Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) comprises the Memory of the World National Committees in the region. It is structured as follows:
General Meeting
The General Meeting, convened biennially, sets the policies and activities of MOWCAP. It makes decisions on programs submitted to it by the Bureau. The General Meeting also elects members of the Bureau.
The First General Meeting was held in Beijing, China, in November 1998. The Second General Meeting was held in Manila, the Philippines, in November 2005. The Third General Meeting was held in Canberra, Australia in February 2008. The Fourth General Meeting was held in Macao SAR in March 2010. The Fifth General Meeting was held in Bangkok, Thailand, and the Sixth General Meeting was held in Guahgzhou, China.
MOWCAP Bureau
MOWCAP elects a Chairperson and one or more Vice-Chairpersons (as need requires) and a Secretary-General that form the Bureau. The assigned UNESCO Regional Advisor is an ex officio member. If required, the Bureau may establish additional positions and appoint Special Advisors.
The Bureau is responsible for the planning, organizing, implementing and monitoring of the work programs approved by the General Meeting of MOWCAP. Bureau members are normally elected for a term of four years. The Bureau normally meets once a year.
The current Bureau was elected during the Eighth General Meeting held in Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
MOWCAP Bureau Members (2018-2022)
Chairperson: Mr KIM Kwibae (Republic of Korea)
Responsibilities
According to Rule 6(1) of “The Bureau: Rules of Procedure” the Chairperson shall declare the opening and closing of meetings, direct discussions, ensure observance of the “Rules of Procedure”, accord the right to speak, put questions to the vote, announce decisions, rule on points of order, control the proceedings and maintain order.
Vice-Chairpersons:
Prof. Mitsuru HAGA (Japan)
Ms Dianne MACASKILL (New Zealand)
Ms VU THI Minh Huong (Vietnam)
Responsibilities
According to Rule 6(2) of “The Bureau: Rules of Procedure,” the Vice-Chairperson(s) shall assume duties and portfolios assigned by the Chairperson.
Secretary General
Ms Linh Anh MOREAU
Responsibilities
According to Rule 8(2) of “The Bureau: Rules of Procedure” “the Secretary-General shall act as the executive head of the Secretariat responsible to the Chairperson.” Rule 8 (4) also provides that the “Secretary General shall present an administrative and financial report to each ordinary session of MOWCAP.
UNESCO Ex-officio Member
Joe Hironaka
Advisor/Chief of Unit Communication and Information at UNESCO Bangkok
MOWCAP Subcommittees
To undertake MOWCAP Programs, the Bureau may establish subcommittees or a task force, as it considers necessary and practical from time to time.
Register Subcommittee
The Register Subcommittee is composed of no fewer than three members, including a Chairperson appointed by MOWCAP, for their expertise. Additional temporary members may be invited to attend specific meetings. The term of office is four years and eligible for immediate reappointment to ensure continuity. The Subcommittee normally meets at least once every two years.
In liaison with the MOWCAP Bureau, the Register Subcommittee oversees the assessment of nominations for the Asia/Pacific MOW Register and provides recommendations for their inscription or rejection in each MOWCAP meeting. It interprets selection criteria and liaises with other bodies or individuals involved in the assessment of the nominations. It offers advice to the National MOW Committees within the Asia/Pacific region in the management of their national registers.
Chairperson: Dr Helen Jarvis (Cambodia)
Member: Professor Kyung-ho Suh (Republic of Korea)
Member: Ms Hongmin Wang (China)
Member: Mr Opeta Olefaio (Fiji)
Member: Professor Dr Aizharkyn Kozhobekova (Kyrgyzstan)
Member: Dr Alla Aslitdinova (Tajikistan)