Report on the Special Program, UNESCO Symposium

The U.S.A. After 9.11 and the World Crisis　　-Solidarity with US Citizens succeeding US Rejoining UNESCO-

It was a gorgeous panel discussion with three guests invited; Mr. Arndt, who visited Japan to participate in the national convention held in Sapporo, together with Mr. KIM, president of AFCA (Asian Pacific Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Associations), and Mr. Fujiwara, a scholar in international politics. Despite the rainy weather, people beyond the seating capacity came to the place so that admission had to be restricted.

　 The three speakers talked about the history, characteristics, role, and responsibility of the United States of America from their perspective to the limit of the allotted time and many questions were asked from the floor also. I wished there had been more time available.

　 Mr. Fujiwara said that even if the United States has an inclination toward a political unilateralism, it is necessary and important for Japan to remain good friends with the country while keeping pace with the United Nations. I sympathized with his opinion and I found the event, which affirmed my conviction, very meaningful.

The International Exchange Committee has two annual events. One is the International Exchange Forum 'introduction to Japanese culture', sponsored by Meguro Board of Education and managed by Meguro UNESCO Association. The other event is the New Year Party. The former is very popular, not only among people from overseas, but also residents of Meguro Ward and members of Meguro UNESCO Association. The latter event is firmly established by Association members as a good and enjoyable opportunity to meet up with each other.

In addition to these two core activities, this year the International Exchange Committee hopes to widen the scope of activities to support members exchanging friendship. The Committee also wants to work as a bridge between friendship members and ordinary members. You are most welcome to help plan and take part in these activities.

There are probably those who have attended an event on the day but not been able to join the committee activity, those who have ideas to develop the activities of UNESCO, and those with

not enough time for committees but nevertheless have some ideas. You can join in any way that suits you. For example, attending committee meetings, sending your ideas by mail and so on. We are looking forward to hearing from many members.

Enquiry/Contact:　Katsuoka 　　　　　
e-mail: yukiko@katsuoka.com (Please leave a message in her absence and she will call you back.)
International Exchange Committee chairperson Yukiko Katsuoka

Half a year has already passed since the Secretariat opened in Gohongi Elementary School. The setting up of facilities at the office is now almost complete and we would welcome your visit.

We are taking further steps to develop our activities this year. We have had Secretariat meetings almost every Wednesday for the past half year and these will continue on a regular basis.

As the Secretariat aims to support events organized by committees, we felt it would be useful if each committee and the Secretariat had joint meetings. This arrangement was put into practice this year. The first was with the Training Program Committee to discuss this year's plans. Meguro UNESCO Association has ten committees and we are planning to have such joint meetings once or twice a month with each committee.

We propose to have a joint meeting with the International Exchange Committee to share in planning their enjoyable and exciting events.

Besides such joint meetings, many people work together mailing the Short News on the second Wednesday every month, from which you can see other activities of the Meguro UNESCO Association. New ventures will develop when people meet in this way. The Secretariat meetings are open to anyone who wishes to take part. Please feel free to visit us at the new Secretariat.

We are also looking for volunteers to work at the Secretariat from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. No special skills are required and Secretariat staff work together. Please feel free to give us your cooperation.