In March 2016 the National Commission of Romania for UNESCO – NCR UNESCO – organized with the U.S. Marines Civil Affairs team of exercise Black Sea Rotational Force a pilot project on cultural education and cultural exchange, CULP – Cultural Understanding and Language Program.

The main objective was the theoretical and practical training of 20 Marines on issues related to Romanian culture – to enable them to serve as informed ambassadors of the U.S. mission in Romania – and to familiarize them with the current operating environment. Given that the U.S. Marines engage in multinational operations and training of foreign military, interaction with people and foreign societies require that understanding different cultures becomes a basic component of training, education, operational planning and mission execution.

It was considered the involvement in this project of U.S. Marines partners such as U.S. Army and U.S. Navy, as well as the international allies in Canada. Another project objective was to integrate the U.S. State Department mission through the U.S. Embassy American Corner and Fulbright Commission.

The program elements consisted of:

• Presentations on Romania and UNESCO that included chapters such as history, organization and functioning of the Romanian state, outstanding personalities, geographical regions, representative cities, tourist attractions, customs and traditions, mission, programs and themes of UNESCO interest, UNESCO National Commissions. These trainings took place at the military base Mihail Kogălniceanu.
• Visit to the American Corner at Ovidius University, meeting with Romanian students. The purpose of this visit was the cultural exchange between American military and Romanian youth, as well as informing young people about the mission of the American military presence in the region.
• Visit of the Marines to the Palace of Parliament, National Military Museum, Elite Art Gallery – UNESCO Club.

The role of U.S. Marines Civil Affairs is to establish, develop and maintain relationships with governments, organizations and the civilian population of a host country in order to optimally integrate the troops stationed in accordance with the principles of public diplomacy of the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. State Department and NATO.

One of the main functions of the National Commissions for UNESCO is to associate governmental and non-governmental structures as well as other relevant entities whose activities fall within the themes of education, science, culture or communication and information with the work of the Organization. By acting as consultation, liaison, information, mobilization and coordination of partnerships structures, the National Commissions contribute to the development of UNESCO objectives and to the implementation of the Organization’s program. Among the top priorities of UNESCO are „Culture for Sustainable Development”, „Intercultural Dialogue”, „Culture of Peace and Non-Violence”, spheres of interest promoted through CULP – Cultural Understanding and Language Program.

The representatives of the National Commission of Romania for UNESCO involved in CULP were Iris Constantin, expert of the Communication and Information Subcommittee and Laura Ana, expert of the Science Subcommittee.