INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
15.1.1 Since the establishment of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), India has been in the forefront in promoting its ideals and objectives. The Indian National Commission for Cooperation with Unesco (INC), set up in 1949, is the apex advisory, executive, liaison, information and coordinating body at the national level. INC has been playing an active role in UNESCO's work particularly in the formulation and execution of its programmes in collaboration with UNESCO Secretariat as well as the National Commissions of Asia and the Pacific region.
15.1.2 During the year, India contributed to the activities of UNESCO and its Regional Offices through participation in numerous workshops, symposia and conferences, by assisting in the organisation of national, regional and inter-regional activities in India in areas of competence of Unesco, arranging participation of Indian experts in UNESCO's activities formulating projects under the Participation Programme of UNESCO and administration of UNESCO Coupons Scheme. Public information activities relating to UNESCO continued to be operated in the form of publications of Hindi and Tamil editions of UNESCO Courier.
Follow-up of Education for All Summit of Nine High Population
Countries. 15.2.1 The Department of Education was privileged to host the Education for All Summit of Nine High Population Countries in New Delhi in December, 1993 in which the Heads of three U.N. agencies UNESCO, UNICEF, and UNFPA also participated as Cosponsors. As a follow-up of the EFA Summit, the undermentioned steps have been taken during the year:-
(a) Meeting of EFA-9 countries:- 15.2.2 A meeting of Nine High Population Countries on Education for All was held in the Copenhagen on 10 March 1995 on the occasion of the World Summit for Social Development. Prime Minister chaired the meeting being the host of the first ever EFA-9 Summit meeting in New Delhi on 16 December, 1993. The meeting adopted a joint communique reiterating the commitment of the nine participating countries to Basic Education as expressed in the World Declaration on Education for All at Jomtien and reaffirmed in the New Delhi Declaration adopted in December, 1993.
15.2.3 The Heads of the four U.N. agencies, UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF and UNFPA also pledged to intensify their cooperation with EFA-9 countries in pursuit of the global goal of Education for All. Former Minister for Human Resource Development and Education Secretary were members of the delegation led by the Prime Minister.
(b) Ministerial Meeting of the Nine High Population countries on
Education for All, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 12-16 September, 1995.
15.2.4 A Ministerial meeting of the Nine High Population countries on Education for All was held in Indonesia on 12-16 September, 1995 as follow up of the Education for All Summit held in New Delhi in 1993 and of the informal meeting organised by the Prime Minister with EFA-9 Heads of States during the World Social Summit at Copenhagen. The meeting at Bali facilitated the exchange of experiences and activities in the areas of expanding access and improving quality of Education for All, particularly in the field of
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non-formal education. Country papers giving status reports of EFA-9 countries were also presented. The Indian documents as well as Indian efforts in EFA came in for appreciation. In addition, an Action Plan of U.N. organisations, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNDP were also circulated. A Senior Officers' Meeting (SOM) on 13 September, 1995 preceded the Ministerial meeting.- Based on the results of the discussion and interaction, a Joint Communique was also brought out. The delegation was led by the former Minister for Human Resource Development and consisted of senior officials of the Department.
Conference on Education for the 21st Century 15.2.5 A UNESCO sponsored Conference on "Education for the 21st Century" was organised in New Delhi on 11-13 January, 1995.
Eighth Session of the International Commission on Education for the
21st Century 15.2.6 The UNESCO International Commission on Education for the 21st Century was set up by DG, UNESCO to reflect on education and learning for the next century. Mr. Jacques Delors is the Chairman of the Commission and Dr. Karan Singh is one of its 14 members. The 8th session of this Commission was held at New Delhi on 15-17 January, 1996. The meeting was held to finalise its report for the mission to UNESCO.
Director-General, UNESCO's visit to India 15.2.7 On an invitation from former Minister of Human Resource Development, Mr Federico Mayor, Director-General, UNESCO visited India from 30 April to 4 May, 1995 mainly to inaugurate the Asia-Pacific meeting on Tolerance held at New Delhi in which 12 countries of the region participated.
15.2.8 The Director-General, UNESCO delivered the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Lecture at the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, besides visiting the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Indian Institute of Science and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Studies at Bangalore.
Visit of Mr. Federico Mayor, D. G., UNESCO to India on 3-6
February, 1996 15.2.9 Mr. Federico Mayor, DG of UNESCO visited India on 3-6 February, 1996 to inaugurate Asian Regional Workshop on Eco-technology organised by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in Madras in collaboration with UNESCO. Sh. P.R. Dasgupta, Education Secretary also participated in the workshop
Celebration of 125th Birth Anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi 15.2.10 During his visit to France on 12-16 June, 1995, Prime Minister delivered the Gandhi Memorial Lecture at Paris on 12 June, 1995 in connection with the celebration of the 125th Birth Anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi sponsored by UNESCO. Kumari Selja, Minister of State (Education & Culture) also accompanied the Prime Minister. The lecture was the first in a series of lectures being organised by UNESCO on the theme "Gandhi and the Global Village. " UNESCO has also released special gold and silver coins to honour Mahatma Gandhi with the inscription "In the midst of darkness, light prevails". Prime Minister also inaugurated an exhibition on Mahatama Gandhi.
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23rd Session of the Indian National Commission for UNESCO 15.2.11 The 23rd session of the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO was held on 17th July, 1995 in New Delhi under the chairmanship of the then Minister of Human Resource Development. The Session was attended by Kumari Selja, Minister of State (Education & Culture), Dr. Karan Singh, Member, International Commission for Education for the 21st Century, Shri R N Mirdha, Member, Executive Board of UNESCO, experts from the field of UNESCO's competence and senior officials of the Government of India. The main objective of the Session was to deliberate upon the issues likely to be taken up by the Indian delegation to the 28th Session of the General Conference of UNESCO held from 25 October to 16 November, 1995. The Commission approved the recommendations of the five Sub-Commissions in the field of Education, Culture, Communication, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences for proposing amendments to the Draft Programme and Budget of UNESCO (1996-97) and Draft Medium Term Strategy (1996-2001), which was projected at the 28th Session of the General Conference of UNESCO.
28th Session of the General Conference of UNESCO 15.2.12 The 28th Session of the General Conference was held from 25th October, 1995 to 16th November, 1995 at Paris. The principal items of Agenda before this Conference were Draft Programme and Budget of the organisation for the period 1996-1997 and Draft Medium Term Strategy for the Period 1996-2001, The Session was specially marked by the Celebration of 50th Anniversary of adoption of the Constitution of UNESCO on 16th November, 1995. The Member-States of the Group of 77 comprising of 132 developing countries met in Paris on 31st October 1995, and adopted at this Session "Paris Declaration", solemnly declaring commitment to UNESCO's goals.
15.2.13 The Indian delegation consisting of other senior officers and experts of concerned departments/institutions to the Conference was led by former Minister for Human Resource Development and Dr. Krupasindhu Bhoi, Minister of State (Education). One of the significant achievement of the Indian delegation to the Conference was India's election to the following Intergovernmental Committees of UNESCO:
i) Man and Biosphere (MAB);
ii) International Bureau of Education;
iii) International Hydrological Programme; and
v) Promoting the return of Cultural Property to its countries of origin or its restitution in case of illicit appropriation.
Executive Board of UNESCO 15.2.14 The 146th Session of the Executive Board of UNESCO was held from 15 May to 2 June, 1995 and the 147th Session was held from 6-20 October, 1995. Shri Ram Niwas Mirdha, M.P., Indian Representative and Member on the Board attended both the Sessions. The Board discussed inter alia the implementation of the decisions adopted by the General Conference and also took note of the reports submitted by UNESCO. 148th Session of the Executive Board was also held at Paris on 17th November, 1995 which was attended by Ms. Nina Sibal, Indian Ambassador to UNESCO. Main agenda of the session was the
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Elections of the Chairperson/Vice Chairperson of the Executive Board and Establishment of the Permanent Commissions and Committees of the Board and to elect chairpersons for these Committees.
Asia-Pacific Programme for Educational Innovation for Development
(APEID) 15.2.15 India has actively participated in APEID Programmes and activities, as one of the Promoters of UNESCO's Regional Programme of Educational Innovations for Development for Asia and the Pacific (APEID). The National Council of Educational Research and Training, one of the principal associate centres of APEID which acts as the Secretariat of National Development Group (NDG), facilitates dissemination of information about APEID activities and promotes innovative experiences at the regional level.
Award for the Project "Design 21" 15.2.16 On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations under the theme "A United World for the Future Generation", Mrs Sonia Kukre a of India was declared as one of the winners selected by the International Jury from the 50 young stylists under UNESCO's project "Design 21".
Participation Programme of UNESCO 15.2.17 Under the Participation Programme, UNESCO provides financial assistance to various institutions of Member States engaged in promotion of programmes and activities of UNESCO, for undertaking innovative projects which would contribute at the national, sub regional and international levels to the implementation of the objectives of UNESCO. For the biennium 1994-95, out of 18 projects forwarded to UNESCO Secretariat 12 projects have been approved. For the biennium 1996-97, 22 proposals had been forwarded to UNESCO with a projected demand of US $ 7,45,202/-. Out of these, 15 projects have been registered by UNESCO.
Education for International Understanding 15.2.18 UNESCO Clubs, constituted mainly in educational institutions, are voluntary bodies engaged in the promotion of aims and objectives of the Organisation. The Associated Schools are educational institutions which are directly in link with UNESCO Secretariat for participation in the Associated Schools Projects for undertaking activities relating to education for international understanding, cooperation and peace. On the recommendations of the Indian National Commission for UNESCO (INC), 38 schools and Teacher Training Institutes from India have been enlisted with UNESCO under this Project.
15.2.19 The INC is the national coordinating agency for UNESCO Clubs and Associated Schools. There are about 285 UNESCO Clubs which are registered with INC. UNESCO Clubs and Associated Schools are provided with material and financial support for undertaking activities designed to promote the aims and objectives of UNESCO, such as celebration of International Days and Years, organisation of meetings, debates, contests to promote international understanding, cooperation and peace.
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41st Session of International Bureau of Education 15.2.20 Sh. P.R. Dasgupta, Education Secretary amended the 41st Session of International Bureau of Education held from 16 to 19th January, 1996 at Geneva. Photo contest in Asia and the Pacific
15.2.21 The INC has been coordinating the participation of Indian photographers in the photo contest organised by Asian Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU), Japan.
UNESCO Coupons Programme 15.2.22 The INC continued to operate the UNESCO International Coupons Scheme designed to assist individuals and institutions working the fields of education, science, culture and communication to import their bonafide requirements of educational publications, scientific equipment, educational films, etc. from abroad without undergoing the foreign exchange and import control formalities. The total sale of UNESCO Coupons during the period from January 1995 to March, 1996 amounted to US Rs. 11,791/-.
Publication of UNESCO Courier 15.2.23 "COURIER" is an educational and cultural periodical brought out by UNESCO. The Indian National Commission continues to support publications of its Hindi and Tamil editions with the assistance of UNESCO subvention. These enjoy a wide circulation amongst educational institutions, libraries, UNESCO Clubs, Associated Schools and the individual.
Schemes of Financial Assistance to Voluntary bodies, UNESCO Clubs
and Associated Schools 15.2.24 The INC is operating a scheme of financial assistance to voluntary organisations, UNESCO Clubs and Associated Clubs and Associated Schools for undertaking activities aimed at the promotion of ideals and objectives of UNESCO. During the Year, grant-in-aid of Rs. 1,20,000/- has been sanctioned during the year 1995-96.
Contribution to UNESCO 15.2.25 The contribution of each member State is determined by the United Nations and approved by the General Conference of UNESCO every Year. For the biennium 1994-95, the contribution of India was fixed at 0.35% of the total budget of the Organisation by the 27th Session of the General Conference of UNESCO held during 1993. The Government of India also makes voluntary contributions to UNESCO in response to the appeals by UNESCO to its Member States for contribution for specific purposes. India also made a voluntary contribution of Rs. 3,00,000/- to the International Institute for Educational Planning (UNESCO), Paris during 1995-96. India also contributes towards the rental for UNESCO's Regional Office in New Delhi at the rate of Rs. 75,000/- per month.
Indias's participation in other UNESCO programmes 15.2.26 Indian Experts represented the Department of Education (Ministry of Human Resource Development) in the following Workshops, Training Courses, Seminars, Working Group Meetings sponsored by UNESCO or its Regional Offices:-
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- S/Shri R S Mathur, Additional Director; D.P.Gupta, Joint Director; A.M. Rajasekhar, Assistant Director; and Amarjit Singh Vohra, Senior Statistical Assistant of the Directorate of Adult Education, New Delhi participated in the Training Workshop on Monitoring and Evaluation for Non-Formal Basic Education Programme on 7-25 November, 1994 held in Chiangmai, Thailand;
- Ms. Vinita Agarwal, DS(VE) was nominated to the Core Monitoring Group for Development and Implementation of the Entrepreneurial Skills for Small Business;
- Shri K S Sharma, US(INC) participated in the Training Course for Documentation and Information Officers of Asian and Pacific National Commissions held on 13-17 March, 1995 in Korea;
- Shri S R Tayal, the then Director (UU) participated in the Information Seminar for New Secretariat-General Officials of Central Asian NATCOMs/Member States held on 17-21 April, 1995 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan;
- Shri J P Parkash, Deputy Secretary participated in the International Workshop "Monitoring learning Achievement towards Capacity Building' held on 17-19 May, 1995 at Paris;
- Shri Suresh Chand, Special Officer, Book Promotion Division participated in the Sub-regional Workshop on Book Publishing Statistics for Asia and the Pacific held on 19-22 June, 1995 in Bangkok, Thailand;
- Shri Anurag Bhatnagar, Director participated in the UNESCO Environment and Population Education and Information for Human Development (EPD) Regional Workshop held on 19-23 June, 1995 in Beijing, China; and
- Shri H S Nehria, Deputy Director participated in the National Information Infrastructure for Social & Economic Development held on 28-30 November, 1995 in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Sh. I.V.Subba Rao, Dir(EE) participated in the meetings of Mid-Decade Review of Progress towards Education For All (EFA) held on 15-18 January, 1996 in Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Dr. D.S. Mishra, Deputy Director, Directorate of Adult Education, Ministry of HRD participated in the 3rd Sub- Regional Workshop on the Development of Basic Literacy Learning Materials for Girls and Women in Asia and the Pacific-South Asia Region held on 5-16 March 1996 in Dhulikhel, Nepal.
15.2.27 In addition, the Indian National Commission nominated experts to participate in national, regional and international meetings and workshops of UNESCO.
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External Academic Relations (EAR) 15.3.1 The EAR Unit deals with policy matters to promote India's external academic relations with more than 80 countries with whom India has bilateral Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs) and other collaborative arrangements; monitoring of educational component of the bilateral and collaborative programme with other countries.