UNESCO at 60

UNESCO Communities

UNESCO functions thanks to the synergy between diverse community actors that together form an international community. These communities include governments, National Commissions, Parliamentarians, NGOs and associations. Among them we also find the media, schools, cultural and scientific institutions, private-sector partners and the United Nations family of institutions. Together, they give life to UNESCO's ideals and values around the world, at the local, national and international levels. The UNESCO.ORG sub-portal "UNESCO Communities"(LINK!!) offers these actors a forum to enhance communication and increase their visibility.




Detail of Water Rhythm. Jean Bazaine
    A total of 190 countries have set up National Commissions(LINKS!!) composed of representatives of national educational, scientific and cultural communities. About 100 consultative committees, international commissions and intergovernmental councils have been set up to carry out specific tasks or for purposes of reflection. 6,000 UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations(LINK!!) promote the Organization's ideals and efforts at the grassroots level. 6,700 Associated Schools(LINK!!) help young people develop attitudes of tolerance and international understanding. 330 non-governmental organizations (NGOs)(LINK!!) maintain official relations with UNESCO and many others cooperate on an occasional basis with the Organization's sectors. A group of 40 eminent personalities - the Goodwill Ambassadors - use their talent and status to help focus the world's attention on the work and mission of UNESCO. Over 300 firms and organizations in the business community, new partners(LINK!!) committed to the goals of sustainable human development and social responsibility, cooperate with UNESCO worldwide. 174 Member States maintain Permanent Delegations(LINK!!) to UNESCO in Paris. Parliamentians(LINK!!) play an essential role for UNESCO in its working relations with regional and international associations for promoting peace and development through education and democracy. UNESCO also relies on a wide variety of specialized networks to help it to implement its Programme.