DISTINGUISHED LECTURER SERIES Koichiro Matsuura

Koichiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), was elected the organization’s eighth Director-General in November 1999. A diplomat with rich intergovernmental organization experiences his various posts include Director-General of the North American Affairs Bureau of the Foreign Ministry and most recently Japanese Ambassador to France from 1994 to 1999. Mr. Matsuura was elected to his current post because of his exceptional aptitude and passion for dealing with cultural heritage issues. His highly praised efforts to reform UNESCO prompted the U.S. decision last year to rejoin the organization following an 18-year absence. Mr. Matsuura discusses how the U.S.’s long anticipated official re-engagement in UNESCO as of October 2003 will affect the organization’s future and its efforts to deal with diverse critical cultural issues in an increasingly complex global community.

Followed by a reception.

Tickets: $10, Japan Society members, seniors & United Nations employees $8; students $5.