UNESCO, WHAT IT IS

UNESCO - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization was born on November 16, 1945. For this specialized UN agency, it is not enough to build classrooms in devastated countries or to restore world heritage sites (to publish scientific breakthroughs). Education, Social and Natural Science, Culture and Communication are the means to a far more ambitious goal: to build peace in the minds of men.

Today, UNESCO works as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal agreements on emerging ethical issues. The Organization also serves as a clearinghouse – that disseminates and shares information and knowledge – while helping Member States to build their human and institutional capacities in diverse fields. In short, UNESCO promotes international co-operation among its 190* Member States and six Associate Members in the fields of education, science, culture and communication.
As of October 2003

UNESCO works to create the conditions for true dialogue, based upon respect for commonly shared values and the dignity of each civilization and culture.
This role is critical, particularly in the face of terrorism, which constitutes an attack against humanity. The world urgently requires global visions of sustainable development based upon observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which lie at the heart of UNESCO’s mission and activities.


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