of United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco)
Committees
23 October 2007
The Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya has been elected
Chairperson of the Chairpersons Committee of Unesco's science committees.
The Minister was elevated to this position at the meeting of the
Chairpersons which is taking place in Paris on 22 to 23 October 2007.
Unesco has six Intergovernmental/International Scientific Programmes and
these are the following:
* Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
* International Basic Science Programme (IBSP)
* International Geoscience Programme (IGCP)
* International Hydrological Programme (IHP)
* Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB)
* Management of Social Transformations Programme (MOST)
Minister Skweyiya is the Chairperson of the MOST programmes and will be the
overall chairperson of the chairpersons of the other committees. The elected
Chairpersons of Unesco's six international natural and social sciences
programmes serve as a science policy steering and advisory group. The
Chairpersons reaffirm that Unesco, with its intergovernmental/international
scientific programmes (ISPs), is in a unique position to help governments to
address pressing environment and developing issues.
"Some of the key challenges we face relate to climate change and the impact
on the environment and ultimately on socio-economic development and the ability
of developing nations in particular to meet the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs). Our key focus is how to use science to advance the MDGs," said Minister
Skweyiya.
Enquiries:
Zingaphi Jakuja
Deputy Director: Media and National Liaison
Tel: 012 312 7381
Fax: 012 312 7470
Mobile: 073 122 3133 or 074 197 8383
E-mail: zingaphim@dsd.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Social Development
23 October 2007
