What does the German National Commission for UNESCO do?
From education and research policy to the protection of cultural heritage and the promotion of cultural diversity: the work of the German Commission for UNESCO is wide-ranging. It coordinates between UNESCO, the federal and state governments, experts and society at large. Founded on the vision of contributing to peace through education, science and culture, UNESCO faces new challenges today, not least due to pressure for reform and increasingly limited financial resources. For Dr Roman Luckscheiter, Secretary-General of the German Commission for UNESCO, this means bringing together different interests and translating major societal issues into concrete strategies.
Werksgelände: What does a typical day as Secretary-General of the German Commission for UNESCO involve?
Dr Roman Luckscheiter: As Secretary-General, I head the Secretariat and oversee the day-to-day operations of the German Commission for UNESCO (DUK), a registered association. In this role, I am primarily responsible for operational matters, particularly staffing, budgeting and organisation, within the framework of government requirements and the association’s resolutions. At the same time, I oversee the Secretariat’s strategic and substantive work and represent the DUK externally.
To enjoy this job, you should enjoy working with both people and figures, feel comfortable speaking in public and attending committee meetings, be curious about other cultures and be able to move between the big picture and the smallest detail.
- Dr Roman Luckscheiter
What experience or skills should you bring to the job?
UNESCO’s mandate is broad, encompassing everything from education and science to culture and communication. These areas need to be developed in terms of their content, communicated effectively to the public and managed with care. Naturally, there are specialists at the Secretariat who take care of this work – but as Secretary-General, it is helpful to have an interest in and experience of as many of these fields as possible. To enjoy this job, you should enjoy working with both people and figures, feel comfortable speaking in public and attending committee meetings, be curious about other cultures and be able to move between the big picture and the smallest detail.
What has been your biggest flop in your career so far, and what did you learn from it?
You don’t need major failures to learn something from them; even small setbacks can teach you valuable lessons. One classic lesson from situations that haven’t gone quite as planned is to invest more time in communication.
Roman’s tips for aspiring professionals
Your gut feeling is your best guide. If you know your own strengths and are sufficiently curious, it can lead you to where you are needed – and help you avoid going down the wrong path.
Dr Roman Luckscheiter
… is Secretary-General of the German Commission for UNESCO.
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