Romanian delegation coordinated by Dragoș Ciuparu, President of ANCS, was present at the 36th Session of the UNESCO General Conference held in Paris, France, from 30th October to 5th November 2011.

The UNESCO General Conference is organized every other year. Representatives of the Organization member states as well as associated countries take part in the conference together with the observers for non-member states, inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Each country is entitled to one vote no matter its contribution to the budget. The General Conference establishes the policies and activities of the organization, as well as the UNESCO budget. Members of the Executive Committee are elected and every four years the General Director is also elected.

Ever since it was set up, Science and Technology has represented one of the UNESCO key activity domains; its aim is to encourage dialogue, cooperation and exchange of information and experience between the decision making bodies and international scientific communities.

At the Conference a top priority topic was discussed: the implementation of a project for creating the International Training and Advanced Research Centre in Physics at Măgurele, as a second category Centre under the auspices of UNESCO. The setting up of a UNESCO institute is a remarkable event for Romania’s relation to UNESCO and for its international reputation. This is the most important topic on the working agenda of the General Conference as far as Romania is concerned.

The Romanian delegation pointed out the availability and interest of the Romanian scientific community for the implementation of regional and international research and development projects in those domains which represent a top priority for the Centre. The Romanian scientific community is also interested in benefiting from the opportunities offered by the laboratories of international interest which were set up by UNESCO.