UNESCO - A key
player
As one of 18 autonomous specialized agencies, UNESCO occupies a key role
within the UN system, working closely with a wide range of regional and
national organizations. UNESCO’s constitution was signed in London
on November 16, 1945, by 37 countries, among them Canada. It came into
force with the 20th ratification on 4 November 1946. Around 600 non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) maintain official relations with UNESCO and hundreds
more collaborate with the Organization on specific projects.
UNESCO works to safeguard peace and human development through its role
as the international lead agency for education, the sciences, culture
and communication. UNESCO works to
- develop and promote universal principles and ideas, based on the
need to protect the vulnerable and disadvantaged;
- recognize and safeguard diversity and human rights;
- Promote empowerment and participation in the emerging knowledge society
through universal access, capacity-building and sharing of knowledge.
UNESCO functions as a laboratory of ideas -- anticipating and defining
emerging challenges within its mandated spheres of education, science,
culture, information and communication. It plays a pivotal role in gathering
and sharing available information, knowledge and best practices within
these spheres. UNESCO serves as a central forum for examining and identifying
the ethical and intellectual issues of our time, working towards universal
agreements on these issues, benchmarking targets and mobilizing international
opinion. At the heart of UNESCO’s mission and activities is a global
vision of a culture of peace based upon observance of human rights, sustainable
development, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty.
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