ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
	UNESCO works in the fields of school rehabilitation and construction, furniture production and provision of educational materials and equipment for all levels of education, in countries all over the world and, in particular, in the following countries of Asia and Pacific : Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, East Timor, Kyrghyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. UNESCO has gained considerable experience working in countries where conflict has severely disrupted educational services and facilities. UNESCO step up its action in this field in co-operation with the other organizations in the United Nations system, non-governmental organizations and other UNESCO partners in the field.

 

This action must not only meet immediate educational needs but also, whenever possible, help to ease the transition phase following the wars which have destabilized, disorganized or even destroyed the education system. ----- Photo Credit@UNESCO/Georges Malempré Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Afghanistan Following the fall of the ‘Talibans’ the political situation remains extremely unstable despite numerous actions undertaken in order to stabilize the country at long term. The problems of security are still present. Despite all the difficulties and the extent of work, the reconstruction of the country is underway. About 6 million refugees are returning to the country thus generating numerous needs. Bangladesh Bangladesh with its record population density is one of the poorest countries of South Asia. Despite its increasing GDP growth rate, the GNP per capita remains weak, the illiteracy rate is high and labour forces poorly qualified. Considering the population as one of its most valuable resources, the government strives to eradicate poverty by giving priority to the education and training. Cambodia Situation of educational system : - Literacy rate 98 % - Quality problems - Problems of qualified teachers Emergency status : - Reconstruction of educational system - Social, educational and vocational integration of ex-combattants East Timor A former Portugueuse colony invaded by Indonesia in 1976, East Timor has been experiencing during these last 25 years a devastating war for independence : 75% of infrastructure destroyed, slaughterings of independent activists and 250 000 refugees. In October 1999 the United Nations has implemented a transition administration (ATNUTO). Following the election of constitutive assembly in May 2001, the new constitution was voted in March 2002 and the new president Jose Xanana Gusmao was elected with a large majority of 82 % . The United Nations is providing a support for the new State until 2004. Kyrghyzstan The break-up of the USSR disrupted the former soviet Central Asia region whose reorganization is presently underway. The Kyrghyzstan, in contrast to its neighbours, did not experience civil wars but it must face incursions to the armed groups because the frontiers are easily crossed. Mongolia The dismantling of the USSR in the beginning of 1990 caused important changes in Mongolia on a political and as well economic level. The Communist party (MPRP) which has been in power since 1924 lost the national elections in 1996 won by the opposition which has undertaken reforms in order to modernize the economy and introduce democracy to the political system. The MPRP finally won the last elections (2000) and is continuing with the reforms and considers as main priorities the social and security policies. Myanmar Since the beginning of 1940 the territory of Myanmar has had various forms of rebellions. These insurrectionary traditions are due to a multitude of ethnic groups which compose the country. Since the decade of 1990 the government has succeeded in reducing considerably the opposition force and has achieved the objectives of the establishement of law and order although the political fight is continuing. Tajikistan Following the dismantling of USSR the entire former Soviet region of Central Asia was subject to violent upheaval and is presently experiencing an intensive reorganization. From December 1992 Tajikistan has been subject to a bloody civil war opposing regional clans. The United Nations intervention in 1997 assured a political solution of the conflict. In addition to the progressive reinsertion of members of rebel groups in governmental structures, the peace agreeements succeeded in provoking a constitutional reform and a new president was elected in 1999. Turkmenistan Following the dismantling of USSR the entire former soviet region of Central Asia was subject to violent upheaval and is presently experiencing an intensive reorganization. A politically stable country, Turkmenistan is striving to promote regional stability. On the economic level, following a crisis that the country managed to solve, Turkmenistan undertook recently a new development stage characterized by the modernization of existing structures. Uzbekistan Following the dismantling of USSR the entire region of Central Asia was subject to violent upheaval and is presently experiencing a reorganization. Since its independance Uzbekistan is facing an increasing number of rebel groups that the Uzbek government opposes with authority. Economically the country selected a gradual transition towards market economy.

The inaugural seminar marking the opening of the Asia-Pacific Office of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in Hiroshima will be devoted to Training and Human Capacity-building in Post-Conflict Countries. It will bring together senior government officials, experts and scholars from the fields of post-conflict reconstruction, training and development assistance. - More

Inaugural Conference: Training and Human Capacity-Building in Post-Conflict Countries (Hiroshima; 2003-12-11 2:00 pm - 2003-12-11 2:00 pm ) By dedicating its inaugural event to this theme, the UNITAR Hiroshima Office hopes to channel its initial activities and resources to working with interested partners in post-conflict countries and beyond. More