27 May 2014- The Philippines convened the monthly plenary meeting of the Asia Pacific (ASPAC) Group in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on May 23 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

Philippine Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro chaired the meeting. 

Ambassadors and delegates discussed the Global Education for All Meeting held in Oman from May 12 to 14, UNESCO’s Information for All Program, electoral reform of the World Heritage Committee and its upcoming session in Doha, Qatar from June 15 to 25, budgetary issues in UNESCO, and elections for the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.

Delegations thanked the Chair for helping enhance coordination, cooperation, and understanding within the Group. The ASPAC Group is the second largest regional grouping in UNESCO with 46 member states. The Philippines’ term as ASPAC Chair lasts throughout 2014.  END