THE ROLE OF UNESCO NATCOMS Dr. Yvonne Donders Faculty of Law

2 National Commissions for UNESCO Institutional framework Background Purpose Structure Role in drafting and adoption Role in implementation

3 Background of NatComs Article VII UNESCO Constitution - National Cooperating Bodies 1. Each Member State shall make such arrangements as suit its particular conditions for the purpose of associating its principal bodies interested in educational, scientific and cultural matters with the work of the Organization, preferably by the formation of a National Commission broadly representative of the government and such bodies. 2. National Commissions or National Cooperating Bodies, where they exist, shall act in an advisory capacity to their respective delegations to the General Conference, to the representatives and alternates of their countries on the Executive Board and to their Governments in matters relating to the Organization and shall function as agencies of liaison in all matters of interest to it.

4 Purpose of NatComs Consultation Liaison Information

5 Structure of NatComs Governmental Semi-Governmental Autonomous Leadership Link with Permanent Delegations

6 Role in Drafting and Adoption Drafting process Adoption Ratification

7 Role in Implementation Role of Civil Society Advisory Role International Fund Reporting and Focal Point

8 Civil Society in the Convention Article 11 – Participation of civil society Article 11 – Participation of civil society Parties acknowledge the fundamental role of civil society in protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions. Parties shall encourage the active participation of civil society in their efforts to achieve the objectives of this Convention. Article 12 – Promotion of international cooperation Article 12 – Promotion of international cooperation Parties shall endeavour to strengthen their bilateral, regional and international cooperation for the creation of conditions conducive to the promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions…in order to: (c) reinforce partnerships with and among civil society, non- governmental organizations and the private sector in fostering and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions

9 Advisory role National Level Governments - White papers Civil society International level Governing bodies Convention Intergovernmental Committee Conference of Parties UNESCO Secretariat and Field Offices

10 International Fund Who can benefit from the Fund? NGOs from developing countries International NGOs Funding requests Submission Approval

11 Reporting and Focal Point Article 9 – Information sharing and transparency Parties shall: (a) provide appropriate information in their reports to UNESCO every four years on measures taken to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions within their territory and at the international level; (b) designate a point of contact responsible for information sharing in relation to this Convention; (c) share and exchange information relating to the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions.

12 Concluding remarks