Participating in campaigns for literacy, environmental protection, and preservation ofthe cultural heritage.

Participating in international solidarity campaigns, in particular under the UNESCO Co-Action Programme, and setting up projects under the same Programme.

Collecting and preserving traditional cultures, including oral traditions. Rural advancement, involving education for health and hygiene and proper dietary

habits.

Helping children from disadvantaged educational backgrounds with their school work. Promoting exchanges between young people. Sport, carried on in a spirit of "fair play". Organizing artistic troupes, dramatic groups and orchestras. Organizing a wide variety of competitions for essay-writing, poetry, photography,

drawing, and other similar activities.


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SMOOTH FUNCATIONING OF A UNESCOCLUBThe following guidelines may facilitate the smooth running of a UNESCO Club.

An inactive Club could look up to an active Club for guidance. The Clubs should remain intouch with one another and work in close cooperation.

1) The Principal/Coordinator (s) of the Club should see to it that material on UN isavailable to the members of the Club.

2) The problem of management/finance could be tackled by the resourcefulness of thePrincipal/Coordinator(s) of the UNESCO Club. Some coordinators(s) are resourceful

and manage recourse easily.

3) The success of a Club depends, to a large extent, on the initiative and sincerity of itscoordinator(s).

4) Opinions of a visitor about the Club may be maintained. Healthy criticism is helpful forfurther improvement.

5) Very often the school is over burdened with other school activities and the Clubactivities may not get enough time. In such a situation, the coordinator(s) must make

full use of the time allotted by the school to organize the club activities.

6) The duties of the Club coordinator(s) are to suggest courses of action, to co-ordinateand stimulate activities and to ensure that each member plays an active role in the work

of the Club accordingly to his/her taste and ability.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILLITIES OF A CoordinatorThe success of the UNESCO Club depends upon the Coordinator/leader(s), because he/shehas the major responsibility of running the Club in a proper direction and keeping it active.

So the leader should be a dynamic person. He should not be unduly conscious of his

position nor should he/she indulge in any favoritism. He/she should have cordial relations

with his/her colleagues who are his followers. The role and responsibilities of the leader canbe broadly divided into four categories:

a. Organizing the Club - It is the responsibility of the leader to keep he/she acquaintedwith the interests of the members of the Club. He/she should see that the maximum

numbers of students are motivated to become members. The leader should ensure that

his/her Club is established, in the sense that lectures and discussions on UNESCOcontinue to take place from time to time so that the students will feel that the Club is

existing and is not dead. Besides, it is the responsibility of the leader to give to the Club,

in cooperation with the members its Constitution, and maintain the dignity and sanctity

of the Constitution.


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b. Preparing the Programme of Activities and Implementing the same- The leader shouldbe able to create such an informal atmosphere in the Club that the interest of all the

members in the activities of the Club is sustained. To keep the Club alive the leadershould see that the participation is wide and that the senior members encourage the

junior students to follow up and keep up the activities. He/she should also keep

himself/herself informed about the various sub-groups and their activities. In framing aProgramme, care has to be taken to provide opportunities for all types of talents to be

represented in the Club, so that all the members get a feeling of involvement in the

running of the Club.

c. Providing Academic Leadership-The leader for his/her success, has to be a fountain ofknowledge about all aspects of the UN, UNESCO international agencies etc. To be so,

he/she has to continue self development, as the members of the Club will be all timeslooking to him/her for academic leadership.

d. To function as Guide, Friend and Philosopher for the Club as a whole and individuallyfor the Members of the Club- the Clubs, involving the participation of school children,might find it difficult to channelise the emotions and enthusiasm of its youthful

members in the right direction. The leader must give due weighting to group dynamicsand do all that is possible to maintain group cohesion, so that their energy is not

misdirected.

e. Apart from the above duties and responsibilities the leaders of the UNESCO Clubshould be able to maintain good interaction with the Principal, National Commission, so

that the activities of the Clubs may receive further encouragement.

International UN Holidays27 January 2008 International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the

Holocaust (UN)

21 February 2008 International Mother Language Day (UNESCO)

8 March 2008 International Womens Day

21 March 2008 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, World

Poverty Day (UNESCO)

22 March 2008 World Day for water

23 March 2008 World Meteorological Day (WMO)

24 March 2008 World Tuberculosis Day (WHO)

7 April 2008 World Health Day (WHO)


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4-10 October 2008 World Space Week

5 October 2008 World Teachers Day (UNESCO)

6 October 2008 World Habitat Day

8 October 2008 International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction

9 October 2008 World Post Day (UPU)

10 October 2008 World Mental Health Day

16 October 2008 World Food Day (FAO)

17 October 2008 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

24 October 2008 United Nations Day, World Development Information Day

24- 30 October 2008 Disarmament Week

6 November 200 International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in

war and armed Conflict

10 November 2008 World Science Day for Peace and Development (UNESCO)

16 November 2008 International Day for Tolerance (UNESCO), World Day ofRemembrance for Road Traffice Victims

20 November 2008 Universal Childrens Day (UNICEF)

21 November 2008 World Television Day, Philosophy Day at UNESCO (UNESCO)

25 November 2008 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

29 November 2008 International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

1 December 2008 World AIDS Day (WHO)

2 December 2008 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

3 December 2008 International Day of Disabled Persons

5 December 2008 International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development

7 December 2008 International Civil Aviation Day (ICAO)

9 December 2008 International Anti-Corruption Day

10 December 2008 Human Rights Day


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11 December 2008 International Mountain Day

18 December 2008 International Migrants Day

19 December 2008 United Nations Day for South South Cooperation

Annexure I

In Japan humiliated by defeatThis is it, this is what I am looking for shouted KOICHI UEDA, when he learnt of the

opening in Paris of the 1st session of the General Conference of UNESCO from the morning

paper of 25 November 1946, which also quoted the Preamble to the Organizations

Constitution.

As KOICHI UEDA read the words: Since wars being in the minds of men, it is in the minds ofmean that the defenses of peace must be constructed, he felt as through an electric shock

was running through his being.

This story is as familiar to the members and friends of the UNESCO Clubs as that about the

narrator dipping a small Madeleine cake in his cup of tea is to the devotees of MARCEL

PROUST. However, this electric shock did not have the effect of resuscitating the past the

houses of CHARLES SWANN and the Duchesse DE GUERMANTES, through which thechild discovering them was reborn. Instead, it produced the vision of a future which

transformed the faint beating of KOICHI UEDAs heart, overburdened by the sadness andhumiliation caused by his countrys defeat, into a paroxysm of joy.

For months, the young man sat doing nothing in the few square meters of the dismal garret inwhich he lived in shanghai, where he had learnt of Japans surrender. The inhumanity of war,

its disastrous consequences for the belligerent countries, including his own, and the lasting

shock caused by the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagaski all kept on going round inhis head until the day when a new conviction, new hope burned in his mind and he realized

that Japan could occupy a place in the world of the future only by becoming a peaceful country

which would never again wage war.

He was repatriated from China and was sent to Sendai, where he served as a liaison officerbetween the American occupation forces and the governments of the prefectures in northern

Japan. He was then given permission to start up cultural activities and exchanges between thetwo partners, in an endeavour to foster closer familiarity between them. As he was to write

dispassionately some forty years later: This was the beginning, through on a small scale, of

my work for international peace.

Thus, the announcement of UNESCOs creation fell on fertile ground and lived up to the

expectations of the young liaison officer. From then onwards, he dreamt of joining, in some


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way or other, in the great undertaking which, although having started at the other end of the

earth, nevertheless involved the entire planet. An intergovernmental organization had come into

being, but did it not call upon everybody to join in it? KOICHI UEDA was convinced of this

when he re-read another sentence of the Preamble to the Constitution a peace basedexclusively upon the political and economic arrangements of governments would not be a

peace which would secure the unanimous, lasting and sincere support of the peoples of the

world, and peace must therefore be founded. Upon the intellectual and moral solidarity ofmankind.

He then went on a study all the available documents on UNESCO. Gradually, the idea came tohim of creating a non-governmental organization to cooperate with it. He could not wait to

share with other people the dream taking shape in his mind and guiding principles that he was

beginning to flesh out.

Among KOICHI UEDAs friends was a professor of English literature at Tohoku University in

Sendai, KOCHI DOI. Having lost a son in the war, he, too, denounced the absurdity of armed

conflict and considered that it was of the utmost importance for Japan to regain its place in the

international community through peaceful cultural exchanges.

The fact that they held the same views provided the spark needed, and the two men were soonto gather around them a hundred or so intellectuals, teachers and media professionals, including

Professor TAKEO KUWABARA, a distinguished man of letters. Thirty years later, it was he

who accompanied the young people selected by the Nipponese Federation to attend courses indifferent parts of Europe, with a mandatory visit to UNESCO Headquarters. On those

occasions, Professor KUWABARAs voice rang out very often within the precincts of the

Organization, which he always visited with the immense pleasure felt by someone who hadrediscovered his country of adoption.

The Sendai UNESCO Association the first such association in the world was officiallyestablished on 19 July 1947. The Inaugural assembly was held at Tohoku University; it elected

YASUTORI SATAKE, the Universitys President, as President of the Association and

Professor DOI as Vice-President, while KOICHI UEDA was appointed its Executive Secretary.

Thirty years later, the participants in the First World Congress of UNESCO Clubs held at the

Organizations Headquarters in April 1978 decided to celebrate UNESCO Clubs Day on 19July each year. How many people still remember that?

The Associations founded informed UNESCO of their decision by sending a message whichwas read out at the 2nd session of the General Conference. The Director-General in person

warmly congratulated them and took steps to ensure that books and documents would be sent to

them on a regular basis. KOICHI UEDA undertook to translate JULIAN HUXLEYs book

UNESCO its purpose and its Philosophy into Japanese.

Following closely behind, hardly two months later, the Kyoto UNESCO Association, with its

2,000 members, was formed. Its first President was Dr HACHIRO YUASA, President ofDoshisha University, who took a similar path to that of KOICHI UEDA and his friends, in that

he was humiliated at Japans defeat, wished to see the country emerge from its isolation and put

his faith in UNESCO.


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Students in Sendai and Kyoto set up their own associations and school-children the first

UNESCO Clubs. Since more and more groups of friends of the Organization were being

formed, KOICHI UDEA felt that it was necessary to set up a national federation in order to

coordinate them, and this was inaugurated in Tokyo on 1 May 1948.

Although they had no prior contact with UNESCO and were completely unaware of the

messages that it had issued in its attempt to make young people more attentive to internationalunderstanding, many Japanese largely adults, including university professors, members of the

medical profession, journalists, writers and artists turned to the Organization in much the

same way as flowers long shut off from the light turn towards the sun and blossom in its rays.Because of all they had suffered during the war, their deeply-felt desire to turn Japan into a

country occupied solely with works of the mind and culture by casting off the warlike urges of

the distant and more recent past, was instrumental in bringing about a miracle in which their

aspirations came to be identified with UNESCOs ideal.

The Japanese movement was to remain deeply marked by the features which it assumed from

the very beginning, and associations composed of adults indeed of pensioners- still occupy a

pre-eminent place in it. KOICHI UEDA went on to say: Japan was able to become the 61

st

member of UNESCO in 1951 while it was still under the Allied Occupation Forces. This was

the first opportunity for occupied Japan to open her closed doors to the outside world after theend of World War Two. The credit for this should go to the non-governmental UNESCO

movement.

These were the very straightforward words in which he described the tremendous moral

influence that Japans UNESCO associations wielded. This is the only known instance where

the non-governmental sector applied itself to encouraging the involvement of the governmentin intergovernmental affairs.


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Compiled and distributed by Bhutan National Commission for UNESCO, Thimphu Bhutan

Post Box: Nil, 1-7 Wogmin Lam, Namgaychholing, Thimphu: Bhutan

Tele : 00975-2-322912 Fax : 00975-2-325069

Email : [email protected]

UNESCO guide

Documents

Transcript of UNESCO guide