UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded in 1945 in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Its mission is to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. The Organization focuses, in particular, on two global priorities:
And on a number of overarching objectives:
- Attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning
- Mobilizing science knowledge and policy for sustainable development
- Addressing emerging social and ethical challenges
- Fostering cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace
- Building inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication
The broad goals and concrete objectives of the international community – as set out in the internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – underpin all UNESCO’s strategies and activities. Thus UNESCO’s unique competencies in education, the sciences, culture and communication and information contribute towards the realization of those goals.
Every six years the Organization adopts a medium-term strategy, which sets out the strategic objectives and expected outcomes for the Organization’s work.