Key Members of UNESCO

UNESCO Governance

• The General Conference – consists of Member State representatives, each with one vote. The General Conference determines UNESCO'spolicies and its main lines of work, sets the programmes and the budget, elects the Executive Board and appoints the Director-General.
• The Secretariat – consists of the Director-General and other key institutions, which are responsible for managing the organization and representing it globally.
• The Executive Board – prepares the agenda for the General Conference and examines the programme of work and budget estimates for the Organization, submitting recommendations to the General Conference.

The UNESCO Family

Working together to promote and implement programmes for education, science, culture, communication, sustainable development and peace.

UNESCO Institutes and Centres

Nine Institutes and Centres are legally part of the UNESCO Organization and Budget.

UNESCO Partnerships

Partnerships with governments, multilateral institutions, NGOs, and private sector foundations engaged in common areas of work.

UNESCO Partnerships with NGOs

UNESCO can establish official partnerships with international, national or local NGOs, along with national and local governments and institutions.

Directives concerning partnerships with NGOs

Helpful funding tips for NGOs

3 Types of an NGO relationships with UNESCO

• Official Partnership with UNESCO:
  NGOs may be granted consultative or associate status through a formal evaluation by UNESCO’s Executive Board, allowing them to participate in program planning, intergovernmental meetings, and long-term collaboration across UNESCO’s fields.
• Accreditation under the ICH Convention:
  NGOs working specifically in Intangible Cultural Heritage may be accredited to provide advisory services to the ICH Intergovernmental Committee—this is a separate, treaty-based recognition limited to that domain.
• General Affiliation or Cooperation:
  Some NGOs or cultural organizations may collaborate with UNESCO without holding official partnership or accreditation—these relationships may be project-based, informal, or described as having “formal relations” without a defined status.

UNESCO Funding

UNESCO relies on financial contributions from
UN Members, foundations, philanthropists, and corporations to support its global initiatives.

Sources of funding

Private sector partners

UNESCO Projects & project budgets

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors

Publicly known people who promote UNESCO's values and work through public events and projects.

UNESCO UN Office in New York

Promoting UNESCO's mission and projects with UN Member States, UN specialized agencies, and civil society organizations based in New York City.

Key Networks of UNESCO

UNESCO Chairs & UNITWIN Networks

Fostering international inter-university knowledge sharing, collaboration and networking.

unesco.org/unitwin/seminars

• A UNESCO Chair is a team led by a higher education or research institution, partnering with UNESCO on a relevant project or study.
• A UNITWIN Network is a partnership of at least three higher education or research institutions in different countries to cooperatively work on a common project or study.
• List of Chairs & Networks

Learn more →

• The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme consists of UNESCO University Chairs and UNITWIN Networks, and it now includes around 1000 Chairs and 45 networks across 125 countries. This Programme was launched to promote international inter-university cooperation to support UNESCO's work in education, the natural and social sciences, culture and communication, and develop international standards and national policy recommendations for these various fields.
• In-person and online sessions and seminars bring together academia, UN specialists, civil society, local communities and policy-makers in an open platform for multidisciplinary discussion, knowledge exchange, collaboration and action plans concerning important current issues.
• The Programme guidelines & procedures
  unitwin@unesco.org

The UNEVOC Network

A global network specializing in technical and vocational education and training, providing exchange, cooperation and mutual assistance for institutions.

UNESCO Associated Schools Network

A global network of schools, teachers, principals and school communities, who are committed to sharing UNESCO's values through education.

Learn more →

• UNESCO's Associated Schools Network is open to all public and private educational institutions that provide pre-primary, primary, secondary, and vocational education, as well as teacher training institutions or education teacher training departments within higher educational institutions. The Network provides member support and guidance for establishing UNESCO clubs dedicated to promoting UNESCO's values and work. Member schools and clubs are asked submit an annual work plan and participate in global projects or campaigns; but there are no membership, application, or admission fees for schools.

UNESCO's Global Education Coalition

A network of institutional partners, united to advance inclusive education, employable skills, quality learning resources and teacher training.

Global Network of Learning Cities

An international policy-oriented network helping cities develop inclusivity, quality, excellence, and useful technologies in learning.

UNESCO Earth Network

Connecting natural heritage sites with environmental scientists to help countries and communities achieve their biodiversity goals.

World Network of Biosphere Reserves

Each Biosphere Reserve promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable human use.

Youth Networks

Global Youth Networks, Forums, and Community, supporting the creativity, innovation and the capacity of youth to make positive change in the world.

unesco.org/youth/global-youth-community

unesco.org/youth/forum

World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations

An NGO with official UNESCO affiliation, providing guidance, training, publications, and exchanges for over 3,700 worldwide UNESCO Clubs.

Learn more about the WFUCA →

• Acts as a bridge between civil society and UNESCO.
• Informs and coordinates members about UNESCO events and initiatives.
• Provides training and technical assistance to members and partner NGOs.
• Supports UNESCO-aligned local initiatives and projects.
• Facilitates NGO participation in most intergovernmental processes at the UN.
• Meets twice a year with the NGO Committee to review NGO accreditation to the UN Economic and Social Council.

WFUCA Clubs of America, Latin America, Central America and the Caribbean

Promoting UNESCO Clubs initiated by students, teachers, schools, colleges, institutions, and members of civil society throughout the Americas.

National Commissions of UNESCO

These are national organizations established by UN Member States.

U.S. Federation of UNESCO Centers and Associations

Serves as the U.S. national body of UNESCO to promote the values and programs of UNESCO.

Learn more →

• contact@unescowfuca.us
  (202) 559-8738
  1155 F Street NW, Suite 1050
  Washington, DC 20004
• Goals:
• To promote “UNESCO’s areas of work” – education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture and communication - as a strong force in individual and social transformation
• To promote the mission and goals of UNESCO in all areas of the United States of America in concordance with national, regional, local and international development efforts.
• To assist UNESCO National Commission of the United Sates in evolving policies and standards in facilitating the attainment of quality education for all and lifelong learning for sustainable development; advocating for science knowledge and policy for sustainable development; addressing emerging social and ethical challenges; fostering cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace; contributing to building inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication.
• To establish and maintain close relationships among government agencies, private and non-government institutions in matters relating to UNESCO's areas of work.
• To establish and implement feasible projects and mechanisms for the promotion of networking among institutions for upgrading the professional growth of officers and members of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations in the United States of America.
• To lobby for laws and policies that will promote the development of UNESCO’s areas of work.
• To mobilize available resources for the conduct of continuing education of officers and members of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations.
• To undertake a nationwide advocacy campaign for the promotion of peace, eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, communication, and information.
• To gradually organize chapters in all regions of the country in order to create growing participation in UNESCO areas of work.
• To develop and produce relevant training and instructional materials, produce books, manuals and the like on its own in partnership with duly recognized educational institutions in the country or in international arena in order to promote UNESCO’s area of work.
• To establish close coordination and linkages with other international organizations particularly the European and North American Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations (EFUCA) and World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations (WFUCA).

Other National Commissions

Canadian Commission for UNESCO

UK National Commission for UNESCO

UNESCO in Ireland

Australian National Commission for UNESCO

UNESCO
Projects & Initiatives

Access to Education

UNESCO and Education

UNESCO expands access to quality education for all children, youth and lifelong learners; helping to foster peace, cultural respect, inclusion, creative expression and global responsibility.

UNESCO Education Pdf

The Right to Education

Education is a fundamental human right in the UN Declaration of Human Rights and in the UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education.

See Right to Education NGO Partners

UNESCO Education Hubs

UNESCO field offices, education institutes, global education networks, and affiliated education centres.

Global Education Monitoring Report

Annual report on educational equity, learning outcomes, and educational challenges worldwide.

Inclusion in Education

An inclusive approach means that each individual’s needs are taken into account and that all learners participate and achieve together.

Convention against discrimination in education

UNESCO's foremost standard-setting instrument for education as a Human Right.

The Importance of Literacy

The need for all people to have reading, writing and counting skills.

Early Childhood Care and Education

UNESCO collaborates with governments and others concerned with the care and education of young children from birth until primary school entry.

The Happy Schools Initiative

Advocates for having happiness and joyful learning at the core of education policy and practice.

UNICEF Education Work

Works to provide equitable access to quality learning opportunities that prepare children and adolescents with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.

Briefs on Building Strong Foundations

Save the Children

An international NGO in partnership with UNESCO, working to keep children around the world healthy, educated and safe.

Education Above All

An international NGO in partnership with UNESCO, working to ensure equal access to a quality education.

Education International

A global federation of over 370 teacher organisations and unions contributing to education policy, teacher development, and education rights worldwide.

Developing Quality Curriculum

Developing high-quality, inclusive, relevant, forward-looking and problem-solving curricula.

Institute for Educational Planning

Developing countries’ capacities to design and implement equitable educational policies and plans.

Education for Health and Well-being

Promotng the physical, mental health and well-being of all learners.

Sports and Health in Education

Sports can promote health, education, social inclusion and economic generosity in various geographical, cultural and political contexts.

Recommendations on Education for Peace,
Human Rights and Sustainable Development

Global guiding principles for education to help foster peaceful relations, human rights, and sustainable development for a better world into the future.

Summary of the 14 Principles

1. Human Rights and Dignity – Education must uphold and promote human rights and the dignity of all individuals.
2. Peace and Non-violence – Foster peace, non-violence, and conflict resolution at all levels of education.
3. Respect for Cultural Diversity – Promote intercultural understanding, respect for diversity, and solidarity.
4. Gender Equality and Inclusion – Eliminate discrimination and ensure inclusive, gender-equitable education.
5. Sustainability and Responsibility – Instill values of environmental sustainability and responsibility toward the planet.
6. Critical Thinking and Inquiry – Encourage independent thinking, critical inquiry, and questioning of injustice.
7. Solidarity and Cooperation – Develop a sense of empathy, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
8. Democratic Participation – Prepare learners for active, informed, and responsible citizenship.
9. Global Citizenship – Foster awareness of global interdependence and encourage global civic responsibility.
10. Digital Literacy and Ethics – Equip learners with digital skills and ethical use of technology and media.
11. Transformative Learning – Support learning that challenges assumptions and promotes social change.
12. Life-long and Life-wide Learning – Promote learning across life stages and settings.
13. Holistic and Interdisciplinary Approaches – Integrate diverse knowledge systems and disciplines.
14. Learner-Centered and Participatory Methods – Engage learners actively in inclusive, democratic, and creative ways.
15. See Official Document

Global Campaign for Peace Education

A global movement of individual peace educators, NGOs, universities, schools, and government partners committed to peace education.

Mapping Peace Education

Global Citizenship & Peace Education

Teaches peace, human rights, respect for diversity, intercultural understanding, inter-faith dialogue, tolerance, empathy and mutual understanding.

Democracy and Global Citizenship

Focusing on democratic governance and citizenship, human rights, freedom of expression and dialogue, and representation of youth in decision-making processes.

Education for Sustainable Development

Empowers education with the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and behaviors to live in a way that is good for the environment, economy, society, and a sustainable future.

Climate Smart Education Initiative

An international partnership to support sustainability and climate readiness in the education systems of low-income countries.

Advancing Scientific and Environmental Education

Provides environmental and climate-change learning opportunities at UNESCO natural heritage sites.

Priority Africa

Emphasizes education, culture, science, and communication as key tools to address challenges and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Africa.

Priority Gender Equality

Solutions to reduce inequalities in and through education, toempower women in scienceand technology forenvironmental action, topromote inclusion and combat gender-based violence.

Education Plus Initiative

A multisectoral initiative for the empowerment and wellbeing of adolescent girls and young women.

Gender at the Centre Initiative

Working with governments, civil society, and local youth to advance gender equality in education and transform harmful gender norms.

Education preventing violent extremism

Helps countries address the drivers of violent extremism through education.

Futures of Education

Reimagining how knowledge and learning can shape the future of humanity and the planet.

Reimagining Our Futures Together

Learning curriculum to meet the sustainable needs of humanity and the planet.

Learn more →

• Education must be reimagined as a new social contract to respond to global problems.
• Transformative and inclusive curricula must integrate human rights, environmental care, digital literacy, and intercultural dialogue.
• Schools are vital social institutions and must become more inclusive and community-connected.
• Learning should span all stages of life, embracing both formal and informal education.

Teachers cannot be coded

Artificial intelligence is reshaping education, but teachers must be at the centre of the education's future.

UNESCO Associated Schools Network

A global network of schools, teachers, principals and school communities, who are committed to sharing UNESCO's values through education.

unesco.org/en/aspnet/need-know

ASPnet Education Initiatives

Learn more →

• UNESCO's Associated Schools Network is open to all public and private educational institutions that provide pre-primary, primary, secondary, and vocational education, as well as teacher training institutions or education teacher training departments within higher educational institutions. The Network provides member support and guidance for establishing UNESCO clubs dedicated to promoting UNESCO's values and work. Member schools and clubs are asked submit an annual work plan and participate in global projects or campaigns; but there are no membership, application, or admission fees for schools.

Access to Higher Education

Ensure all students have equal opportunities to access higher education.

UNESCO Campus Programme

Online campuses and events to help youth understand key global issues; fostering open discussion, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Webinars and Open Courses

Empowering learners to shape their own educational path and foster positive change.

Skills for Work and Life

Advancing the practical technical skills and knowledge needed for meaningful employment.

Digital Training of Educators

Educators face growing demands to adapt and integrate digital tools into their teaching, learning, and administrative practices.

Global Science of Learning Network

Education practitioners and scientists developing science-based strategies to meet the learning needs for our global future.

Laboratory of Ideas

An open forum for inspiring and innovative ideas exploring some of the complex subjects and challenges of our time.

unesco.org/laboratory-ideas/experts

Science for a Sustainable Future

International Basic Sciences Programme

Established to further develop international cooperation for the strengthening of national capacities in the basic sciences and science education.

Open Science

Open science is a set of principles and practices that aim to make all fields of scientific research accessible to everyone.

Natural Sciences for a Sustainable Future

The natural sciences can help find solutions to today’s environmental challenges and help us achieve sustainable development and greener societies.

Institutes and Centres in the Natural Sciences

Contributing to the exchange of information in particular disciplines, theoretical and experimental research, and advanced learning.

Protecting Biodiversity

Promoting laws and policies to halt and reverse the decline of biodiversity.

See video

UNESCO Earth Network

Connecting natural heritage sites with environmental scientists to help countries and communities achieve their biodiversity goals.

Earth Network Missions

Connecting UNESCO Biosphere Sites with scientific experts.

Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Helping indigenous peoples and local communities articulate the importance of their knowledge systems.

The Amazon Biosphere Reserves Project

Halting the degradation of forest areas, improving resilience, conserving biodiversity and ecosystems, and improving sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous communities in the Greater Amazon Basin.

International Geoscience Programme

A better understanding of the Earth is essential for the diversity of life and future of human society.

Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme

Advancing sustainable water management; securing clean drinking water, improving water quality, preventing floods, and preserving glaciers.

Water Security

Freshwater is the most important resource for humankind, cross-cutting all social, economic and environmental activities.

World Water Assessment Programme

Monitoring the world's freshwater resources, their use and management, and designing better water policies.

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

Promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve management of the ocean, coasts, and marine resources.

International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025

Raises awareness of glacier melt and promotes climate measures.

International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development

Mobilizing science for sustainable development.

UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Research Data for SDG Goals regarding education, culture, science, technology and communication.

Science and Ethics

Ethics of Science and Technology

UNESCO continues to build and reinforce linkages among ethicists, scientists, policy-makers, judges, journalists, and civil society on ethical issues in science and technology.

Ethics of Neurotechnology

Neurotechnology has promising human benefits but also potential ethical issues and problems.

Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Ensuring that science and technology develop with strong ethical guardrails.

Global AI Ethics and Governance Observatory

Provides a global resource on AI ethics & governance for policymakers, regulators, academics, the private sector and civil society.

Preservation of Heritage

Preservation of Cultural Heritage

World Heritage Convention

Safeguards outstanding natural and cultural heritage sites through global recognition and conservation standards.

Criteria for World Heritage Preservation

World Heritage Sites

The World Heritage List includes 972 cultural, 235 natural and 41 mixed properties regarded as having outstanding universal value.

World Heritage Sites Navigator

A comprehensive monitoring tool that visualises verified, georeferenced boundaries of World Heritage properties, Biosphere Reserves, and UNESCO Global Geoparks.

The Cultural Heritage Digital Platform

An innovative online platform using digital technologies to safeguard and promote World Heritage sites.

Memory of the World Programme

Digitizes and preserves documentary heritage, from manuscripts to oral histories.

World Heritage Cities Programme

Developing of a framework for urban heritage conservation and providing technical assistance for the implementation of new approaches.

World Heritage Sustainable Tourism Programme

Planning for tourism and heritage management, ensuring that natural and cultural sites are valued and protected.

World Heritage Museums

Supporting museums as places where cultural objects are exhibited and conserved, and as a way to bolster the local economy.

World Heritage Education Programme

Encourage and helps youth participate in heritage conservation.

World Heritage Volunteers Initiative

Engages youth and communities in hands-on heritage restoration, providing opportunities to learn preservation/conservation techniques.

Safeguarding Culture in Times of Crisis

Safeguarding cultural heritage and access to education in regions impacted by armed conflicts and disasters caused by natural hazards.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Safeguarding for future generations the global wealth of cultural traditions and practices in five domains.

The five domains of cultural preservation →

1. Oral traditions and expressions; incl. language.
2. Performing arts; incl. traditional music, dance and theatre.
3. Social practices; incl. rituals & festive events.
4. Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe.
5. Skills and knowledge involved in traditional craftsmanship.

Preservation of Natural Heritage

Natural World Heritage

The World Heritage Convention protects the most extraordinary natural places on the planet with natural beauty, outstanding biodiversity or geological values.

Man and the Biosphere Programme:
World Network of Biosphere Reserves

Each Biosphere Reserve promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable human use.

Listings of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

Find Biosphere Reserves located by country

Interlinkages of Biodiversity and Culture

Considering important cultural interactions with nature, especially in regards to conservation actions.

UNESCO Global Geoparks

Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed and protected.

List of UNESCO Global Geoparks

Global Geoparks integrate their special geological heritage with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

How a river became a community monitoring system

A South African river becomes a community monitoring system thanks to UNESCO in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve.

World Heritage for Small Island Developing States

Develops World Heritage sustainable conservation and management practices for small islands of the world.

World Heritage Marine Programme

a global collection of unique ocean places recognized for their unique marine biodiversity, singular ecosystem, unique geological processes or incomparable beauty.

The Global Network of Water Museums

Supports cooperation among museums, institutions, and people to re-connect with all forms of water legacy (both natural and cultural).

Underwater Cultural Heritage

Establishes a common framework for the identification, preservation and sustainability of objects that have been immersed for at least 100 years.

Advancing Scientific and Environmental Education

Provides environmental and climate-change learning opportunities at UNESCO natural heritage sites.

NGOs for Cultural Preservation
in Partnership with UNESCO

NGOs with associate or consultative status to participate and advise in UNESCO programming and policy for worldwide Cultural Preservation.

List of NGOs in official partnership with UNESCO

List of Foundations in official relations with UNESCO

International Council on Monuments and Sites

An NGO in associate partnership with UNESCO, working to conserve and protect cultural heritage sites worldwide, including monuments, historic buildings, and archaeological sites.

International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts

An NGO in consultative partnership with UNESCO and with advisory status to the ICH Committee, globally promoting traditional music, dance, rituals and crafts through networks and folk arts festivals.

International Music Council

An NGO in associate partnership with UNESCO, globally promoting musical diversity, supporting musicians’ rights, and fostering access to music education and culture.

International Theatre Institute

An NGO in associate partnership with UNESCO, globally promoting theatre arts and global exchanges of theatre performances.

International Association of Art Critics

An NGO in consultative partnership with UNESCO, fostering critical discourse among art scholars.

World Monuments Fund

Partnering with funders, governments & communities to preserve historical architectural and cultural sites.

NGOs with advisory status
for Intangible Cultural Heritage

NGOs with expertise & practice in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and preserving living cultural traditions & practices; with advisory status
in Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) meetings.

Listing of NGOs with ICH advisory status

Regional Centres for Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Inter-City Intangible Cultural Cooperation Network

International network of cultural organizations and local governments that aim to safeguard local Intangible Cultural Heritage and its inseparable relation to sustainable local development..

ICH NGO Forum

Forum of NGOs accredited by ICH or active in the field of ICH, which facilitates communication, cooperation, and joint action in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

World Crafts Council

Working to improve local economies through income-generating craft-related activities and exhibitions, and promoting World Crafts Cities.

World Crafts Cities

American Folklore Society

Engaged in understanding and advancing folklore, including the traditional art, stories, knowledge, and practices of a culture.

Specific Interest Areas

Association for Cultural Equity

Dedicated to the study of cultural languages and musics, and treating all as equally expressive, equally communicative, and equally valuable.

Cultural Relations

Cultural Rights and Diversity

UNESCO and Human Rights

Human rights guide all UNESCO programmes and activities and contribute to its mission of advancing education, culture, sciences and communication across the globe.

Cultural Rights

The right to culture encompasses the right of everyone to access, create, choose, participate in, and enjoy culture.

Combating racism and discrimination

Respecting differences of sex, ethnicity, language, religion and culture; and spreading universal respect for justice and human rights.

UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity

A mandate to ensure the preservation and promotion of cultural diversity.

Learn more →

• Cultural diversity is humanity’s shared heritage and must be protected for future generations.
• Cultural pluralism, rooted in democracy, ensures inclusion, social cohesion, and creative exchange.
• Cultural diversity is a foundation of development and human flourishing beyond economics.
• Respect for universal human rights is essential to safeguarding cultural diversity.
• Cultural rights guarantee freedom of expression, education, and participation in cultural life.
• Equal access to expression, media, and knowledge secures cultural diversity for all.
• Cultural heritage must be preserved and passed on as a source of creativity.
• Cultural goods and services embody identity and meaning beyond commercial value.
• Cultural policies must foster diverse creation and fair circulation of cultural works.
• International cooperation should strengthen cultural industries, especially in developing countries.
• Public policy and cross-sector partnerships are necessary to sustain cultural diversity.
• UNESCO has a mandate to promote, coordinate, and implement cultural diversity principles.

The International Fund for Cultural Diversity

Supports policies and strategies that protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions and viable cultural industries.

Migration and Inclusive Societies

UNESCO places emphasis on the human face of migration.

Intercultural Dialogue

UNESCO's Intercultural Dialogue Portal

Introduces dialogue as a practical, value-driven approach to trust and shared solutions.

UNESCO e-Platform on Intercultural Dialogue

Collaborative hub for sharing knowledge, best practices, and capacity-building tools.

Concepts Glossary for Intercultural Dialogue

Defines cultural rights as essential to diversity and human rights.

Teaching Shared Histories

Sharing Humanity Global Campaign

Global campaign promoting unity, inclusion, and human dignity.

The Social Transformations Programme

Fostering positive social change towards inclusive and sustainable development.

Futures Literacy & Foresight

Helping understand why and how we can use futures thinking and foresight to prepare, plan, and interact with the complexity and novelty of our future.

The Digital Anthropology Project

Aims to deepen our understanding of the interplay between human communities, cultures, and digital technologies.

Learn more →

• Its goal is to shed light on what it means to be a human in the digital era and how individuals’ behaviours in the digital space translate into the analogue space. The project seeks to provide insights to guide the development better policies and practices with a focus on promoting inclusivity and ethical societies. The project is organized around three key workstreams: advancing education, innovating technology, and building awareness.

MONDIACULT 2025

UNESCO's largest World Conference on Cultural Policies with participants from more than 160 countries; emphasized the need to place culture and cultural dialogue at the heart of economic development and crisis response policies.

Peace and Diplomacy

Building a Culture of Peace Initiative

Building peace throughout the world with peace education, peacebuilding activities, and peace celebrations.

8 Areas for Building a Culture of Peace

How UNESCO fosters a Culture of Peace

• Intercultural Dialogue: UNESCO facilitates dialogue and builds trust among diverse groups, which is vital for social cohesion and conflict prevention.
• Education: Human rights education in schools promotes respect for others' cultures, anchoring the efforts to build a culture of peace.
• Protection of Cultural Heritage: UNESCO works to protect cultural heritage during conflict, recognizing it as essential for collective memory, social cohesion, and post-conflict recovery.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Through its normative instruments and programs, UNESCO serves as a global platform for cultural diplomacy, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among nations.
• Community Engagement: The organization engages local communities and partners to create inclusive and locally-led peace processes that are sustainable.

International Day of Peace

21 September celebrates the power of global solidarity for building a peaceful and sustainable world.

International Day of Democracy

21 September celebrates the power of global solidarity for building a peaceful and sustainable world.

Building Democracy and Fostering Peace

Striving for the realisation of shared universal values, such as tolerance, pluralism, the respect of human rights, freedom and dialogue.

International Institute for Peace

An NGO with UNESCO consultative status, working on peacebuilding, conflict-resolution, education and cultural dialogue.

Cultural Diplomacy

Using cultural exchanges to build bridges and advance diplomatic goals.

UK Forum on Cultural Diplomacy

Advanced cultural diplomacy methods for international cooperation, cultural understanding, sustainable growth and global peace.

EU Cultural Diplomacy Platform

An EU-funded project that connects cultural practitioners worldwide for dialogue, exchange and co-operation.

Sustainable Cities

UNESCO Sustainable Cities Platform

Providing policy advice and practical assistance for enhancing the sustainability of cities, drawing on operational expertise in education, sciences, and culture.

New Urban Agenda Pdf

Creative Cities Network

Promotes cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.

Cities of Culture and Creativity

Nurturing culture and creativity as essential for making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable,

Global Network of Learning Cities

An international policy-oriented network to foster a culture of learning at the local level and collaborative learning internationally.

International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities

Assisting local leaders and service providers in combating discrimination in education, employment, housing, and cultural activities.

Disaster Risk Reduction Programme

seeks to strengthen the risk awareness, prevention, preparedness, and resilience of societies to withstand sudden natural disasters.

Freedom of Communication

Communication and Information

Communication & Information

UNESCO defends freedom of the press, media diversity, and access to information for all.

Creative Commons

An NGO associative partner of UNESCO promoting open access to information, educational reuse of content, and sharing of knowledge.

Media and Information Literacy

Supports the development of media and information literacy as well as digital competencies in order to engage critically with information.

Universal Access to Information and Digital Inclusion

Promotes access to reliable information so that citizens can make informed decisions and hold their governments accountable.

Digital Policies and Digital Transformation

Promoting policies for digital technologies for advancing human progress and inclusive knowledge societies.

Internet for Trust

Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms

Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms

aims to ensure that everyone's freedom of expression, access to information and diverse cultural content are fully guaranteed.

Countering hate speech

What is hate speech and what are its negative effects.

What is the definition of hate speech?

• Any kind of communication in speech, writing or behaviour that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender or other identity factor.

Engagement of Youth

UNESCO Engagement of Youth

Supporting the creativity, innovation and capacity of Youth to make positive change in the world.

UNESCO Global Youth Community

An inclusive platform, run by youth and for youth, fostering youth-to-youth collaboration and intergenerational learning.

UNESCO Global Youth Forum

Providing youth with the space to engage in dialogue, discussion and debate, and to share recommendations and solutions with UN Member States during General Conference.

Freedom of Expression and Media

Freedom of Expression and Civil Rights

Correlation between Freedom of Expression and Civil & Political Rights.

Freedom of Expression and the Rule of Law

Training law enforcement and judicial operators on international standards of freedom of expression, access to information, and the safety of journalists.

World Press Freedom Day

Annual celebration and defense of press freedom and the right to information.

Threats to Freedom of the Press

UNESCO actions against violence, censorship, and disinformation.

Safety of Journalists

Ensuring the safety of journalists and combatting impunity for those who attack them are essential for maintaining press freedom and freedom of expression.

Safety of Journalists in crisis and conflict-situations

Journalists reporting from crisis or conflict-zones can face physical attacks, detention, equipment confiscation, or denial of access to sites.

Safety of Women Journalists

Advocates for the safety of women journalists and media workers who are subject to disproportional attacks and threats, physical and online.

UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists

Raising public awareness on the societal importance of independent and professional journalism.

UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists

Monitors and provides updated information the killing of journalists and media workers across the globe.

The Global Media Defence Fund

Supports local, regional and global not-for-profit organizations working to bolster journalists’ legal protection and/or enhance media freedom.

Freedom and Safety of Scientists

Promoting scientific freedom and strengthening the safety of scientific researchers.