UK National Commission for UNESCO Information

We are the UK National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC). We support the UK’s contribution to UNESCO and bring the benefits of UNESCO to the UK. We are the hub for all UNESCO-related matters in the UK. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) is the United Nations body responsible for coordinating international cooperation in education, science, culture and communication. Its goal is to help prevent war by building the defences of peace in the minds of men and women. UNESCO works towards this goal by strengthening the ties between nations and societies through its international networks. It aims to ensure that each child has access to quality education, may grow and live in an environment rich in diversity and dialogue, can fully benefit from scientific advances, and can enjoy full freedom of expression. Founded in 1946 by the UK government and established under Article VII of UNESCO’s Constitution, we are a vital part of UNESCO’s unique global network of 190+ national cooperating bodies known as National Commissions. We work to support the UK government’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, and to strengthen the ties between the UK’s educational, academic, scientific, cultural, creative and artistic communities and UNESCO’s global programmes and policies. We are an independent not-for-profit organisation, supported by grant funding from the UK government. We have four core functions: - To provide expert, independent policy advice to the UK and devolved governments on UNESCO related issues. - To support the UK government’s agenda to help UNESCO achieve its core goals. - To advise and assist individuals and institutions in the UK, and its’ Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, on accessing UNESCO accreditation and prizes. - To support and enhance the value of the UK’s 150+ UNESCO sites and projects.