Romanian associations and clubs, invited to apply for UNESCO accreditation

Romania's National Commission (CNR) for UNESCO will launch a new application process at the end of this month for associations and clubs in the country that wish to receive accreditation from the international non-governmental organisation, or that wish to become its 'friends'.

Anca Roxana Constantin, expert of the CNR's Sub-Commission for Interdisciplinary Programmes, told AGERPRES that currently, 12 associations and clubs in Romania operate under the auspices of UNESCO, and this year, their previously granted accreditation is due to expire. Therefore, a new application round for renewal of accreditation will be opened at the end of the month.

'I hope their number will grow. At the moment, there are few associations and clubs, because unfortunately, the public in Romania tends to associate the image of UNESCO only with heritage, buildings, monuments, and so on. But UNESCO's work is much broader,' the expert explained.

Unlike previous years, this time clubs and associations in Romania will also have the opportunity to be included on a 'Friends of the CNR' list.

'In December, we will have a new list of UNESCO-accredited associations and clubs, but also a list of Friends of the National Commission, because there are many associations and clubs wishing to be part of UNESCO's accredited network. We cannot accredit everyone, so we've found this solution, to launch, under UNESCO's umbrella, a list of friends through which all associations and clubs carrying out programmes aligned with UNESCO's mission can exist, collaborate and be promoted internationally,' Constantin added.

To apply for UNESCO accreditation or inclusion on the friends list, Romanian associations and clubs must submit, among other documents, a report of activities for the previous year and an action plan for the following year. These organisations may carry out activities in any field.

According to the same source, being accredited as a UNESCO association or club provides international visibility, the possibility of accessing funding, and the opportunity to attend the organisation's General Conference, which will take place in October in Uzbekistan. A Youth Forum will also be held there, with Romania set to be represented by the National Association of Students, based on an application that has already been submitted.