The polydisciplinary potential magnitude of this network has been enhanced by the official recognition granted to OESO and to the OESO Foundation (HOPES) by UNESCO: a Resolution, officially approved at the time of the 30th General Conference of the 187 member States (October-November 1999), considers the advantages of extending the network of excellence represented by OESO to other organs to transform it into an active tool of gaining, of updating, and of spreading knowledge in each of the branches of gastroenterology.

The interest UNESCO has shown in the projects of OESO has been explicitly motivated by its innovative character and, in particular, by the opportunity made available to populations of developing countries to become effectively involved in the network at a moderate cost, and to have access to a virtual library or to international discussion forums.

October 13, 1999: A Resolution in favor of OESO and the OESO Foundation was officially approved at the time of the General Conference of the 187 member States of UNESCO.

UNESCO Resolution