Literacy Initiatives Boost Maternal and Child Health, Say Experts

The Webchat on April 26, 2007 sponsored by UNESCO highlighted the importance of literacy programs on the well-being of adults and children. For instance, Perri Klass, the Medical Director of Reach Out and Read - a literacy initiative in the USA, elaborated on the importance of parents' reading to their children. Anita McBride, Chief of Staff to US First Lady, Laura Bush, highlighted the work UNESCO does in promoting information exchange on best educational practices.

Literacy Initiatives Boost Maternal and Child Health, Say Experts

The Webchat on April 26, 2007 sponsored by UNESCO highlighted the importance of literacy programs on the well-being of adults and children. For instance, Perri Klass, the Medical Director of Reach Out and Read - a literacy initiative in the USA, elaborated on the importance of parents' reading to their children. Anita McBride, Chief of Staff to US First Lady, Laura Bush, highlighted the work UNESCO does in promoting information exchange on best educational practices.

"Cultural Diversity - Europe's Wealth. Bringing the UNESCO Convention to Life"

This conference, sponsored by the German Commission for UNESCO, was held 26 April - 28 April 2007 in Essen.

The meeting was planned to provide "a broad-based debate on the concept of Cultural Diversity: What does it mean, where do dangers lie and where does it offer particular opportunities? How can the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions be brought to life by cooperation when it comes into effect on March 18th 2007? What does this mean for the European Union?"

The participants, together with representatives of the international civil society, were to develop elements for a European action paper.

"Cultural Diversity - Europe's Wealth. Bringing the UNESCO Convention to Life"

This conference, sponsored by the German Commission for UNESCO, was held 26 April - 28 April 2007 in Essen.

The meeting was planned to provide "a broad-based debate on the concept of Cultural Diversity: What does it mean, where do dangers lie and where does it offer particular opportunities? How can the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions be brought to life by cooperation when it comes into effect on March 18th 2007? What does this mean for the European Union?"

The participants, together with representatives of the international civil society, were to develop elements for a European action paper.

Next Meeting of the National Commission?

I have heard that the next meeting of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO is to take place on May 21 and 22, 2007. There is, as yet, no announcement of this on the National Commission website. National Commission meetings are open to the public.

Next Meeting of the National Commission?

I have heard that the next meeting of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO is to take place on May 21 and 22, 2007. There is, as yet, no announcement of this on the National Commission website. National Commission meetings are open to the public.

Dialog among civilizations

© Kenji Yoshida, Unesco

The promotion of dialog in the service of peace – in order to build “peace in the minds of men” – is one of the main themes of UNESCO’s mission. Globalization and the emergence of new contemporary challenges and threats to humankind make the need for dialog among peoples ever more topical.

Click here for the website describing UNESCO's efforts to promote dialog among civilizations more fully.