UNESCO is a specialised agency of the United Nations, established on 16 November 1945. Its mission is to build peace and sustainable development by advancing education, science, culture, and communication/information. Headquarters: Paris, France. Director-General: Audrey Azoulay (since 2017).
Objectives
- Promote inclusive, equitable and quality education (SDG4).
- Foster international cooperation in science and innovation.
- Safeguard culture, heritage, and creative diversity.
- Advance freedom of expression, media development and access to information.
- Strengthen ethical frameworks for science and digital transformation.
Key Programmes & Flagships
World Heritage
Identifies and protects cultural & natural heritage of outstanding universal value.
Education (SDG4)
Global leadership on inclusive, lifelong learning and Education for Sustainable Development.
Memory of the World
Preservation and access to documentary heritage (manuscripts, archives, audiovisual, digital records).
Man & the Biosphere (MAB)
Worldwide network of biosphere reserves promoting biodiversity and sustainable use.
Freedom of Expression
Media development, journalist safety, information as a public good.
Open Science & Ethics
Frameworks for open science, AI ethics, and responsible research.
Why UNESCO Matters to LIS
- Global advocacy for Open Access and Open Educational Resources (OER).
- Promotion of Information Literacy and digital empowerment.
- Memory of the World: preservation standards and visibility for documentary heritage.
- Partnerships with IFLA and national associations for knowledge sharing and policy dialogue.
Structure & Funding (at a glance)
- General Conference (Member States) sets policies and budget.
- Executive Board prepares programme & oversees implementation.
- Secretariat headed by the Director-General implements programmes.
- Funded by assessed contributions + voluntary/extra-budgetary resources.
Note: For current priorities, calls, and country-level projects, always consult UNESCO’s official site and regional offices.
FAQs
What does UNESCO stand for?
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
When was UNESCO founded?
16 November 1945.
How does UNESCO help libraries?
Through policies and programmes on open access, information literacy, preservation of documentary heritage, and support for knowledge societies.
Is UNESCO only about heritage sites?
No. Heritage is one pillar; UNESCO also leads in education, science cooperation, freedom of expression, and digital policy.
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