U.N.E.S.C.O. 20

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31129, 4 August 1966, Page 11

U.N.E.S.C.O. 20

New Zealand has been involved in the work of the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation more closely than in that of any other specialised agency of the United Nations. It was the second country to become a member of the organisation (there are now 120 members) and one of the first to set up a national commission. It has played a prominent part in the formulation of U.N.E.S.C.O.’s programmes through representation at its general conferences and other meetings, and through participation in its activities in the fields of education, science, culture and technical assistance.

For these reasons the National Commission decided to take the opportunity that U.N.E.S.C.O.’s twentieth anniversary provides to stimulate interest in and increase knowledge of the ideals and activities of the organisation not only among the school population but also among the public.

With these aims in mind the National Commission decided to have a booklet on U.N.E.S.C.O. and on the New Zealand National Commission published. It authorised the secretariat to publish a special issue of its newsletter with contributions from returned and serving New Zealand experts: to give increased publicity to the U.N.E.S.C.O. gift coupon pro-

gramme; in collaboration with the Government Printer, to hold a special campaign for U.N.E.S.C.O. publications; and to organise an international children’s painting competition.

The secretariat is working on these and other projects and has written to the cooperating bodies of the National Commission, to the principals of Teachers’ Colleges, to youth organisations and to the editors of newspapers seeking their cooperation in making U.N.E.S.C.O.’s twentieth anniversary a memorable event

The anniversary will be brought to the attention of schools throughout the country, and the secretariat will provide material which U.N.E.S.C.O. has made available to schools and other groups for special projects and displays. U.N.E.S.C.O. has informed the secretariat that it plans to commemorate the anniversary by producing one or two special films for distribution to television stations in member states, and by producing a comprehensive radio documentary. In addition it Intends to record interviews with and discussions by eminent personalities on international co-operation and related subjects, and on the role of U.N.E.S.C.O.