Information about UNESCO

UNESCO, which was established in 1945, is one of the United Nations specialised agencies. UNESCO’s core task is to maintain peace and security and to promote human rights and sustainable development through education, science, culture and communications. UNESCO supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN 2030 Agenda.

UNESCO gives normative guidance through agreements and recommendations and builds the capacity of its Member States, for example, by issuing policy recommendations and offering advice. UNESCO has 193 Member States and 12 Associate Members. 

UNESCO’s leadership comprises

  • Director-General
  • General Conference that meets every two years
  • Executive Board of 58 elected Member States that meets twice a year

UNESCO’s headquarters are located in Paris. The Secretariat employs approximately 2,200 staff, some of whom work in the organisation’s Field Offices. The current Director-General is Audrey Azoulay from France. 

UNESCO’s mission

Cross-cutting directions

In accordance with its strategic documents, UNESCO’s overarching aim is to contribute to peacebuilding, sustainable development, eradication of poverty and intercultural dialogue. 

The organisation prioritises activities focusing on Africa and gender equality. The overall objective is to pay attention to youth and young people’s position in global development.

Sector-specific objectives

In education, UNESCO promotes

  • high-quality and inclusive life-long learning
  • learning and creative societies 
  • promoting global education

In science, UNESCO promotes

  • science policy that promotes sustainable development, including ethical issues in science
  • innovation systems nationally, regionally and internationally
  • cooperation and the accumulation of information that support climate action and biodiversity

 In culture, UNESCO promotes

  • protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage and intangible cultural heritage
  • cultural diversity, creative industries and intercultural dialogue

In communications, UNESCO promotes

  • dissemination of information, freedom of speech and development of the media sector
  • knowledge, skills and practices related to the digital operating environment
     

Video of UNESCO (Link to another website.) (in English)
UNESCO’s website (Link to another website.)