About the Canadian
Commission for UNESCO
Why a Canadian Commission for UNESCO?
UNESCO is the only UN agency
to have a system of National Commissions. As part of this network The
Canadian Commission for UNESCO is in a unique situation to effectively
contribute to Canada's position on UNESCO issues. The Canadian Commission
enjoys a network of international connections through its ties with UNESCO.
This position, coupled with its unique arm's length distance from government,
makes the Commission a key player in UNESCO's mandated fields of education,
the sciences, culture, and communication and information. The Canadian
Commission relies on an extensive network of members in all regions of
the country for advice and support in fulfilling UNESCO's mandate in Canada.
The commitment and expertise of these members ensures a continuing flow
of new ideas and points of view which keeps the Commission creative, active
and relevant.
The Commission's Mandate
The Canadian Commission for
UNESCO was established in 1957 under the aegis of the Canada Council for
the Arts. Its functions conform to those outlined by UNESCO for all National
Commissions. These bodies form a unique network within the United Nations
system. They ensure outreach to and mobilization of civil society partners,
as well as relations with parliamentarians an municipalities in support
of UNESCO's visibility and programme priorities across all regions. As
stated in their 1978 Charter, National Commissions are the main relays
for UNESCO's work at the country level where they assume multiple responsibilities
related to aspects of programme execution such as consultation, liaison,
information and evaluation. The Canadian Commission for UNESCO has been
in existence for 50 years. It was established by Order in Council
on June 14, 1957 as part of the Canadian Government's treaty obligation
to UNESCO. Like the National Commissions in other countries, the Canadian
Commission serves as a forum for governments and civil society, and works
to mobilize the participation of Canadian organizations and committed
individuals in UNESCO's mandated fields: education, natural and social
sciences, culture, communication and information.
Specifically, the Canadian Commission
for UNESCO:
- coordinates and implements UNESCO programme activities in Canada;
- encourages Canadian participation in UNESCO activities;
- advises
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
on the UNESCO
programme and budget.
- carries out activities in Canada in support of UNESCO’s programmes and objectives.
The Commission's Vision
"Inspired by UNESCO's vision
of a durable culture of peace built on the intellectual and moral solidarity
of humankind, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO actively advances the
following principles: the promotion of culture and democracy through the
sharing of ideas and knowledge; justice and equality for all; freedom
of thought, expression and communication; the promotion of tolerance;
access to education and information; the affirmation of specific cultures
and identities as integral parts of the richness of humanity; a respect
for indigenous cultures; and the preservation of the world's heritage
and natural environment." ("Refreshing the Spirit: A New Vision For The
Canadian Commission For UNESCO", 1999)
The Commission's Mission
"In order to implement this
vision, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO operates as an autonomous forum
of consultation and reflection through which governments in Canada and
individuals and organizations in Canadian society can share information
on matters of education, science, culture, communication and information.
We make recommendations on these issues, advise the government of Canada
on its relations with UNESCO, foster partnerships in areas of mutual interest,
and promote the implementation of UNESCO's programmes." ("Refreshing the
Spirit: A New Vision For The Canadian Commission For UNESCO", 1999)
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