UNESCO's Structure
UNESCO -- How it works
UNESCO is the only UN agency to have a system of National Commissions
in its Member States. These National Commissions form a vital link between
civil society and the Organization. They help implement many key initiatives
including training programmes, studies, and public awareness campaigns.
Eight hundred UNESCO Clubs, Associations and Centres throughout the world
promote the Organization's ideals and action at the grassroots level.
UNESCO is made up of three principal bodies:
The General Conference
The General Conference is the primary decision-making body, and is comprised
of representatives from all Member States. It meets every two years to
determine the policies and main focus of work of the Organization. Following
the principle of one vote per country, it approves UNESCO ’s programme
and budget. Every four years , the General Conference appoints the Director-General
based upon the recommendation of the Executive Board.
The Executive Board
The Executive Board is elected by the General Conference and meets twice
a year. It consists of 58 Member States with a four-year term of office.
The Executive Board examines the programme of work for the Organization
and oversees the effective execution of conference decisions. The Board
is also responsible for preparing the work of the General Conference and
examining the Organization’s programme and budget. Canada was elected
to the Executive Board at the 32nd General Conference in 2003.
The Secretariat
This is the Organization's administrative branch, based in Paris, and
under its authority programmes adopted by the Member States are implemented.
The Secretariat consists of the Director-General who is the executive
head of UNESCO, and staff. The post of Director-General is presently held
by Koïchiro Matsuura, who was elected in 1999 for a six-year term.
UNESCO has over 50 field offices around the world. One hundred and seventy-four
Member States have established permanent delegations to UNESCO in Paris.
The Organization holds broad consultations on a regular basis with the
Permanent Delegations.
Canadian Promotion of Reforms in
UNESCO
Clear Focus and Fiscal restraint
Canada has been one of the strongest advocates at UNESCO for organizational
reform and results-based management to help modernize the Organization
and position it for the challenges ahead. Currently, UNESCO is implementing
reforms in these areas focussing on a more streamlined planning process
and introducing performance indicators in the programme areas. Canada’s
Auditor General has been UNESCO’s External Auditor since 1994.
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