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U.S. Participation at the UNESCO Science Ministerial and in the General Conference Planet Earth Exhibit
October, 2007

Global Imagination's Magic Planet digital video globe used by NOAA and NASA presenters during the Planet Earth: Space to Place exhibit at UNESCO.
© State Department

The two-day UNESCO Ministerial Round Table held during the UNESCO 34th General Conference in October 2007 focused on Science and Technology (S&T) for Sustainable Development. The role of S&T as drivers for economic development is widely recognized, and UNESCO’s role in enhancing the S&T infrastructure in developing countries was emphasized during the discussions. The United States was represented by Dr. John H. Marburger, III, Director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. As one of the invited speakers, Dr. Marburger emphasized the theme of the pursuit of knowledge that leads to the improvement of the human condition (Click here to read the remarks). He stressed UNESCO’s unique role in capacity-building to further sustainable development goals. The communiqué from the science ministers included 11 concrete recommendations for enhancing the S&T infrastructure in developing countries through improved programs in areas such as capacity-building, intellectual property, and data-sharing. Recognizing the value of assembling high-level S&T officials, one recommendation was to continue the Round Table meetings on a regular basis. Science Ministerial Round Tables have been held at UNESCO on an irregular basis to assemble high-level government officials to focus on topics of particular interest for UNESCO’s mission.

U.S. National Commission Executive Director, Susanna Connaughton, discusses the Magic Planet with a guest.
© State Department

Prior to the Science Ministerial meeting, U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO Louise V. Oliver hosted a reception honoring Dr. Marburger and others from the U.S. scientific community, including Dr. Arden Bement, Director, National Science Foundation and Dr. Kathie Olsen, Deputy Director, National Science Foundation. Both Drs. Bement and Olsen have long been involved with UNESCO and each has served on UNESCO committees. Ambassador Oliver thanked the honorees for their dedicated service to UNESCO’s important goals.

U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO, Louise V. Oliver introduces honored guests from the U.S. Science Community
© State Department

As a reminder of the importance of outreach and education in enhancing S&T goals, Ambassador Oliver invited the developers of the Magic Planet digital video globe - Global Imagination - to display a portable version of the globe and associated control panel at the reception. A larger version of the Magic Planet was used by NOAA and NASA presenters during the Planet Earth: Space to Place exhibit at UNESCO. In a hands-on mode, many of the reception’s guests were able change display global datasets ranging from water temperature to population shifts. In an example of public-private-partnership, the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO worked closely with Global Imagination on the presentation.

Demonstration of the Magic Planet to UNESCO Ambassadors and Staff