'When hear anyone talk of culture, I reach for my revolver.' No one would echo Hermann Goering's words today, but from time to time there is controversy about the way in which public money is used to promote cultural activities.
There will shortly be celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of what is perhaps the largest culture-promoting organisation the world has ever known - the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation - UNESCO.
This programme, in looking forward to the Silver Jubilee on 4 November, sets out to assess UNESCO's achievements and its future potential.