UNESCO

UNESCO logo

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. It has 193 member states and 11 associate members, as well as partners in the non-governmental, intergovernmental, and private sector. Headquartered in Paris, France, UNESCO has 53 regional field offices and 199 national commissions that facilitate its global mandate.

History

Julian Huxley, first Director-General

UNESCO was founded on 16 November 1945 as the successor to the League of Nations' International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation. The organization was established to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic arrangements alone would not build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity's moral and intellectual solidarity.

The first General Conference took place from 19 November to 10 December 1946, and elected Julian Huxley as its first Director-General. Since its inception, UNESCO has been involved in a wide range of activities, including literacy, technical, and teacher-training programs, international science programs, the promotion of independent media and freedom of the press, regional and cultural history projects, and the promotion of cultural diversity.

Objectives and Functions

UNESCO pursues its objectives through five major programs: education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information. Projects sponsored by UNESCO include literacy, technical, and teacher-training programs, international science programs, the promotion of independent media and freedom of the press, regional and cultural history projects, and the promotion of cultural diversity.

Education

UNESCO is committed to a holistic and humanistic vision of quality education worldwide, the realization of everyone’s right to education, and the belief that education plays a fundamental role in human, social, and economic development.

Natural Sciences

UNESCO supports scientific research and education in fields such as biodiversity, water management, and climate change. The organization also promotes international cooperation in the sciences.

Social and Human Sciences

UNESCO works to build a just and inclusive knowledge society, fostering social inclusion and intercultural dialogue. It addresses ethical issues in science and technology and promotes human rights and gender equality.

Culture

UNESCO aims to protect and promote cultural heritage and the equal dignity of all cultures. It is known for its work in preserving World Heritage Sites and promoting cultural diversity.

Communication and Information

UNESCO promotes freedom of expression, media development, and access to information and knowledge. It supports the development of free, independent, and pluralistic media.

World Heritage Sites

One of UNESCO's most well-known programs is the designation of World Heritage Sites, which are places of cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity. As of 2023, there are over 1,100 World Heritage Sites across the globe.

Member States

Map of UNESCO member states

UNESCO has 193 member states and 11 associate members. The organization works with these member states to implement its programs and initiatives worldwide.

Institutes and Centers

UNESCO operates a number of specialized institutes and centers around the world, focusing on various aspects of its mandate.

UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education

UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education

The UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, located in Delft, Netherlands, is the largest international graduate water education facility in the world. It aims to contribute to the education and training of professionals and to build the capacity of sector organizations, knowledge centers, and other institutions active in the fields of water, the environment, and infrastructure.

Related Pages

• World Heritage Site
• United Nations
• Cultural heritage
• International cooperation