At the Unesco General Conference, Seventeenth Session, held in Paris in 1972, Programme Commission III (for Social Sciences, Humanities, and Culture) devoted seventeen meetings to a debate on the main lines and general issues which concern the development of these disciplines. Three major aims for 1973-74 are: to increase understanding of how to improve the quality of life, to forge improved links between governments and those at the frontiers of knowledge, and to improve contacts with the general informed public. The major topic was a detailed consideration of the draft programme and budget for 1973-74 and of the draft medium-term outline plan for 1973-78. Delegates from member countries spoke on the following: philosophy and interdisciplinary co-operation; social sciences; studies and development of cultures; preservation and presentation of cultural heritage; standards, exchanges of information, training, research, and the development of museums; and measures for preserving and safeguarding national cultures as the objective foundation for mankind's cultural progress and the development of international cultural links. Recommendations for programme objectives and implementation are contained in an Annex to Report 17 C/97. (JMB)