Summary
UNESCO works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values. It is through this dialogue that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which are at the heart of UNESCO’S mission and activities. (Introducing UNESCO)
Relevant Treaties
See: UNESCO Constitution (at UNESCO Website.
In the UN Treaty map: UNESCO Constitution
Related Bodies and Agencies
Aim & Objectives
Two global priorities are Africa and Gender equality.
Overarching objectives include:
- 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
Core Values
UNESCO’s 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.
Activities
UNESCO will carry out for the international community five established functions:
i) laboratory of ideas, including foresight;
ii) standard-setter;
iii) clearing house;
iv) capacity-builder in Member States in UNESCO’s fields of competence;
v) catalyst for international cooperation.
Strategic Plan
See the Medium-Term Strategy 2008-2013
Operations
Work is organised around five major programmes and 16 special themes.
(http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/themes/)
Monitoring & Evaluation
UNESCO's Internal Oversight Service (IOS) consists of three branches: internal audit, evaluation and investigation.
UNESCO Internal Oversight Service
UNESCO's effectiveness was recently reviewed in UK's Multilateral Aid Review.
Change
The action plans to implement relevant recommendations from new JIU reports and comments from the responsible sectors can be downloaded here: Action Plans and Comments on Recommendations in JIU Reports Presented in 184 EX/6 Part III
