Intervention by Mr. Jaykun Yoo, President of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA),
at General Policy Debate, 41st General Conference of UNESCO
13 November 2021, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris-France
Honorable Madam Director General
Honorable Mr. President of the General Conference
Chairperson of the Executive Board,
Dignitaries, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen,
First of all, I would like to send my warmest congratulations to Madame Director-General for your re-election, and I firmly believe that under your wise leadership, UNESCO clubs’ movement will open a new chapter in this post-covid area.
As the President of WFUCA, it is with great pleasure and pride, I share with this gathering that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations. During the last 40 years, WFUCA and its all members, that compose of more than 4000 UNESCO Clubs and Associations spread in about 80 countries around the globe, have greatly contributed to the spread out of UNESCO’s mandate.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of WFUCA, a series of celebrating activities were successfully carried out, including the Online Opening Ceremony, a public webinar on the theme of “Civil society with the Pandemic”, an Asia-Europe Education Forum, a Youth Forum on “Climate change and Culture”, and an International Art co-Creation Competition, which gathered members of WFUCA from over 40 countries and senior officials from UNESCO, National Commissions for UNESCO, NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee, to take a stock of the 40 years history of collaboration, and looking into the future.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As you all know, UNESCO Club Movement is a people’s movement involving representatives of all sections of the society, particularly young women and men, rendering services voluntarily in advancing UNESCO’s aims and objectives.
Taking this occasion, WFUCA would like to thank the General Conference and the Executive Board for its decision to renew our official partnership with UNESCO for another eight years and I would reiterate we are committed to strengthening the organization by supporting its programmes and activities and work within the guiding principles of UNESCO, in close collaboration with the National Commissions to UNESCO.
Thank you very much for providing me the opportunity to speak before this distinguished gathering.