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About UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization

Image courtesy of Mouagip, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

History

During WWII (as early as 1942), European countries came together to look for ways to rebuild education systems once the war was over. The project gained momentum and a universal character. A UN Conference opened in November of 1945 that gathered representatives from “44 countries who decided to create an organization that would embody a genuine culture of peace. In their eyes, the new organization was to establish the “intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind” and thereby prevent the outbreak of another world war.”

Vision

UNESCO believes that governments are not enough to secure the lasting and sincere support of the people, which is why dialogue built upon mutual understanding is so important. Peace should be built upon humanity. UNESCO’s vision includes:

  • Developing educational tools to help people live as global citizens free from hate and intolerance.
  • Ensuring everyone has access to quality education- especially after the COVID pandemic.
  • Promoting cultural heritage and equal dignity of all cultures.
  • Standing up for freedom of expression.

 

UNESCO’s duty remains to reaffirm the humanist missions of education, science and culture even in the face of hatred today.

"Since wars begin in the minds of men and women, it is in the minds of men and women that the defences of peace must be constructed.”

– UNESCO Constitution

“It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in education, sciences and culture. UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.”
UNESCO
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