The Asia Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU) is a non-profit organisation working for mutual understanding and cultural co-operation in Asia and the Pacific in the fields of culture, book development and literacy promotion. Its main areas of activity are: co-operating in preserving and promoting the unique characteristics of local cultures and promoting literacy education in Asian and Pacific countries; promoting mutual understanding among peoples in Asia and the Pacific through the organisation of cultural and educational programmes; promoting the development of books and materials, human resources development and network building in the fields of culture, book development and literacy promotion; and implementing its activities through strong co-operation with UNESCO and governmental agencies, NGOs and experts in various fields in Asia and the Pacific region. ACCU places special emphasis on technical and information aspects of co-operation such as joint production of books and materials, human resources development and network building. It promotes its programmes jointly with Asian and Pacific countries, rather than through one-way assistance. Under the ‘Joint Programme’ scheme, UNESCO Member States in the region, with diverse cultural backgrounds, voluntarily participate in various activities on an equal footing and share the fruits of the results. This scheme has been highly acclaimed all over the world for its unique style and effectiveness.