The Chapter has always been active in preparing for each session of the General Conference and the Executive Board of UNESCO. Its working relations with the UNESCO Secretariat are extremely cordial. The Group has constantly guided its membership on important issues so as to reach a consensual position to help the smooth functioning of the Organization. As regards the Medium-Term Programme and Budget for the 1986-87 biennium, for instance, the Paris Chapter advised its membership as follows:

The Delegations of the Group of 77 should always bear in mind the necessary complementarity between various forms of bilateral and multilateral co-operation so as to promote development and refute allegations which portray international co-operation within the United Nations system as being opposed to bilateral co-operation whereas it would only be judicious to harmonize both of them. The same could be said of the necessary balance between reflection and action on which consensus was reached by the Board.

The 1984-90 period was crucial for UNESCO, mainly because during this period there was tension generated due to the withdrawal of three countries from the Organization, and fear was expressed that more countries would follow. This withdrawal adversely affected the Programme and Budget of UNESCO and reduced its programme in developing countries. The G77 associated itself closely with the situation and advised its membership to work more closely with competent NGOs to implement UNESCO¡¯s programmes. The Group made its members aware of the classification of UNESCO programme activities according to three established priorities, in view of the withdrawal of a Member State and the notice of withdrawal given by two other Member States. At the same time it encouraged the membership not to adopt a passive or resigned attitude, but on the contrary to work with determination and confidence to make use of their freedom of appreciation and to commit themselves firmly to their goals.

By virtue of its large and wide-ranging membership covering four electoral groups almost in their entirety the G77 functions as a major consultative group offering insight on issues which periodically arise and considers and co-ordinates views and options which reflect thinking from all parts of the world. It has contributed studies and dialogue and from time to time publishes its views on major issues discussed in various United Nations Organizations views which at times present viable alternatives. For instance, during the earthquake catastrophe in Mexico, the G77 co-ordinated with members of the United Nations staff associations and had collection boxes in its Organizations for material support and financial aid. The Group also made a bold statement during the Falklands conflict and when Israel annexed the Golan Heights. With regard to the Falklands conflict it demanded an immediate cease-fire and the urgent adoption of measures leading to a just and lasting solution to the conflict based on respect of theprinciple of territorial integrity and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.

The Paris Chapter has always gone beyond being merely an interest group only looking after its own to one which helps to sustain the mandate of UNESCO and the high quality of its programme as well as efficient and effective operations. Even with the formidable position it occupies and the power and strength it has, the Group has never exercised a ¡®tyranny of the majority¡¯ and has rarely used its collective voting power. The Group a1ways recognized the fact that the decisions could only be acted upon with the support of the industrialized nations.

The activities of the Paris Chapter are mainly carried out within the fields of competence of UNESCO and have had a great impact on peace-building in the world through the means of education, science, culture and communication.

UNESCO is a specialized agency of United Nations. Created in 1946 it aims to promote international collaboration and world peace under the purview of its mandate in education, science, culture and communication. The Organization is geared to assist, support and implement national efforts of Member States for the elimination of illiteracy and the extension of education and knowledge among people.