COP31: Protecting our water reserves
80 years in the service of peace
On 4 November 1946, UNESCO's Constitution entered into force. Eighty years ago, an organization was born from a simple conviction: that peace is built in the minds of women and men, through knowledge, dialogue and cooperation. Since then, UNESCO has set international standards, protected heritage, defended freedom of expression, supported education and put science at the service of humanity. Relive the voices and moments that shaped its history, alongside its 194 Member States.
Delivering for people in crisis
Culture, education, science, and information are essential needs in times of turbulence and crisis. They are powerful drivers of social cohesion, resilience, and hope in a better future.
UNESCO plays a vital role in safeguarding the social and cultural foundations that underpin stability, dignity, and recovery for communities affected by crises. By protecting these pillars, we help ensure that societies can rebuild not only infrastructure, but also trust, identity, and the collective capacity to move forward.
Our impact in communities
UNESCO in brief
UNESCO is the United Nations organization that promotes cooperation in education, science, culture and communication to foster peace worldwide.
The Organization provides key services for its Member States, setting global norms and standards, developing tools for international cooperation, producing knowledge for public policies and building global networks of sites and institutions inscribed on its lists.
UNESCO lists and designations
Magazine: The UNESCO Courier
Is journalism old news?
At a time when anyone can publish and share content, an abundance of information guarantees neither its quality nor its accuracy.
While digital platforms amplify access to the public arena as well as to information, they can also undermine the conditions for independent journalism.
In this disrupted landscape, a critical question arises: how can we preserve journalism that is based on verified facts, sound judgment, and the public interest?
