DRAFT DECISIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE PROGRAMME AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS COMMISSION (PX)

Transcription

1 Executive Board Two hundred and fifth session 205 EX/44 PARIS, 15 October 2018 Original: English DRAFT DECISIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE PROGRAMME AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS COMMISSION (PX) Job:

2 205 EX/44 1. The Programme and External Relations Commission (PX) held four (4) meetings; from Wednesday 10 October 2018 in the morning to Thursday 11 October 2018 in the afternoon with Ms Samira Al-Moosa (Oman) as Chairperson and Mr Ali Zainal (Qatar), as Temporary Chairperson, to examine the items listed below which had been referred to it by the Executive Board at its plenary meeting on 9 October Item Title and documents 5 Follow-up to decisions and resolutions adopted by the Executive Board and the General Conference at their previous sessions Part I. Programme issues A. Ice Memory initiative (205 EX/5 Part I.A Rev.) B. Eighth World Water Forum (205 EX/5 Part I.B) C. International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) (205 EX/5 Part I.C) E. Follow-up of the situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine) (205 EX/5 Part I.E) 6 SDG 4 Education 2030 Part I. Global/regional coordination and support (205 EX/6 Part I) Part II. Preventing and combating school violence and bullying (205 EX/6 Part II) Part III. Vision and agenda for literacy (205 EX/6 Part III) Part IV. Prevention of violent extremism (205 EX/6 Part IV) 7 United Nations University (UNU) (205 EX/7) 8 Memory of the World Programme (205 EX/8) 28 Occupied Palestine (205 EX/28 and Corr.) 29 Implementation of 39 C/Resolution 55 and 204 EX/Decision 26 concerning educational and cultural institutions in the occupied Arab territories (205 EX/29 and Corr.) 31 International Day of Islamic Art (205 EX/31; 205 EX/DG.INF; 205 EX/PG/2.INF.3) 32 International Day of Mathematics (205 EX/32; 205 EX/DG.INF; 205 EX/PG/2.INF.3) 35 The International Centre for Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME): opportunities for action (205 EX/35, 205 EX/DG.INF; 205 EX/PG/2.INF.3) 37 Draft Cooperation Agreement between UNESCO and the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (205 EX/37) 38 Remembering the Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi (205 EX/38, 205 EX/DG.INF Add.) 39 Museums Management and Risk Prevention (205 EX/39, 205 EX/DG.INF Add.) 40 Presence for Peace (205 EX/40, 205 EX/DG.INF Add.)

3 205 EX/44 page 2 Item 5 Follow-up to decisions and resolutions adopted by the Executive Board and the General Conference at their previous sessions Part I. Programme issues A. Ice Memory initiative (205 EX/5 Part I.A Rev.) 2. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Recalling 202 EX/Decision 42, 2. Having examined document 205 EX/5 Part I.A Rev., 3. Reconfirming its conviction of the need for a rapid and coordinated reaction from the international community in order to conserve ice cores in suitable ice core repositories and that the Ice Memory initiative is a relevant response to this issue, 4. Underlining the importance and the urgency of safeguarding samples of the glacial heritage of the African continent, 5. Takes note of document 205 EX/5 Part 1.A Rev. and the areas identified for possible UNESCO-Ice Memory initiative joint activities; 6. Invites UNESCO Member States to support the Ice Memory initiative, inter alia, through the mobilization of extrabudgetary contributions; 7. Encourages the Director-General to explore further the synergies that can be generated in conjunction with the Ice Memory initiative; 8. Takes note of the special legal status of Antarctica established by the 1959 Antarctic Treaty and other instruments of the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), and of paragraph 151 of the Final Report of the Forty-first Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (Buenos Aires, Argentina, May 2018) highlighting that the ATS is the competent framework to address any issues related to Antarctica; 9. Recalls that the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty provide that any activity in Antarctica has to fully comply with due procedures developed within ATS and can be carried out only upon their completion; 10. Takes note of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing with regards to genetic material that may be stored in the glacier; 11. Invites the Director-General to keep the Executive Board informed of any discussions on the Ice Memory initiative that may take place in the framework of the Antarctic Treaty, in case they may have an impact on UNESCO s possible cooperation with the Ice Memory initiative. B. Eighth World Water Forum (205 EX/5 Part I.B) 3. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended

4 205 EX/44 page 3 1. Recalling 39 C/Resolution 13 and 204 EX/Decision 29, 2. Having examined document 205 EX/5 Part I.B, 3. Taking note of the Reference document IHP/IC-XXII/Ref. 11 presented at the 23rd IHP Intergovernmental Council, 4. Recognizing with appreciation the successful outcomes of the Eighth World Water Forum organized in Brazil and the substantial contribution to Expected Results 7 and 8 of Major Programme II in the 39 C/5 Main Line of Action 3 Improving knowledge and strengthening capacities at all levels to achieve water security and to Thematic Areas of the Eighth phase of the International Hydrological Programme (IHP-VIII), 5. Furthermore recognizing IHP s contribution to water-related science, research and education in support of the 2030 Agenda, especially in regard to SDG 6 and waterrelated targets of other SDGs, and the International Decade for Action, Water for Sustainable Development ( ) and other relevant international agendas, 6. Notes that the Ninth World Water forum will be held in Dakar, Senegal in 2021 under the theme Water security for peace and development and requests the Director-General to ensure that UNESCO and its IHP will continue to contribute to the organization and to the debate at the next edition of the Forum, 7. Requests the Director-General to continue implementing and strengthening UNESCO s IHP s action in promoting the potential of the young generation as agents for change and innovation in the search for solutions for water and sanitation challenges and in implementing and sharing water-related policies and best practices on water and sanitation, as highlighted in the World Water Forum s Ministerial Declaration. C. International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) (205 EX/5 Part I.C) 4. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Recalling 201 EX/Decision 33, 202 EX/Decision 5.I.I and 204 EX/Decision 5.I.A, 2. Having examined document 205 EX/5 Part I.C, 3. Requests the Director-General to provide, within the framework of future cooperation projects between UNESCO and the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH), special support for the conventions aimed at protecting and preserving the cultural heritage; 4. Also requests the Director-General to submit at its 206th session a report containing the revised bylaws of the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH), and information about the advancement of negotiations regarding a bilateral agreement between UNESCO and ALIPH, and in particular with regard to the identification, selection, financing methods and implementation of projects, and the expected role of the Organization; 5. Decides to include this item in the agenda of its 206th session.

5 205 EX/44 page 4 E. Follow-up of the situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine) 1 (205 EX/5 Part I.E) 5. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Having examined document 205 EX/5 Part I.E, 2. Takes note of the information provided therein; 3. Invites the Director-General to report thereon at the 207th session of the Executive Board. Item 6 SDG 4 Education 2030 (205 EX/6) Part I. Global/regional coordination and support (205 EX/6 Part I) 6. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Recalling 39 C/Resolution 10, as well as 197 EX/Decision 6, 200 EX/Decision 7 and 202 EX/Decision 6, 2. Having examined document 205 EX/6 Part I, 3. Expresses its appreciation to the Director-General for her efforts to lead the coordination of and support for SDG 4 Education 2030, and its gratitude to Belgium for hosting the Global Education Meeting in Brussels, 3-5 December 2018; 4. Welcomes the convening of regional meetings on Education 2030 as important fora for consultations and cooperation for the implementation of SDG 4; 5. Encourages the strengthening and optimizing of the existing global and regional platforms and initiatives on SDG 4; 6. Welcomes the strong cooperation established through the SDG-Education 2030 Steering Committee to ensure a comprehensive approach as well as the development of close partnerships with relevant actors and stakeholders; 1 After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission (PX) recommended by a vote taken by roll-call that the Executive Board adopt the draft decision contained in document 205 EX/5 Part I.E, with 17 votes in favour, 11 votes against and 24 abstentions: In favour: Albania, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America. Against: Belarus, Burundi, China, Cuba, India, Nicaragua, Philippines, Russian Federation, South Africa, Sudan, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of). Abstentions: Bangladesh, Brazil, Cote d Ivoire, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Grenada, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Absent: Cameroon, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jamaica, Lebanon, Madagascar, Morocco.

6 205 EX/44 page 5 7. Aware of the need to make better progress to reach the SDG 4 targets, urges Member States to support UNESCO activities on the implementation of SDG 4 Education 2030, including through extrabudgetary resources; 8. Stresses the need for improved and coordinated data collection through the UNESCO Institute for Statistics in order to track progress at national, regional and global levels, leaving no one behind; 9. Requests the Director-General to report to the Executive Board at its 206th session on UNESCO s coordination of and support for SDG 4 Education 2030, highlighting initiatives at the regional level. Part II. Preventing and combating school violence and bullying (205 EX/6 Part II) 7. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Recalling 201 EX/Decision 35, 2. Having examined document 205 EX/6 Part II, 3. Takes note with appreciation of the Director-General s efforts on preventing and combating school violence and bullying; 4. Emphasizes that all activities carried out by UNESCO in preventing and combating school violence and bullying should be implemented within relevant provisions of 39 C/5, in full compliance with respective national legislation and upon request by Member States; 5. Reaffirms its commitment to preventing and combating school violence and bullying as part of its wider commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4; 6. Requests the Director-General to submit an updated report on UNESCO s work in this area at the 207th session of the Executive Board as part of the statutory report EX/4 on the implementation of the programme 39 C/5. Part III. Vision and agenda for literacy (205 EX/6 Part III) 8. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Recalling 37 C/Resolution 13 and 202 EX/Decision 44, 2. Having examined document 205 EX/6 Part III, 3. Notes with appreciation the work undertaken by UNESCO in scaling up literacy, as a continuum of different proficiency levels, and facilitating the implementation of SDG target 4.6; 4. Encourages Member States to step up their literacy efforts and promote South-South, North-South and triangular cooperation, with a particular focus on least developed countries, small island developing States and on conflict and post-conflict areas;

7 205 EX/44 page 6 5. Also encourages UNESCO to continue its efforts to promote literacy in Africa, particularly for women and girls; 6. Invites Member States and development partners to reinforce UNESCO s capacities and resources on literacy through extrabudgetary funding; 7. Requests the Director-General to review, update and improve the vision and strategy for literacy ( ) to contribute to SDG 4 Education 2030, and to present it at its 207th session, with a view to transmitting it to the 40th session of the General Conference. Part IV. Prevention of violent extremism (205 EX/6 Part IV) 9. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Having examined 205 EX/6 Part IV, 2. Recalling 197 EX/Decision 46, 200 EX/Decision 9 and 202 EX/Decision 7, reaffirming the importance of education as a tool to help prevent terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, and emphasizing that prevention of violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism, forms part of broader efforts to prevent and counter terrorism, 3. Also recalling the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted in 2006 and relevant United Nations General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, 4. Further recalling the United Nations Secretary General s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, 5. Encourages the Director-General to further enhance UNESCO s activities to prevent violent extremism conducive to terrorism, in coordination with United Nations agencies and other relevant stakeholders, taking into account national perspectives while emphasizing the primary leading role of States and their competent bodies in counterterrorism measures; 6. Urges Member States, recognizing their leading role in preventing violent extremism on both national and international levels, to support, through extrabudgetary resources and other forms of assistance, UNESCO s activities on the prevention of violent extremism; 7. Requests the Director-General to report to it at its 207th session on UNESCO s intersectoral contribution to the prevention of violent extremism. Item 7 United Nations University (UNU) (205 EX/7) 10. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Having examined document 205 EX/7, 2. Recognizing the key role of the United Nations University (UNU) as a bridge between the international academic community and the United Nations,

8 205 EX/44 page 7 3. Also recognizing the fruitful relationship that has been developed between UNU and UNESCO over the years, 4. Expresses its satisfaction at the development of the programme and activities of UNU; 5. Also expresses its appreciation for the continued participation of UNU in the programmes and activities of UNESCO, particularly the UNESCO-UNU Chairs and networks; 6. Invites the Director-General to continue to strengthen UNESCO s cooperation with UNU in fields of mutual interest and priority, including in the use of UNU s think-tank function and research to inform UNESCO s programmes, whenever relevant; 7. Also invites the Director-General to communicate to the Chair of the Council of the UNU the terms of the present decision. Item 8 Memory of the World Programme (205 EX/8) 11. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Recalling 202 EX/Decision 15 and 204 EX/Decision 8, 2. Having examined document 205 EX/8, 3. Endorses the updated action plan for the comprehensive review of the Memory of the World (MoW) Programme, taking into consideration the discussion on document 205 EX/8 agreeing to an open-ended-format of the Working Group as referenced in Action step , and commends the Director-General for its elaboration; 4. Calls upon Member States to participate fully in an open-ended-format discussion in the planned review exercise, building upon the work produced by the International Advisory Committee of the Memory of the World (MoW) Programme; 5. Requests the Director-General to submit a progress report to the Executive Board at its 206th session and the final consolidated report on the comprehensive review of the Memory of the World (MoW) Programme at its 207th session. Item 28 Occupied Palestine (205 EX/28 and Corr.) 12. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Having considered document 205 EX/28 as well as the Annexes attached to this decision, 2. Recalling its previous decisions concerning Occupied Palestine, 3. Decides to include this item in the agenda of its 206th session, and invites the Director- General to submit to it a follow-up report thereon

9 205 EX/44 page 8 ANNEX I Executive Board Two hundred and fifth session 205 EX/PX/DR.28.4 PARIS, 24 September 2018 Original: English PROGRAMME AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS COMMISSION (PX) Item 28 OCCUPIED PALESTINE DRAFT DECISION Submitted by: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Sudan 1. Having examined document 205 EX/28, 2. Recalling the provisions of the four Geneva Conventions (1949) and their additional Protocols (1977), the 1907 Hague Regulations on Land Warfare, the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (1954) and its additional Protocols, the Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property (1970) and the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972), the inscription of the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls at the request of Jordan on the World Heritage List (1981) and on the List of World Heritage in Danger (1982), and the recommendations, resolutions and decisions of UNESCO on the protection of cultural heritage, as well as resolutions and decisions of UNESCO relating to Jerusalem, also recalling previous UNESCO decisions relating to the reconstruction and development of Gaza as well as UNESCO decisions on the two Palestinian sites in Al-Khalil/Hebron and in Bethlehem, 3. Affirming that nothing in the current decision, which aims, inter alia, at the safeguarding of the cultural heritage of Palestine and the distinctive character of East Jerusalem, shall in any way affect the relevant Security Council and United Nations resolutions and decisions on the legal status of Palestine and Jerusalem, including United Nations Security Council resolution 2334 (2016), 4. Taking note of the letters addressed to the Director-General by the Permanent Delegations of Palestine and Jordan in 2018 concerning the sub-sections below, I. Jerusalem 5. Reaffirming the importance of the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls for the three monotheistic religions, 6. Bearing in mind that all legislative and administrative measures and actions taken by Israel, the occupying Power, which have altered or purport to alter the character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem, and in particular the basic law on Jerusalem, are null and void and must be rescinded forthwith, 7. Also recalling the 14 decisions of the Executive Board: 185 EX/Decision 14, 187 EX/Decision 11, 189 EX/Decision 8, 190 EX/Decision 13, 192 EX/Decision 11, 194 EX/Decision 5.I.D, 195 EX/Decision 9, 196 EX/Decision 26, 197 EX/Decision 32, 199 EX/Dec.19.1, 200 EX/Decision 25, 201 EX/Decision 30, 202 EX/Decision 38 and 204 EX/Decision 25 and the nine World

10 205 EX/44 page 9 Heritage Committee decisions: 34 COM/7A.20, 35 COM/7A.22, 36 COM/7A.23, 37 COM/7A.26, 38 COM/7A.4, 39 COM/7A.27, 40 COM/7A.13, 41 COM/7A.36, and 42 COM/7A.21; 8. Regrets the failure of the Israeli occupying authorities to cease the persistent excavations, tunneling, works and projects in East Jerusalem, particularly in and around the Old City of Jerusalem which are illegal under international law, and reiterates its request to Israel, the occupying Power, to stop all violations which are not in conformity with the provisions of the relevant UNESCO conventions, resolutions and decisions; 9. Also regrets the Israeli refusal to implement the UNESCO request to the Director-General to appoint a permanent representative to be stationed in East Jerusalem to report on a regular basis about all aspects covering the fields of competence of UNESCO in East Jerusalem, and reiterates its request to the Director-General to appoint, as soon as possible, the above-mentioned representative; II. Reconstruction and development of Gaza 10. Deeply deplores the ongoing military developments around the Gaza Strip and their heavy toll of civilian casualties as well as their continuous negative impact in the fields of competence of UNESCO; 11. Also deplores the continuous Israeli closure of the Gaza Strip, which harmfully affects the free and sustained movement of personnel, students and humanitarian relief items and requests Israel to immediately ease this closure; 12. Thanks the Director-General for initiatives that have already been implemented in Gaza in the fields of education, culture and youth and for the safety of media professionals, calls upon her to continue her active involvement in the reconstruction of Gaza s damaged educational and cultural components and reiterates, in this regard, its request to her to upgrade the UNESCO Antenna in Gaza and to organize, as soon as possible, an information meeting on the current situation in Gaza in the fields of competence of UNESCO and on the outcome of the projects conducted by UNESCO; III. The two Palestinian sites of Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi/Tomb of the Patriarchs in Al- Khalil/Hebron and the Bilal Ibn Rabah Mosque/Rachel s Tomb in Bethlehem 13. Reaffirms that the two concerned sites located in Al-Khalil/Hebron and in Bethlehem are an integral part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and shares the conviction affirmed by the international community that the two sites are of religious significance for Judaism, Christianity and Islam; 14. Deplores the ongoing Israeli excavations, works, construction of private roads for settlers and of a Wall inside the Old City of Al-Khalil/Hebron which are illegal under international law and harmfully affect the authenticity and integrity of the site, and the subsequent denial of freedom of movement and freedom of access to places of worship and asks Israel, the occupying Power, to end all violations which are not in conformity with the provisions of relevant UNESCO conventions, resolutions and decisions; 15. Regrets the visual impact of the Wall on the site of Bilal Ibn Rabah Mosque/Rachel s Tomb in Bethlehem as well as the strict ban on access of Palestinian Christian and Muslim worshippers to the site, and demands that the Israeli authorities restore the original character of the landscape around the site and lift the ban on access to it; IV. 16. Decides to include these matters under an item entitled Occupied Palestine in the agenda at its 206th session, and invites the Director-General to submit to it a progress report thereon.

11 205 EX/44 page 10 ANNEX II THE REACTIVE MONITORING MISSION TO THE OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM AND ITS WALLS 1. Stresses the urgent need to implement the UNESCO reactive monitoring mission to the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls; 2. Invites the Director-General and the World Heritage Centre to exert, in line with their mandates and in conformity with the provisions of the relevant UNESCO conventions, decisions and resolutions, all efforts to ensure the prompt implementation of the mission and, in case of nonimplementation, to propose effective measures in the report at the next 206th session 3. Expresses its commitment to exert its utmost efforts to resolve this issue at its next session. Item 29 Implementation of 39 C/Resolution 55 and 204 EX/Decision 26 concerning educational and cultural institutions in the occupied Arab territories (205 EX/29 and Corr.) 13. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Having considered documents 205 EX/29, 205 EX/28 and the Annex to this decision, 2. Recalling its previous decisions concerning Educational and Cultural Institutions in the Occupied Arab Territories, 3. Decides to include this item in the agenda of its 206th session, and invites the Director- General to submit to it a follow-up report thereon ANNEX Executive Board Two hundred and fifth session 205 EX/PX/DR.29.5 PARIS, 30 September 2018 Original: English PROGRAMME AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS COMMISSION (PX) Item 29 IMPLEMENTATION OF 39 C/RESOLUTION 55 AND 204 EX/DECISION 26 CONCERNING EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES DRAFT DECISION

12 205 EX/44 page 11 Submitted by: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Sudan I. OCCUPIED PALESTINE 1. Recalling 185 EX/Decision 36 and 38 C/Resolution 72 as well as Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with regard to the right to education, Articles 4, 50 and 94 of the Fourth Geneva Convention with regard to the denial of the right of children to education, as well as the Hague Convention (1954) and its additional Protocols and the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972), also recalling the International Court of Justice s Advisory Opinion of 9 July 2004 on the Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, 2. Having examined documents 205 EX/28, 205 EX/29, 3. Committed to the safeguarding of monuments, works of art, manuscripts, books and other historical and cultural properties to be protected in the event of conflict, as well as the safeguarding of schools and all educational facilities, 4. Deplores the damaging impact of the military confrontations on the fields of competence of UNESCO in the Gaza Strip, particularly education and cultural institutions, takes note, in this regard, of the letter addressed to the Director General by the Permanente delegation of Palestine dated 16 August 2018 and calls for ending measures that prevent the reconstruction and/or rehabilitation of schools in the Gaza Strip; 5. Deeply concerned by the Israeli army violations against Palestinian universities and schools, demands that the Israeli authorities immediately halt actions that violate UNESCO principles and the provisions of the world declaration for education for all (1990) and reaffirms, in this regard, that schools, universities and cultural heritage sites enjoy special protection and should not be targeted; 6. Expresses its growing concern about the harmful impact of the Wall on the activities of educational and cultural institutions, and demands, in this regard, that Israel, the occupying Power, cease all of its settlement activities, including the construction of the Wall and other measures aimed at altering the character, status and demographic composition of the Occupied Palestinian territory, including in and around East Jerusalem and the Cremisan Monastery in the Bethlehem Governorate, which harm the social fabric of Palestinian society and prevent Palestinian school children and students from exercising fully their right to education; 7. Notes with deep concern the Israeli censorship of the Palestinian curricula of schools and universities in East Jerusalem, and urges the Israeli authorities to immediately halt this censorship; 8. Expresses its appreciation for the substantial contributions of all concerned Member States and intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations to UNESCO s action in Palestine as well as for building of schools for Palestinian children such as the school of Tana, near Nablus and the two schools in Khan Al-Ahmar and in Abu Nuwar near Jerusalem, and appeals to them to continue assisting UNESCO in this endeavour; 9. Deeply regrets the destruction by the Israeli authorities of schools, including the school in Abu Nuwar and the school in Tana, and calls on the Israeli authorities to halt plans for further demolition, including of the school in Khan Al-Ahmar; 10. Thanks the Director-General for the results that have been obtained in favour of the protection, reconstruction, rehabilitation and restoration of the Palestinian archaeological sites and cultural heritage, invites her to reinforce her action in this regard and to strengthen UNESCO s assistance to the Palestinian educational and cultural institutions in order to address the needs for capacity building in UNESCO s fields of competence by, inter alia, expanding the financial assistance programme for Palestinian students and school children, and requests her to organize, as soon as possible, the ninth meeting of the Joint UNESCO-Palestine Committee;

13 205 EX/44 page 12 II. OCCUPIED SYRIAN GOLAN 11. Also invites the Director-General: (a) (b) (c) to continue the efforts she is making to preserve the human, social and cultural fabric of the occupied Syrian Golan, in accordance with the relevant provisions of its decisions; to undertake efforts to offer appropriate curricula, and to provide more grants and adequate assistance to the educational and cultural institutions of the occupied Syrian Golan; to dispatch an expert to assess and evaluate the needs of the educational and cultural institutions in the occupied Syrian Golan and report to her before the 206th session of the Executive Board; Ill. 12. Decides to include this item in the agenda of the Executive Board at its 206th session, and invites the Director-General to submit to it a progress report thereon. Item 31 International Day of Islamic Art (205 EX/31; 205 EX/DG.INF; 205 EX/PG/2.INF.3) 14. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Having examined document 205 EX/31, 2. Welcoming the proposal of Bahrain to proclaim an international day of Islamic art, 3. Recognizing the role and contribution of Islamic art in the preservation and dissemination of human civilization and culture, 4. Recalling the value of Islamic art, and recognizing the contribution of Islamic art to the international art movement, 5. Also recalling the importance of highlighting the interrelations between the Islamic civilization and the world that have led to an artistic movement representing diversity and tolerance per se; 6. Considering the need to implement more wide-ranging cooperation between peoples through art, cultural rapprochement and dialogue among civilizations, in line with what is set out in the Constitution of UNESCO, 7. Determines that UNESCO should continue to take the lead in enhancing intercultural dialogue, fostering cultural rapprochement especially by proclaiming international day of Islamic art that will help the further development of and research into Islamic art; 8. Recommends that the General Conference at its 40th session: (a) (b) proclaim 18 November of each year international day of Islamic art; invite Member States, as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, to observe international day of Islamic art through, inter alia, the dissemination of information on Islamic art, the sharing of experience and the design of actions to ensure its protection;

14 205 EX/44 page 13 (c) (d) request the Director-General to promote the celebration of international day of Islamic art on 18 November of every year as one of the international days marked by UNESCO; encourage Member States to provide extrabudgetary funds to enable the Director- General to promote and celebrate this day. Item 32 International Day of Mathematics (205 EX/32; 205 EX/DG.INF; 205 EX/PG/2.INF.3) 15. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Having examined document 205 EX/32, 2. Considering that greater global awareness of, and enhanced education in, mathematical sciences are vital so as to address challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate change, energy and sustainable development, and to improve the quality of life in both the developed and the developing worlds, 3. Stressing that the applications of mathematical sciences are vital for advances in all types of engineering and computer science, while responding to the growing needs of automation and providing access to information via the Internet (the World Wide Web) for the wellbeing of society, 4. Noting the broad and significant impact of recent initiatives of UNESCO s International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) and the enthusiastic commitment of the global mathematics community to continue working with UNESCO on internationally coordinated science outreach and education programmes, 5. Recognizing that it is vital to ensure that the achievements of earlier UNESCO initiatives in science and education are effectively followed-up and strengthened, 6. Also recognizing the importance of developing gender equality standards in mathematical sciences by promoting successful female role models in science, from Hypatia of Alexandria to Maryam Mirzakhani, not forgetting Emmy Noether, Sophie Germain or Mary Winston Jackson, 7. Further recognizing the contributions of all civilizations to advances in mathematical sciences contributing to their universality, as far back as the Upper Palaeolithic era in Africa with the Ishango bones, which may be the oldest trace of human mathematical representations, 8. Acknowledging the driving role of the International Mathematical Union, in the conception of the International Day of Mathematics, as well as in the organization and mobilization of partners around this Day, 9. Decides: (a) (b) to welcome and endorse the recommendation to proclaim an international day of mathematics, to be celebrated on 14 March every year; to invite the Director-General to support all efforts leading to the proclamation of an international day of mathematics ;

15 205 EX/44 page 14 (c) (d) to include this item in the agenda of the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference; to recommend that the General Conference at its 40th session decide to proclaim 14 March of every year international day of mathematics ; (e) encourages Member States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, universities, research centres, civil society organizations, schools and other local actors involved to take active part in this event in the manner that each considers most appropriate without any financial implications for UNESCO s regular budget; (f) to invite Member States to provide extrabudgetary funds to allow the Director- General to ensure the participation of UNESCO in the promotion and celebration of this Day. Item 35 The International Centre for Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME): opportunities for action (205 EX/35, 205 EX/DG.INF; 205 EX/PG/2.INF.3) 16. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Recalling 162 EX/Decision on the report by the Director-General on the proposal for the establishment of an International Centre for Synchrotron-light for Experimental Sciences and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) under the auspices of UNESCO and actions to be taken, 2. Recalling 31 C/Resolution 19 and 164 EX/Decision on the establishment of the International Centre for Synchrotron-light for Experimental Sciences and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) under the auspices of UNESCO, 3. Referring to the UNESCO/SESAME Communiqué on Science: a bridge to solidarity and a culture of peace in the Middle East, 4. Underlining the importance of international and regional cooperation for the development of science and technology in the Middle East and elsewhere, 5. Bearing in mind the large contribution science brings to promoting links and cooperation between individual scientists, peoples, decision- and policy-makers, institutions, governments and finally countries and cultures, 6. Recalling UNGA A/RES/68/221 that recognizes the importance of light and light-based technologies in the lives of the citizens of the world and for the future development of global society on many levels, 7. Considering that the applications of light science and technology are vital for existing and future advances in, inter alia, medicine, energy, information and communications, fibre optics, agriculture, mining, astronomy, architecture, archaeology, entertainment, biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, art and culture, as well as promoting peace through improved communications, 8. Stressing that enhanced global awareness of, and increased education in, the science and technologies of light are vital for addressing challenges being faced in the world and

16 205 EX/44 page 15 for achieving the sustainable development goals and improving the quality of life in both developed and developing countries, 9. Reminding that while the SESAME light source is located in the Middle East, it is open to all countries that wish to join forces in benefiting from the opportunities in science and technology that it offers, and have access to an advanced research facility in the most cost-effective way, 10. Highlights the importance of and welcomes the official inauguration of SESAME on 16 May 2017, under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan in the presence of the Director-General of UNESCO, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Director-General of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Ministers and Representatives from the Members and Observers of SESAME; 11. Encourages Member States, national scientific institutions, international scientific organizations and individual scientists to support and participate in building the activity of SESAME and its action to develop cooperation in the use of synchrotron light and the training of users in the region and neighbouring countries, and to use the Centre to implement part of UNESCO s research and training programme in the basic and engineering sciences and to promote a wide range of partnerships with the Centre at both regional and international levels; 12. Invites the Director-General to: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) assist in disseminating information about SESAME, as well as the opportunities it offers, to all Member States, call upon Member States wishing to join the intergovernmental SESAME centre to do so whether as Members or Observers, or to establish other cooperative relations with it, bring the Centre to the attention of relevant intergovernmental and nongovernmental scientific organizations and invite them to cooperate with it and/or assist it in its activities, foster cooperation with SESAME and its participation in the implementation of UNESCO s programme, submit a report to the Executive Board, at its 209th session, on the development of SESAME s activity and its cooperation with UNESCO. Item 37 Draft Cooperation Agreement between UNESCO and the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (205 EX/37) 17. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Bearing in mind the provisions of Article XI, paragraph 1, of the UNESCO Constitution and in conformity with 151 EX/Decision 9.4,

17 205 EX/44 page Considering the desirability of establishing a framework for cooperation between UNESCO and the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) in areas of mutual interest, 3. Having examined document 205 EX/37, 4. Approves the Cooperation Agreement between UNESCO and ICAPP contained in its Annex; 5. Authorizes the Director-General to establish official relations with the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and to sign the Cooperation Agreement on behalf of UNESCO. Item 38 Remembering the Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi (205 EX/38, 205 EX/DG.INF Add.) 18. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Recalling that Mahatma Gandhi is internationally recognized as a great world personality whose thought and creative mode of non-violent action have been shaping socioeconomic and political currents since the twentieth century, 2. Further recalling that the United Nations General Assembly decided to declare 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, as International Day of Non-Violence, 3. Noting his valuable contribution in promoting the emancipation and independence of peoples under colonial domination, 4. Recognizing the seminal influence of Mahatma Gandhi s life and thought in the promotion of peace and international understanding, the socioeconomic transformation of human society, non-violence, secularism and intercommunal harmony, 5. Also recognizing the importance of Mahatma Gandhi s teachings in the prevention of violent extremism by means of education and building sustainable peace in societies, 6. Reaffirming the importance of Mahatma Gandhi s role in promoting fundamental human values and the culture of love, compassion, tolerance, justice, equity, altruism and other ideals without which neither a family nor a society can survive, 7. Also recalling his lifelong advocacy of, and tireless work in the defence of, human dignity and the promotion of human rights, regardless of race, colour, class, caste or creed, and his strong opposition to all forms of discrimination, including discrimination against women, 8. Further recalling Mahatma Gandhi s leadership in the fight of the international community against apartheid, 9. Calls on Member States of UNESCO to take an active part in the celebrations being organized by India from 2 October 2018 to 2 October 2019 to remember the enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi; 10. Requests the Director-General to encourage participation by UNESCO in the events which will be hosted by India such as the Ahinsa lecture on peace and the Mahatma

18 205 EX/44 page 17 Gandhi digital exhibition called Mahatma Gandhi an Immigrant etc. to celebrate the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. Item 39 Museums Management and Risk Prevention (205 EX/39, 205 EX/DG.INF Add.) 19. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Having examined document 205 EX/39, 2. Recalling the 2015 Recommendation concerning the Protection and Promotion of Museums and Collections, their Diversity and their Role in Society, the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two Protocols (1954 and 1999), the 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects, and Decision 42 COM 7 of the World Heritage Committee and its sub-item on emergency situations resulting from natural disasters, and other relevant international standard-setting instruments on the subject of museums and collections, 3. Also recalling the Strategy for the reinforcement of UNESCO s actions for the protection of culture and the promotion of cultural pluralism in the event of armed conflict and its addendum concerning emergencies associated with disasters caused by natural and human-induced hazards adopted by the General Conference, 4. Highlighting the cross-pillar role of museums in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially in light of targets 1.5, 4.7, 8.2, 11.4, 5. Underscoring the joint-work of UNESCO with the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), national authorities for heritage and museums protection and promotion, universities, private entities and other stakeholders involved, 6. Reiterating the significance of museums in most of the fundamental missions and actions of UNESCO, notably in heritage preservation, creativity, promotion of cultural and natural diversity, and education, 7. Reaffirming museums intrinsic value as custodians of heritage and their relevant role in providing opportunities for creative and cultural industries, thus contributing to the material and spiritual well-being of citizens across the world, 8. Notes with appreciation the leadership and responsiveness of UNESCO in the prompt organization of a field mission to the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, in September 2018, immediately after the devastating fire that severely hit its premises and collections, with a view to supporting Brazil in the process of damage assessment, rescue of items and planning future actions for the reconstruction of its National Museum; 9. Further notes that the Heritage Emergency Fund was instrumental for UNESCO to respond quickly to the tragic fire, and encourages Member States to contribute to it; 10. Also notes that an item concerning the first consolidated report on the implementation of the 2015 Recommendation concerning the Protection and Promotion of Museums and Collections, their Diversity and their Role in Society will be examined at the 206th session of the Executive Board, which will provide an opportunity to discuss modalities of

19 205 EX/44 page 18 cooperation related to the management of museums, with emphasis on risk prevention and reconstitution of collections damaged or lost in emergency situations; 11. Invites the Director-General to organize, as part of the next UNESCO High-Level Forum on Museums, a session on best practices in communication, cooperation and information exchange among museum authorities, as well as experts, researchers and other relevant actors involved in museum management and risk prevention and to report to the Executive Board on this within the EX/4 reports on the execution of the programme and budget adopted by the General Conference. Item 40 Presence for Peace (205 EX/40, 205 EX/DG.INF Add.) 20. After considering this item, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended 1. Stressing the importance and continued relevance of UNESCO in the world of today, and of its mandate to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development through education, the sciences, culture and communication and information, 2. Reaffirming the imperative need to create, at the national, regional and global levels, an environment conducive to respect for human rights, mutual understanding and cultural diversity, in line with the principles that lie at the heart of the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitution of UNESCO, 3. Bearing in mind the special responsibility of Member States to strive for the effective promotion of UNESCO s mandate, 4. Taking note of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, by which Member States established the goal of fostering the emergence of peaceful, inclusive, open and resilient societies, 5. Noting that the year 2020 will be marked by the celebrations of UNESCO s 75th anniversary, thereby offering an opportunity for the international community to raise awareness on the mandate, mission and accomplishments of UNESCO, 6. Stressing the need to fully prepare UNESCO to mark these events and contribute to the respective processes in the most effective manner, 7. Determined that UNESCO should continue to promote peace and culture using a variety of art forms, 8. Having examined document 205 EX/40, the Executive Board also: 9. Welcomes the Presence for peace initiative undertaken by the Dominican Republic to promote and strengthen the work, mission and role of UNESCO globally, through a series of high visibility cultural activities, starting with a concert to be held in November of the year 2020, within the framework of the commemoration of the seventy-fifth (75th) anniversary of the creation of the Organization; 10. Welcomes also that the initiative is intended to build on and strengthen cooperation among a wide range of stakeholders, including Member States, National Commissions for UNESCO, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Goodwill Ambassadors and Artists for Peace, as well as non-governmental organizations and private institutions;

20 205 EX/44 page Notes with appreciation that the financial cost of the Presence for Peace initiative will not represent any budgetary obligations for the Organization and encourages Member States to cooperate in the identification of extrabudgetary funding sources; 12. Invites Member States, particularly the authors and sponsors of the Presence for peace initiative, to further consult among each other and with the Director-General, in order to produce a feasibility study and an action plan to be presented and examined at its 206th session; 13. Requests the Director-General to provide relevant assistance concerning the feasibility of the initiative and such legal and logistical aspects, such as the use of UNESCO s logo and the identification of a venue in consultation with relevant authorities and partners. Printed on recycled paper