Of UNESCO’s proposed solutions, Sonespecially praised the idea of setting up an UNESCO Emergency Fund andother measures proposed by UNESCO’s General Director Irina Bokova tocope with the current difficulties brought about by the global recessionand the US cutting its annual payments to the organisation.
Son said that Vietnam supports every move UNESCO makes to be moreinnovative and cut costs, particularly the future plans that Bokova hadrecommended previously. He added that reducing budgetary expenditure isessential in the current economic climate. However, UNESCO needs tomaintain efficient and cost effective programmes such as the Biospheresproject and the International Network of Geo-parks. This is a chance forUNESCO to review its operations and undertake any necessaryimprovements as well as reinforcing the global role it plays.
Vietnam supports UNESCO strengthening its relationship with the manyNational Commissions for UNESCO and suggested tighter mechanisms betweenthe UNESCO Secretariat and the various National Commissions willbenefit UNESCO and improve its image with members, said the DeputyMinister.
Son praised UNESCO’s idea of enhancingits partnership with multi-national businesses to carry out itsprogrammes in education and culture more effectively. This will alsohelp UNESCO to access all the strengths and experiences of its partnersand help to tackle ongoing and persistent problems.
He said that Vietnam will always stand by UNESCO and share itscurrent financial challenges and is presently about to submit its annualcontributions for 2012. He also called for more effort from membercountries to support the organisation.
Son then revealed that Vietnam is ready to host theConsultative Meeting of UNESCO National Commissions for the Asia Pacificregion in June in Thanh Hoa province. Vietnam sees this as anopportunity to contribute to the organisation as well as spotlightingone of its unique heritages, the Ho Citadel, which was recognised as aworld cultural heritage site last year.-VNA