In 2002, Chinaremained an active participant in the UNESCO activities.

From 13-30 May, the 164th Executive Board meeting of the UNESCO took place in Parisand devoted its discussion to the Education for All, the international sweet water year, follow-up to the bio-ethics ministers of science and technology, drafting of the immaterial cultural heritages convention, world summit for sustainable development. Chinawas represented at the meeting and properly handled a human rights case involving Chinadeliberated by the convention and proposal committee of the Executive Board.

From 7-17 October, the 165thExecutive Board meeting of the UNESCO was held in Paris. 58 members of the Board attended the meeting that centered on the implementation of the plan and budget during the period under review, developing the proposed biennial budget plan 2004-2005. The meeting expressed its satisfaction with the ongoing reform pursued by the director-general, endorsed the financial and human support given to the five prioritized areas, namely, EFA, water resources and bio-system, science and technology ethics, diversity of cultures and dialogue between different cultures, promotion of equitable access to information and knowledge. The participants urged the UNESCO to get involved in activities concerning poverty eradication, education and sex equality, as well as water resources and health .in coordination with the UN system, so as to play an even greater role in the multilateral activities to realize the Millennium Development Goals. Vice education minister Zhang Xinsheng endorsed the basic principle of the UNESCO to underscore centralized planning and prioritize goals and forge partnerships. Zhang further stressed the importance of bringing into full play its regional offices, which should have clear and pragmatic targets in response to the actual situations in different countries and regions under the general goals and big framework of the plan.