How young people see UNESCO today

These two weeks have given us the chance to learn much about Unesco. There is no doubt that our work in the different youth organizations to which we belong will benefit greatly. At the end of this seminar we should like to draw in broad outline our picture of Unesco as it is today. An intergovernmental organization. By definition, Unesco brings together a large number of states and provides a forum for dialogue and the exchange of ideas and information with a view to carrying out the objectives defined in its Constitution. But inherent in the very diversity of Unesco's objectives and constituency there is a risk that a bureaucracy may emerge and come between the different parties involved. We feel that there is the danger of a breakdown in communication between the populations of the member states and the Unesco secretariat. We therefore think it essential that the Organization should maintain close contact with its grass roots. Neutrality. Unesco cannot intervene directly in the affairs of member states in order to achieve its aims. But we feel that this neutrality should not prevent the Organization from protesting when it is evident that the ideals which it defends are not being respected by a member state. To maintain its credibility, particularly in the eyes of oppressed populations, Unesco must continue to point the way towards a just and humane society, independent of the vicissitudes of world politics. The commitment of member states. The resolutions taken within Unesco do not always seem to be applied by member states. We should like to see the member states as enthusiastic and involved as the Unesco secretariat, and especially that they should be active in the promotion and teaching of human rights. We should like a more effective follow-up and a more stringent evaluation of the action taken by member states in connection with programmes drawn up by Unesco experts. A very ambitious programme. An extremely wide range of tasks is assigned to Unesco by its Constitution and the Organization's programmes are very comprehensive. There is a danger that resources will be spread too thinly. Some of us would prefer Unesco to concentrate its efforts more, while others think that all Unesco's tasks are important and that none should be abandoned. in any case greater efficiency should be sought, for example by strengthening co-operation with non-governmental organiZations, a potential source of energy which is far from legligible. Youth. Unesco is an international organization which gives a hearing to young people. But most young people are unaware of the existence of an international secretariat which is interested in their activities. We should like young people of all countries to have access to more information about those Unesco activities which concern them. We should also like to see regular contact between Unesco and young people. Finally, we should like to see the development of structures within which young people can take part in regional, national and international activities. Unesco should encourage the development of a social conscience among young people of all countries, so that they will consider themselves to be citizens of the world. information. Unesco has a very important role to play in the dissemination of information. We should like o see d greater media coverage of Unesco's many activities so as to familiarize the public with the ideals of the Organization. This public information effort should be carried out both in the developing countries and in the industrialized countries, as the latter seem to us to be relatively unaware of Unesco and its work. We also feel that the wealth of documentation produced by Unesco experts could be more widely distributed. People in all parts of the world should have access to it.

Finally, we realize that carrying out such a complex task is bound to be difficult. However, we believe that the task is worthwhile and full of promise. We all believe in it and undertake to further it through our work with the young people whom we represent. We wish to assure you that we sincerely appreciate the opportunity to take part in this seminar, and should like to thank all the Unesco staff who have given us a warm and friendly welcome.

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