United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, working with 194 Member States to strengthen international cooperation in education, science, culture and information. Its stated purpose is to build peace through greater equality and mutual understanding, with a global presence spanning 194 Member States.

Central to its mandate is international standard setting: UNESCO develops international standards across education, science, culture and information, alongside tools for cooperation among Member States. The organisation also produces knowledge intended to help shape public policy, and builds international networks of sites and institutions, including heritage sites.

Its substantive domains include education and lifelong learning; science and sustainability; culture and the protection of cultural heritage; biodiversity protection; freedom of expression and access to information; knowledge production and public policy; and disaster and conflict response. The work is translated into policies, programmes and local action, including support for communities affected by conflict and natural disasters.