United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Executive Board

Transcription

1 ex United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Executive Board Hundred and fifty-fifth Session 155 EX/42 PARIS, 15 July 1998 Original: English Item 8.9 of the provisional agenda RELATIONS WITH THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY (ICGEB) AND DRAFT AGREEMENT BETWEEN UNESCO AND THAT CENTRE SUMMARY In response to the request of the Director-General of ICGEB, the Director-General submits to the Executive Board for approval a document concerning relations with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and a draft Agreement between UNESCO and that Centre. Decision required: paragraph The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is an autonomous intergovernmental organization since Its Secretariat is located in Trieste, Italy. This Centre consists of two components: in Trieste, Italy and in New Delhi, India. Member countries are currently: Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, Yugoslavia, Hungary, India, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Macedonia, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Senegal, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela and Viet Nam. 2. The mission statement of ICGEB is to promote international co-operation for developing and applying peaceful uses of genetic engineering and biotechnology and to stimulate, promote and assist developing countries in the application of genetic engineering techniques and biotechnology in public health, nutrition, agriculture, industrial production of high added-value commodities, environment protection and energy saving, thus contributing to the achievement of the objectives laid down in the Charter of the United Nations.

2 155 EX/42 - page 2 3. Since ICGEB s inception as a project of UNIDO in 1993, UNESCO has had a close ad hoc working relationship with this Centre in the field of cell and molecular biology, biotechnology, human genome and other areas through the implementation of joint operational activities, such as training courses, seminars and conferences. 4. In accordance with the provisions of Article XI(1) of the Constitution, the Director- General is submitting to the Executive Board for approval the draft Agreement annexed to this document. 5. In light of the above the Executive Board may wish to adopt the following decision: The Executive Board, 1. Having examined document 155 EX/42 and its annex containing the draft Agreement between UNESCO and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 2. Approves this draft Agreement; 3. Authorizes the Director-General to establish official relations with ICGEB and to sign the Agreement on behalf of UNESCO.

3 155 EX/42 Annex ANNEX DRAFT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (hereinafter referred to as UNESCO ) and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (hereinafter referred to as ICGEB ), Considering that UNESCO was created for the purpose of advancing, through the educational and scientific and cultural relations of the peoples of the world, the objectives of international peace and of the common welfare of humankind for which the United Nations organization was established and which its Charter proclaims, Considering that ICGEB is an intergovernmental organization, established in Madrid in 1993 as a project of UNIDO as a non-profit-making organization with an international mandate, to promote research, development and training in molecular and cell biology for the benefit of developing countries, strengthen the research capabilities of its members, and promote the rapid dissemination and exchange of scientific information, Considering that UNESCO and ICGEB have common goals in the promotion of scientific and technological research and training, the organization of scientific meetings, and collection and dissemination of scientific information, particularly concerning health, agriculture and environmental issues, Wishing to establish effective relations with each other, in order to exploit complementary skills, knowledge and experience, Have agreed as follows: Article I Co-operation 1. The parties shall co-operate in areas of mutual interest and benefit through appropriate activities. Any mutually agreed collaborative work shall be conducted according to such mutually agreed plans and procedures as may be developed by the two organizations. 2. UNESCO and ICGEB shall explore possibilities for mutual co-operation in the promotion of research and training in the fields of cell and molecular biology and

4 155 EX/42 Annex - page 2 genetics, virology, microbiology, protein structure and function, bio-informatics, molecular immunology, and plant molecular biology. Any financial arrangements in respect of any joint activities or any other mutually agreed activities will be agreed upon separately, through an exchange of letters or otherwise. Article II Mutual consultations The competent organs of the two organizations shall consult each other regularly on all matters that may be of common interest to them. Article III Reciprocal representation Either party shall invite representatives of the other party as observers to appropriate meetings and conferences. ICGEB shall invite UNESCO to the annual meeting of its Governing Council, and, in accordance with the applicable rules of procedure, UNESCO shall invite ICGEB to the sessions of the General Conference. Article IV Exchange of information and documentation 1. The parties shall arrange for exchanges of information and documents concerning all matters recognized as being of common interest by the two organizations. 2. Either party shall designate a Liaison Officer who will be the focal point for all communications and who will be responsible for ensuring timely exchange of all information of mutual interest to the parties and for promoting opportunities for co-operation between the parties. Article V Amendment This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent. Article VI Entry into force and termination This Agreement shall come into force upon signature by both parties. It may be terminated by either party by giving six months notice in writing to the other party. In the event of termination, the parties shall consult with each other in order to ensure the orderly settlement of their mutual obligation, including in particular orderly completion of any projects or programmes in the process of implementation.

5 155 EX/42 Annex - page 3 IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, who have been duly authorized to that effect, have signed two copies of this Agreement in the English language. Signed this day of 1998 at For the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization For the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Federico Mayor Director-General Arturo Falaschi Director-General

6 ex United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Executive Board Hundred and fifty-fifth Session 155 EX/42 Corr. PARIS, 26 October 1998 Original: English Item 8.9 of the agenda RELATIONS WITH THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY (ICGEB) AND DRAFT AGREEMENT BETWEEN UNESCO AND THAT CENTRE CORRIGENDUM Article I.2 of the Draft Agreement should read as follows: UNESCO and ICGEB shall explore possibilities for mutual co-operation in the promotion of research and training including, inter alia, the fields of cell and molecular biology and genetics, virology, microbiology, protein structure and function, bioinformatics, molecular immunology, plant molecular biology, bioethics, ethical and legal issues as well as capacity-building.