UNESCO New Zealand

Overview

Background

Action

Sub Commission

Overview

The United Nations specialised agency for education, UNESCO works worldwide to improve education through technical advice, standard setting, innovative projects, capacity building and networking.  The organisation’s close links with education ministries and other partners puts it in a key position to advocate for action.

The mission of UNESCO’s Education programme is to:

• Promote education as a fundamental right;
• Improve the quality of education; and
• Stimulate experimentation, innovation and policy dialogue.

Background

Attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning is an international priority and overarching objective as defined in the organisation’s Medium Term Strategy (2008-2013).  Strategic projects are focused upon:

• Strengthening UNESCO’s global lead and coordination role for Education for All (EFA) by 2015 (the Millennium Development Goal for which UNESCO has primary responsibility within the UN system);
• Developing policies, capacities and tools for quality education for all and lifelong learning as well as promoting education for sustainable development.

Action

In New Zealand, the National Commission’s goal is to attain quality education and lifelong learning for all, as agreed to in the Strategic Plan (2008-2009).

Priority activities include:

• fostering an effective network of UNESCO Associated Schools in New Zealand using the TeachersConnect online community;
• supporting New Zealand’s engagement in international UNESCO meetings and activities, particularly the International Conference on Adult Education, (CONFINTEA VI) and UNESCO Adult Learners Week; and
• developing and monitoring the implementation of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development  (UNDESD) in New Zealand in cooperation with SANZ
• Funding the annual Beeby Fellowship for educational research in partnership with NZCER
• Supporting the three intersectoral priorities of the National Commission
• Cooperating with appropriate government and non government bodies for presentations to and representation at national and international conferences

Sub Commission

Dr Edna Tait  (Chair)

Dr Airini
Head of School of Critical Studies in Education
Auckland University/Te Whare Wānanga O Tāmaki Makaurau

Professor Russell Bishop
Assistant Dean, Maori Education
University of Waikato/Te Whare Wānanga O Waikato

William Flavell
Te Rau Whakaara Maori
Massey University

Dr Peter Lind
Director,
NZ Teachers Council

Brother Pat Lynch
Director,
NZ Catholic Education Office/ Te Tari Mātauranga Katorika O Aotearoa

Rob McIntosh
Deputy Secretary
Ministry of Education/ Te Tāhuhu O Te Mātauranga

Wendy Reid
Executive Director,
Sustainable Aotearoa NZ (SANZ)

Veronica Tawhai
Lecturer, Te Putahi A Toi, School of Maori Studies
Massey University

Lesieli Tongatio
Pule Maata Pasifika
Ministry of Education/ Te Tāhuhu O Te Mātauranga

Cedric Eddie Tuiavii (Youth Representative)
Post Graduate Student
University of Auckland

Matt Walters
Community Develpoment Facilitator,
Aranui Community Trust (ACTIS)

Bronwyn Yates
Chief Executive Officer,
Literacy Aotearoa