Report on the Ten-Year Strategic Planning Process

Abstract

This report is prepared on the strategic planning process of UNATCOM which has culminated into the production of a Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Uganda National Commission for UNESCO (2007-2016). It highlights the methodologies used, emerging issues considered, recommendations made and the key stakeholders consulted. In response to the need to strengthen the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO and, in recognition of the fact that the Commission has over the years operated without a proper planning document, that the Commission proposed to develop a ten year Strategic Plan, 2006-2016. This process started on 6th June 2006 with a meeting and briefing from Commissioner Planning Ministry of Education and Sports, and was completed on 29th March 2007, when the Minister of Education and Sports launched the plan after a presentation of the overview of the Strategic Plan by the consultant. Copies of the plan were thereafter distributed to the stakeholders present. Uganda joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), soon after attaining independence in 1962. Subsequently, as required by Article VII of the UNESCO Constitution, a national Commission for UNESCO was put in place, for the purpose associating Uganda with the ideals, programmes and activities of UNESCO. Over the sixty years of UNESCO's existence, the role of National Commission as the entry point as well as the pinnacles of UNESCO presence and visibility in Member States has been recognised. In this respect, much energy has been spent to ensure that National Commissions are strengthened and empowered to perform their functions effectively. The Executive Board of UNESCO has deliberated this in many meetings and in 2001 and 2004 the Director General in circular letters drew this matter to the attention of Ministers responsible for UNESCO affairs in Member States. The Ten-Year Strategic Plan has been developed through a multi-sectoral, participatory process, involving various actors and stakeholders in areas of competence of a UNESCO, namely, Education; Natural Sciences; Social & Human Sciences; Culture and Communication & Information.