Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09PARISFR1489
2009-11-05 17:19:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Mission UNESCO
Cable title:  

UNESCO'S 35TH GENERAL CONFERENCE: REVIVING CULTURE OF

Tags:  SCUL PREL UNESCO 
pdf how-to read a cable
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INFO RUCNSCO/UNESCO COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS PARIS FR 001489 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12598: N/A
TAGS: SCUL PREL UNESCO
SUBJECT: UNESCO'S 35TH GENERAL CONFERENCE: REVIVING CULTURE OF
PEACE AT UNESCO

UNCLAS PARIS FR 001489

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12598: N/A
TAGS: SCUL PREL UNESCO
SUBJECT: UNESCO'S 35TH GENERAL CONFERENCE: REVIVING CULTURE OF
PEACE AT UNESCO


1. (SBU) Summary: A draft resolution asking the Secretariat to
plan a new "Culture of Peace" program was put forward by Morocco and
Guatemala in the final days of the 35th General Conference.
Concerns were raised regarding the potential cost of any new
program, which resulted in amendments to the resolution asking for
the Secretariat to come up only with proposals for consideration by
the spring 2010 Executive Board. End Summary.

AN IDEA REBORN


2. (SBU) Morocco and Guatemala put forward a draft resolution on
the "Culture of Peace" during the final days of the 35th General
Conference for review by the Joint Meeting of the Commissions. The
original draft resolution was co-sponsored by more than 61 Member
States, including the United States. The resolution made reference
to the United Nations Declaration and Programme of Action on a
Culture of Peace that was approved by the UNGA (ref: A/RES/53/243).
The Moroccan resolution called for the Secretariat to prepare for
consideration a draft program on the subject for consideration and
possible approval by the upcoming spring Executive Board.
Ultimately, the "Culture of Peace" proposals were meant to be
integrated into the consultation process for the preparation of
UNESCO's next Draft Programme and Budget for 2012-2013 (36 C/5).

CONCERNS RAISED


3. (SBU) While Morocco explained the "Culture of Peace" concept as
an "umbrella" covering all of UNESCO's work, the vague language of
the resolution created a situation for many where it was difficult
to say no to supporting such an idea, yet not clear what it would
mean in practical terms. Specifically, the initial language called
for the Director-General to prepare for consideration "a draft
interdisciplinary and intersectoral programme for a culture of
peace".


4. (SBU) Members of the Secretariat staff told us privately that
the "Culture of Peace" concept had been a key part of UNESCO's
strategy under Director-General Federico Mayor (1987-99). They also
noted that both the Moroccan and Guatemalan ambassadors had been
close to Mayor in promoting this idea, despite the fact that it
never saw any lasting results in its previous incarnation.


5. (SBU) With the Secretariat raising concerns both about "turning
the clock back" as well as questioning what programs would have to
be killed in order to pay for any "Culture of Peace" related
program, several Member States began to press the authors of the
resolution to make some adjustments. Both Japan and Norway, along
with the United States, held discussions with the Moroccan and
Guatemalan ambassadors in order to find language that would satisfy
all sides.

CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS VICE PROGRAMS


6. (SBU) After negotiations, language calling for the Secretariat
to submit proposals for consideration, rather than a draft program,
was agreed to by key sponsors. It is worth noting that UNESCO's
newly elected Director-General Irina Bokova, added Bulgaria's name
to the co-sponsors of the draft resolution.

NEXT STEPS ?


7. (SBU) What happens next will depend greatly on the nature of the
proposals that the Secretariat will put forward before the spring
Executive Board. The underlying issues of cross-cultural
understanding and tolerance can be counted on to receive enormous
support, and the United States has also promoted UNESCO programs
designed to discourage religious extremism. Much will depend on how
the "Culture of Peace" is defined in this new context, and whether
it is able to flourish in this new reincarnation.

ENGELKEN