UNESCO

  • One of the United Nations’ specialised organisations is the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (UN). Through worldwide collaboration in education, science, and culture, it aims to promote peace.
  • Additionally, it is a part of the UNSDG, a coalition of UN agencies and organisations working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • The head office of UNESCO is in Paris, and there are more than 50 field offices spread out across the globe.
  • The General Conference and the Executive Board are in charge of running it, and as of April 2020, it has 193 Members and 11 Associate Members.
  • While three UN member nations (Israel, Liechtenstein, and the United States) are not UNESCO members, three UNESCO member states are: Cook Islands, Niue, and

UNESCO concentrates on a number of goals, including:

 

  • obtaining lifelong learning and high-quality education for everyone
  • utilising research to inform decision-making and promote sustainable development
  • addressing new ethical and societal issues
  • promoting a culture of peace, intercultural interaction, and cultural variety
  • fostering communication and information to create inclusive knowledge societies
  • focuses on two global priorities: gender equality and Africa.

Some of the Important World Heritage Convention and List Initiatives

  • The 1972 World Heritage Convention brings together the ideas of protecting natural resources and cultural heritage.
  • The World Heritage Convention specifies the types of natural and cultural sites that can be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List.
  • United States Parties to the convention are urged to set up staff and services at their sites, engage in scientific and technical conservation, and include the preservation of cultural and natural heritage into regional planning programmes.
  • It outlines the research and utilisation of the World Heritage Fund.
  • There are 1121 World Heritage sites spread over 167 nations worldwide. India, on the other hand, is home to 38 World Heritage Sites, including 30 Cultural, 7 Natural, and 1 Mixed properties.

Program Man and the Biosphere (MAB)

  • The objective of this international research programme is to create a solid scientific foundation for improving the interaction between people and their environments.
  • It encourages creative, socially and culturally suitable, and environmentally sound methods of economic development.
  • There are currently 701 sites, including 21 transboundary sites, in 124 nations worldwide that are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
  • Under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme, India maintains 18 Biosphere Reserves, 11 of which have received international recognition.

Global Geoparks and International Geoscience Program (IGGP)

 

  • The International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) focuses on responsible resource extraction, natural hazard resilience and preparedness, and adaptability in the face of climate change. It does this by utilising the intellectual capacity of a global network of geoscientists to lay the groundwork for our planet’s future.
  • The UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) are demonstration projects for sustainable development that support the preservation of local communities and the management of Earth’s cultural heritage.
  • There are 147 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 41 Member States as of April 2019, totaling 288,000 km2.

Program International Hydrological (IHP)

  • The Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) is the only intergovernmental initiative within the framework of the United Nations organisation that is focused on water research and management, as well as related capacity development and education.

Water Assessment Program for the World (WWAP)

  • The security, stability, and environmental sustainability of developing countries are threatened by the escalating worldwide water issue.
  • The initiative focuses on evaluating how freshwater resources are faring globally. Additionally, it coordinates the efforts of 31 partners and members of UN-Water for the World Water Development Report (WWDR).

Program for International Basic Sciences (IBSP)

It is an international initiative that spans several disciplines that was created by UNESCO Member States in order to strengthen intergovernmental science cooperation and boost national skills in the fundamental sciences and science education.

Important UNESCO Reports

Science Report from UNESCO

Report on Global Education Monitoring UNESCO’s 1980 McBride Report on the State of Education in India: Children with Disabilities India and UNESCO

Indian National Commission for UNESCO Collaboration (INCCU)

  • Since the organization’s founding in 1946, India has been a member. According to the UNESCO statute, every Member State must have a principal body that cooperates with the organisation. The Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU) was established as a result in India.

There are two UNESCO offices in India.

  • The New Delhi cluster office serves eleven South and Central Asian nations (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka)
  • The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development, or MGIEP, has the full support and financial backing of the Indian government.
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