In its November 11, 1997 plenary meeting, the UNESCO General Conference followed
the recommendations of Commission III and approved draft resolution 29 C/DR126 related to
the World Mathematical Year 2000, allocating US $20,000 to this series of events.
The following 15 countries co-sponsored the draft resolution: Belgium, Benin, Brazil,
Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Denmark, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Philippines, Netherlands,
Russian Federation, Spain, Thailand, Uzbekistan.
The UNESCO resolution
The General Conference
Considering the central importance of mathematics and its applications in today's world
with regard to science, technology, communications, economics and numerous other fields,
Aware that mathematics has deep roots in many cultures and that the most outstanding
thinkers over several thousand years contributed significantly to their development, and
numerous other fields,
Aware that the language and the values of mathematics are universal, thus encouraging and
making it ideally suited for international cooperation,
Stressing the key role of mathematics education, in particular at primary and secondary
school level, both for the understanding of basic mathematical concepts and for the
development of rational thinking,
Welcomes the initiative of the International Mathematical Union (IMU) to declare the year
2000 the World Mathematical Year and carry out, within this framework, activities to
promote Mathematics at all levels world-wide,
Decides to support the World Mathematical Year 2000 initiative,
Requests the Director General to collaborate with the international mathematics community
in planning the World Mathematical Year 2000 and to contribute during 1998-1999 funds of $
20.000 from the Regular Programme and Budget in support of preparatory activities.