For the first time in Flanders, a Unesco day took place on the 17th of May. The initiative was organized by the Flemish Unesco Commission.
The main purpose of this contact day was to inform and involve everyone who has something to do with Unesco. In a series of sessions on different themes, several interesting speakers, including VUC chairman Marc Vervenne, Michael De Cock, artistic director of KVS, and Maurice de Greef, Unesco chairman at VUB.
The intention was also to put everyone in the spotlight who works for or with Unesco and to give participants the change to get to know each other’s work. The program consisted of four specific sessions and concluded with a plenary session.
Unesco's standard-setting work in the field of education, science and culture has a major impact on Flemish policy. Many of Unesco's themes and international conventions are translated into Flemish policy, but as well into international regulations. For example, the principles of cultural diversity are adopted in international trade agreements. In order to promote further cooperation, the Flemish Unesco Commission forms a 'bridge' between Unesco and the Flemish Community and wants to continue to inform the public about Unesco's ideas.
