Ricardo Romo

UTSA president appointed to UNESCO commission

(Dec. 22, 2004)--U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell recently appointed UTSA President Ricardo Romo to the United States National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a representative of state and local government interests.

"I am honored to be selected to serve on the U.S. Commission for UNESCO in its efforts to promote peace and learning as a cornerstone of international relations," Romo said. "Our country has successfully melded diverse cultures, ideas and perspectives. It is crucial that we work with all members of the world community to make this a common commitment."

The 88-person commission is comprised of representatives from various non-governmental organizations interested in matters of education, science, culture and communications, as well as at-large individuals and state, local and federal government representatives. Romo is one of 13 state and local government representatives, joining three other Texans among the appointees.

The national commission will function as a federal advisory committee, providing expert advice to the U.S. Government on matters relating to UNESCO. It also will function as a liaison to organizations, institutions and individuals in the United States interested in the work of UNESCO. Most of the commission's work will be conducted through committees. Romo was appointed for a three-year term on the education committee.

The national commission is Romo's second appointment under the Bush administration. Two years ago, President Bush appointed Romo to the 21-member President's Board of Advisers on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

For more information on the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO, including the list of commission members appointed by Powell, visit the UNESCO Web site.

--David Gabler