The structure of the National Commission

The Commission is composed of experts from “civil society” in each of UNESCO’s areas of interest and representatives of the ministries relevant in the context of UNESCO (primarily the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation).

The structure and scope of the work of the National Commission are laid down in the “Statutes of the Danish National Commission for UNESCO” (cf. Executive Order No. 1088 of 14 November 2005). It is stated in these statutes that the National Commission is to have up to 14 members, to be appointed by the Minister for Education for periods of four years. Seven of the members are areas of interest representatives, and up to seven are personally appointed by the Minister for Education. The Minister for Culture, the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Education each appoint one appointee to the National Commission.

The Minister for Education nominates the Commission’s Chairperson from among its members. From 1999 this post was held by the journalist Mr. Torben Krogh until his sudden death June 26th 2007. As of 21 August 2007 Ms. Linda Nielsen, professor, has succeeded Mr. Krogh as Chairperson of the Danish National Commission for UNESCO.

The subcommittees

The statutes of the National Commission also stipulate that subcommittees should be set up in the areas of education, science, culture and communication. The Chairpersons of these committees are appointed by the Ministry of Education on the recommendation of the National Commission, of which they must be members.

The Chairpersons of the subcommittees are
Education: Nils-Georg Lundberg, Principal of Hjørring College of Education
Science: Professor Jens Jørgen Gaardhøje, Niels Bohr Institute
Culture: Henning Camre, CEO
Communication: Lawyer/Senior Lecturer Tyge Trier

The National Commission should also set up an Executive Committee, which consists of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, the Chairpersons of the subcommittees and a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cooperation with other National Commissions

The Danish National Commission cooperates with the European National Commissions and maintains quasistatutory working relations with the Nordic Commissions.

Budget

The budget of the Danish National Commission is approximately 52,000 Euro a year. This amount covers the running costs of the National Commission as well as the travel expenses of its staff.

Reporting mechanism

The Danish National Commission for UNESCO publishes every year an annual report. In those years in which a General Conference is held (alternate years), the National Commission produces, in cooperation with the Permanent Danish Delegation to UNESCO, a report on the General Conference.

Funds mobilization

The Commission does not mobilize funds.