No.201-2　

The following comments are from Meguro UNESCO Advisor and Reitaku University Professor, Dr. Eiji Hattori, regarding the return of the USA to UNESCO.
　I believe the return of the U.S. to UNESCO is a big turning point in public opinion for sensible Americans to make a presence. Those with good sense are aware of the importance of awakening to cultural diversity, and that co-existence is indispensable for the continuation of the human race. America will no doubt exert its true strength when such people take the leadership in public opinion. At UNESCO, executing sensible programs within the United Nations, we are praying from the bottom of our hearts that America will play an active part in the organization. We believe we are indeed at a turning point of time.

(summarized by PR Committee Chairperson Yukio Okusawa)

It will be announced at the General Conference of UNESCO starting on Sep. 29 that the U.S. will return to UNESCO after 19 years absence. What is their reason and purpose for this decision to return?
- In particular, internal reform made by Director- General Matsuura, reducing the number of top officers by half and concentrating on important programs with smaller budgets, was recognized by the U.S.
-  The 9.11 incident triggered the U.S. to feel the need for cooperation of the international society. On one hand, U.S. unilateralism that emerged after President Bush took office is still evident. However, due to the strong persuasion by Secretary of State Powell, the U.S. decision to return to UNESCO materialized. Especially when looking at the post-war conditions of Iraq, this decision is well timed.

How will UNESCO's operations and programs be affected by the return of the U.S.?

-  The U.S. will bear 22% of the total UNESCO budget. There were opinions that this amount should be allocated to the Member States burdened with having to make up the shortage during the U.S. absence. However, Director-General Matsuura suggested that only a half of the amount be returned to the Member States and the other half go towards the budget.

With the return of the U.S., the two-year budget of 576 million dollars will increase to 610 million, a 12% nominal increase. For the past 10 years, the budget remained the same nominally, but in real terms it has declined in value due to inflation and other factors. For this reason, in monetary value, it will not be 12% but only a slight percentage increase. Japan's obligation will be reduced from 22% to 19%.

-  In the budget to be submitted at the General Conference, the increased amount will be allocated to specific programs rather than spread to all programs. Some will not receive any increase at all. The programs emphasized by the Director-General are among those with an increased budget. These relate to basic education, ecology - especially the water and ocean pollution problems, cultural diversity, and communication between civilizations.

With the development of globalism in the U.S., how would their return affect the UNESCO stance that various cultures must co-exist?

-  UNESCO's stance and American globalism are incompatible. On Nov. 2, 2001, the "Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity" was adopted. This was highly valued as the next most important declaration following the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights". It clearly expresses that diversity is an indispensable condition for human existence. As this declaration serves as a keen warning to globalism, lead by the U.S., it plays an important role in the U.S. return to UNESCO.

-  The purpose of UNESCO is to shape the world opinion on a long-term basis. The Security Council deals with urgent situations and handles political and military affairs. In contrast, UNESCO is responsible for leading the world towards achieving good sense - in other words, to shape world opinion over the long term. This is the stance of UNESCO and we believe the "Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity" had caused the U.S. to feel that they must join in the argument.

What is the likelihood of adopting the "Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage" at the General Conference?

-  It will be adopted. Originally it was scheduled for adoption in 2005, but due to a strong support from a number of States, especially the developing countries, it was moved up to 2003. The submission will be a draft, but I think it will be adopted while the General Conference is in session.

-  In regards to the intangible cultural property, it has to be considered in connection with the "World Heritage Treaty". At the July World Heritage Committee Meeting, 24 world heritages were added and the total number of registered is now 754. Among these, 582 are cultural heritages, which are mostly concentrated in Europe. The reason for the tangible cultural heritages being concentrated there is because of their "stone culture". The wood, water, and forest cultures do not preserve; and therefore, are very few in numbers.

-  As for the intangible cultural properties, Africa leaps into prominence. African nations have wonderful traditional dance, song and ceremonial cultures. Japan also has many. It can be considered a new concept that can compete with the stone culture, to acknowledge those civilizations not having a stone culture for their excellent intangible cultural properties. I believe Japan will also sign a treaty soon.

Prior to creating a treaty, Koichiro Matsuura listed masterpiece properties, and Noh and Kyogen were selected from Japan. Will Bunraku be on the list this fall as planned even before the convention comes into effect?

-  In May 2001, at the first declaration of masterpiece properties, Noh and Kyogen were included in the 19 properties that were adopted. At this time there are 60 nominations and Bunraku is among them. I believe it will be adopted and will be included in the "Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage".

We heard that creating the "Convention for the Cultural Diversity" is difficult. What is the current situation?

-  The talk of creating a convention instead of a declaration was brought up by France, but at the General Conference this fall, it may resolve to begin discussions. It will most likely proceed in a positive direction.

After the return of the U.S. to UNESCO, how should the organization be conducted in the future as a whole?

-  I believe the current stance of UNESCO is extremely good. To protect the cultural diversity is the true responsibility of UNESCO. If America joined the organization, they must discard isolationism and the American concept of justice as the universal justice. And if they can respect various cultures and traditions and modestly take the attitude to learn about them, America can then become a good citizen and a great friend with the rest of the world.

summarized by H. Yoshizawa, PR Committee member

* Dr. Eiji Hattori was appointed on Sep. 30 as Charge de Mission to the Executive Office of the Director-General.

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