ARGENTINE CANDIDATE FOR UNESCO SEEKS SUPPORT

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000817 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL SCUL AORC UNESCO AR SUBJECT: ARGENTINE CANDIDATE FOR UNESCO SEEKS SUPPORT REF: SIEKMAN-CRAIG 7/6/09 E-MAIL ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Daniel Filmus, Argentina's former Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, is now running for President of UNESCO 35th Conference. He seeks U.S. support for his candidacy. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) The Argentine MFA hosted a meeting for chiefs of mission on July 8 to provide Filmus with a forum to outline his platform and cultivate support in the international community. He is a close political ally of Argentina's ruling first couple who ran with their backing for Buenos Aires mayor against Mauricio Macri in 2007. After an introduction by Deputy Foreign Minister Vittorio Taccetti, Filmus gave a presentation that stressed UNESCO's role in the promotion of human rights; increased access to scientific and technological innovation; sustainable development and poverty eradication; and cultural preservation. Filmus especially emphasized linguistic and cultural preservation, the importance of cultural diversity and exchanges, and increased access to education and technology as a means to encourage development. Filmus also spoke on themes of climate change and globalization, and expressed his desire for UNESCO to approach these problems through "inclusive and innovative" projects. Following his presentation, the representatives of Italy, Algeria, and Brazil endorsed his candidacy during the question-and-answer segment. ¶3. (SBU) Following the meeting, Filmus told the CDA that he would appreciate the USG's consideration of his candidacy. He cited, as arguments in his favor, Argentina's work with the WEOG in UNESCO, and the GOA's proclivity to vote with the USG on most UNESCO-related votes. KELLY