AGI Executive Director Named to UNESCO Membership

Alexandria, VA — Dr. P. Patrick Leahy, American Geological Institute (AGI) Executive Director has been appointed as a Commissioner to the U.S. National Commission to United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization (UNESCO) by Secretary of State Clinton.

Founded in 1945 to contribute to peace and security, UNESCO promotes collaboration among the nations through education, science, and culture. Today, the United States has two UNESCO affiliations, one at the Permanent Mission in Paris and the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO in Washington, D.C. The National Commission is comprised of members from non-governmental organizations, U.S government officials and representatives of the interests of state and local governments.

“AGI has a long history of promoting scientific education, research, and awareness. Our mission to increase awareness of the role the geosciences play in society’s use of resources, resilience to natural hazards, and the health of the environment is global in nature. It is also matches closely with UNESCO’s goals of encouraging education and science to promote a betterment for all people. It is my hope that my involvement with UNESCO is positive for both the geosciences and for UNESCO” says Dr. Leahy.

For more information on UNESCO visit unesco.org. To learn specifically about the U.S. Nation Commission for UNESCO, go to www.state.gov/p/io/unesco/.