United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a United Nations agency that promotes international cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, communication, and information. The organization aims to enhance mutual understanding among nations and societies by facilitating the exchange of knowledge and the free flow of ideas. UNESCO operates to establish intellectual and moral solidarity among humanity and to contribute to the sustainability of global peace.

Mission

UNESCO’s objectives include carrying out activities in education, culture, and science in accordance with UNESCO ideals, informing public and private institutions about UNESCO activities and encouraging their participation, and keeping the public and governments informed through continuous monitoring of processes.

History

UNESCO was established by the UNESCO Constitution, adopted in London in 1945, and came into effect in 1946.^【1】 The organization was created with the vision of building lasting peace in the minds of people, as economic and political agreements among states after World War II were deemed insufficient.

The founding process traces back to the Conference of Allied Ministers of Education (CAME), held in the United Kingdom in 1942, where European countries met to discuss ways to rebuild post-war education systems. This initiative rapidly evolved and acquired a universal character.

In accordance with CAME’s proposal, the United Nations Conference on Education and Culture (ECO/CONF) was convened in London from 1 to 6 November 1945 to establish an institution for education and culture. Delegates from 44 countries attended, with the goal of establishing intellectual and moral solidarity among humanity and preventing another world war.

At the conclusion of the conference, 37 countries founded UNESCO. The founding charter, signed on 16 November 1945, entered into force on 4 November 1946 after ratification by 20 countries. Among the first countries to ratify were Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, Czechoslovakia, China, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, France, South Africa, India, Canada, Lebanon, Mexico, Egypt, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, New Zealand, and Greece.^【2】

Historical developments have influenced UNESCO’s structure. Japan and the Federal Republic of Germany became members in 1951, Spain in 1953. The Soviet Union joined in 1954; in 1992, the Russian Federation and 12 former Soviet republics succeeded to this membership. Nineteen African countries joined UNESCO during the 1960s. Since 1971, the People’s Republic of China has been the sole representative of China in UNESCO. The German Democratic Republic was a member from 1972 until its reunification with the Federal Republic of Germany in 1990. Some countries temporarily withdrew for political reasons; for example, South Africa (1955–1994), the United States (1985–2003 and 2018–2023), the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1986–1997), and Singapore (1986–2007) were not members for certain periods.^【3】

Impact and Areas of Activity

UNESCO’s areas of expertise are shaped within the framework of its mission to build peace, eradicate poverty, and promote sustainable development. Education, science, culture, communication, ocean studies, and priorities for Africa and gender equality form the foundation of UNESCO’s global initiatives.

Education lies at the center of UNESCO’s activities and is regarded as a fundamental human right for all throughout life. As the only organization within the United Nations system covering all aspects of education, UNESCO leads the Education 2030 Agenda under the Sustainable Development Goals. The organization guides global and regional education policies, strengthens education systems, and develops educational solutions to contemporary global challenges through a gender equality approach. Its work encompasses quality education development from early childhood through higher education and beyond.

Natural sciences focus on generating scientific knowledge to support sustainable development, combat environmental issues, and build greener societies. Guided by the understanding that scientific cooperation serves global goals beyond the reach of any single state, UNESCO supports international scientific collaboration to contribute to knowledge production and serve peacebuilding.

Social and human sciences aim to develop inclusive and sustainable societies in response to major societal transformations such as climate change, digital transformation, demographic shifts, and inequalities. This field focuses on managing social transformations, strengthening the relationship between science and policy, and ethically governing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, and climate engineering. Other key areas include the safety of scientists, promoting trust in science, combating racism and discrimination, fostering intercultural dialogue, and empowering youth and women.

Culture is understood as a broad field enriching societies’ lives, from tangible and Intangible cultural heritageintangible heritage, museums, and historical structures to contemporary arts. UNESCO adopts as core principles the protection of cultural and natural heritage, the support of creative industries, and the integration of culture into development policies. UNESCO argues that the cultural dimension is indispensable in addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change, inequalities, the digital divide, and conflicts, and acts on the understanding that lasting peace is possible through mutual respect and open dialogue among cultures.

Communication and information work to safeguard fundamental human rights in both online and offline environments. Within this framework, UNESCO supports key actors and develops policies related to freedom of expression, access to information, media development, and the empowerment of information societies.

Oceans constitute a vital component of UNESCO’s environmental activities. Oceans, covering 70% of the Earth’s surface and absorbing approximately one-quarter of global carbon dioxide emissions, face serious threats due to climate change. UNESCO undertakes initiatives to protect ocean ecosystems, monitor and preserve underwater heritage, ensure the sustainable management of marine resources, and enhance ocean literacy.

Africa priority is one of the organization’s foundational approaches since its establishment. In line with Africa’s strategic importance for global peace and prosperity, UNESCO develops programs to strengthen the capacity of African countries in education, culture, science, and communication. It aims to contribute to the creation of innovative and resilient African societies through inclusive policies, equitable access to information, and fair access to technology.

Gender equality priority is integrated as a horizontal component across all UNESCO programs, with a particular focus on reducing inequalities through education. UNESCO and its partners strive to advance global gender equality by empowering women and girls, ensuring their equal access to education, and supporting their full participation in social life.

UNESCO House

UNESCO House in Paris symbolizes international cooperation through its modern architecture and art collection. Conferences, events, and high-level meetings are held here. Guided tours for visitors, educational sessions for youth, and access to the library and archives are provided. UNESCO House is a center where culture, knowledge, and international cooperation converge.

UNESCO Governance

General Conference

The General Conference is the highest decision-making body of UNESCO, determining its policies and areas of activity in accordance with Article IV of the UNESCO Constitution. It may adopt conventions and recommendations in the fields of education, science, culture, communication, and information, and organize international conferences. It consists of representatives of all member states and holds ordinary sessions every two years. The location of the meeting is determined by the General Conference at its ordinary session upon the proposal of the Executive Board.

The General Conference makes final decisions on programs presented by the Executive Board. Voting is generally conducted by a show of hands. Unless otherwise specified in Article 82 of the Internal Regulations, decisions are adopted by a simple majority of members present and voting. The proceedings of the General Conference are published in two volumes. Volume 1 (Decisions) contains resolutions adopted by the General Conference, reports of commissions and committees, and lists of officers of the General Conference and its commissions and committees. Volume 2 (Proceedings) contains the full verbatim records of plenary meetings and the list of participants.

Official Languages of the General Conference: Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Hindi, and Portuguese.^【4】

Working Languages of the General Conference: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.^【5】

Information Document Languages of the General Conference: English and French.^【6】

Executive Board

In accordance with Article V of the UNESCO Constitution, the Executive Board prepares the agenda of the General Conference, examines proposed programs and budget estimates, and submits recommendations. It consists of 58 member states and holds at least four ordinary meetings every two years. It ensures the effective and rational implementation of programs in accordance with decisions of the General Conference.

Secretariat

The Secretariat, under the leadership of the Director-General, is responsible for the administration and global representation of the organization. It carries out daily operations, coordinates meetings, facilitates communication among member states, and monitors the implementation of global projects. It implements UNESCO’s programs in education, science, culture, and communication.

Directors-General of UNESCO

UNESCO Directors-General are elected by the Executive Board and appointed by the General Conference. Their terms have been four years since 2009. The Directors-General who have served since the organization’s founding are as follows:^【7】

• Jaima Torres Bodet (Mexico, 1948–1952)
• John W. Taylor (United States, 1952–1953)
• Luther Evans (United States, 1953–1958)
• Vittorino Veronese (Italy, 1958–1961)
• René Maheu (France, 1962–1974)
• Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow (Senegal, 1974–1987; re-elected in 1980)
• Federico Mayor (Spain, 1987–1999; re-elected in 1993)
• Koïchiro Matsuura (Japan, 1999–2009)
• Irina Bokova (Bulgaria, 2009–2017; re-elected in 2013)
• Audrey Azoulay (France, 2017–2025)
• Khaled El-Enany (Egypt, 2025– )

Khaled El-Enany, elected at the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, assumed office as Director-General on 15 November 2025. He is the 12th Director-General of UNESCO.^【8】

UNESCO Member States

As of November 2025, UNESCO has 194 member states and 12 associate members.^【9】 UNESCO membership is governed by Articles II and XV of the UNESCO Constitution and Articles 98–101 of the General Conference’s Internal Regulations. Member states of the United Nations are automatically eligible for UNESCO membership. Non-UN member states may be admitted to UNESCO upon the recommendation of the Executive Board and a two-thirds majority vote of the General Conference. Territories or groups of territories not responsible for international relations may be admitted as associate members. Their rights and obligations are determined by the General Conference.

All member states have established national commissions to link their governments and civil society organizations with UNESCO’s activities. National commissions are national cooperation bodies established by member states to facilitate collaboration with UNESCO.

Member States and Years of Membership^【10】

1. Afghanistan — 1948
2. Albania — 1958
3. Algeria — 1962
4. Andorra — 1993
5. Angola — 1977
6. Antigua and Barbuda — 1982
7. Argentina — 1948
8. Armenia — 1992
9. Australia — 1946
10. Austria — 1948
11. Azerbaijan — 1992
12. Bahamas — 1981
13. Bahrain — 1972
14. Bangladesh — 1972
15. Barbados — 1968
16. Belarus — 1954
17. Belgium — 1946
18. Belize — 1982
19. Benin — 1960
20. Bhutan — 1982
21. Bolivia — 1946
22. Bosnia and Herzegovina — 1993
23. Botswana — 1980
24. Brazil — 1946
25. Brunei Darussalam — 2005
26. Bulgaria — 1956
27. Burkina Faso — 1960
28. Burundi — 1962
29. Cabo Verde — 1978
30. Cambodia — 1951
31. Cameroon — 1960
32. Canada — 1946
33. Central African Republic — 1960
34. Chad — 1960
35. Chile — 1953
36. China — 1946
37. Colombia — 1947
38. Comoros — 1977
39. Congo — 1960
40. Cook Islands — 1989
41. Costa Rica — 1950
42. Côte d’Ivoire — 1960
43. Croatia — 1992
44. Cuba — 1947
45. Cyprus — 1961
46. Czechia — 1993
47. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea — 1960
48. Denmark — 1946
49. Djibouti — 1989
50. Dominica — 1979
51. Dominican Republic — 1946
52. Ecuador — 1947
53. Egypt — 1946
54. El Salvador — 1948
55. Equatorial Guinea — 1979
56. Eritrea — 1993
57. Estonia — 1991
58. Eswatini — 1978
59. Ethiopia — 1955
60. Fiji — 1983
61. Finland — 1956
62. France — 1946
63. Gabon — 1960
64. Gambia — 1973
65. Georgia — 1992
66. Germany — 1951
67. Ghana — 1958
68. Greece — 1946
69. Grenada — 1975
70. Guatemala — 1950
71. Guyana — 1967
72. Guinea — 1960
73. Guinea-Bissau — 1974
74. Haiti — 1946
75. Honduras — 1947
76. Hungary — 1948
77. Iceland — 1964
78. India — 1946
79. Indonesia — 1950
80. Iran — 1948
81. Iraq — 1948
82. Ireland — 1961
83. Italy — 1946
84. Jamaica — 1962
85. Japan — 1951
86. Jordan — 1950
87. Kazakhstan — 1992
88. Kenya — 1964
89. Kiribati — 1989
90. Kuwait — 1960
91. Kyrgyzstan — 1992
92. Lao People’s Democratic Republic — 1951
93. Latvia — 1991
94. Lebanon — 1946
95. Lesotho — 1967
96. Liberia — 1947
97. Libya — 1953
98. Lithuania — 1991
99. Luxembourg — 1947
100. Madagascar — 1960
101. Malawi — 1964
102. Malaysia — 1958
103. Maldives — 1980
104. Mali — 1960
105. Malta — 1965
106. Marshall Islands — 1995
107. Mauritania — 1962
108. Mauritius — 1968
109. Mexico — 1946
110. Micronesia (Federated States of) — 1999
111. Moldova — 3 June 1992
112. Monaco — 1949
113. Mongolia — 1962
114. Montenegro — 2007
115. Morocco — 1956
116. Mozambique — 1976
117. Myanmar — 1949
118. Namibia — 1978
119. Nauru — 1996
120. Nepal — 1953
121. Netherlands — 1947
122. New Zealand — 1946
123. Nicaragua — 1952
124. Niger — 1960
125. Nigeria — 1960
126. Niue — 1993
127. North Macedonia — 1993
128. Norway — 1946
129. Oman — 1972
130. Pakistan — 1949
131. Palau — 1999
132. Panama — 1950
133. Papua New Guinea — 1976
134. Paraguay — 1955
135. Peru — 1946
136. Philippines — 1946
137. Poland — 1946
138. Portugal — 1974
139. Qatar — 1972
140. Republic of Korea — 1950
141. Republic of Moldova — 1992
142. Romania — 1956
143. Russian Federation — 1954
144. Rwanda — 1962
145. Saint Kitts and Nevis — 1983
146. Saint Lucia — 1980
147. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — 1983
148. Samoa — 1981
149. San Marino — 1974
150. Sao Tome and Principe — 1980
151. Saudi Arabia — 1946
152. Senegal — 1960
153. Serbia — 2000
154. Seychelles — 1976
155. Sierra Leone — 1962
156. Singapore — 2007
157. Slovakia — 1993
158. Slovenia — 1992
159. Solomon Islands — 1993
160. Somalia — 1960
161. South Africa — 1994
162. South Sudan — 2011
163. Spain — 1953
164. Sri Lanka — 1949
165. State of Palestine — 2011
166. Sudan — 1956
167. Suriname — 1976
168. Sweden — 1950
169. Switzerland — 1949
170. Syrian Arab Republic — 1946
171. Tajikistan — 1993
172. Thailand — 1949
173. Timor-Leste — 2003
174. Togo — 1960
175. Tonga — 1980
176. Trinidad and Tobago — 1962
177. Tunisia — 1956
178. Türkiye — 1946
179. Turkmenistan — 1993
180. Tuvalu — 1991
181. Uganda — 1962
182. Ukraine — 1954
183. United Arab Emirates — 1972
184. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland — 1997
185. United Republic of Tanzania — 1962
186. United States of America — 2003
187. Uruguay — 1947
188. Uzbekistan — 1993
189. Vanuatu — 1994
190. Venezuela — 1946
191. Vietnam — 1951
192. Yemen — 1962
193. Zambia — 1964
194. Zimbabwe — 1980

Associate Members^【11】

1. Åland Islands
2. Anguilla
3. Aruba
4. British Virgin Islands
5. Cayman Islands
6. Curaçao
7. Faroe Islands
8. Macao, China
9. Montserrat
10. New Caledonia
11. Sint Maarten
12. Tokelau

Observer^【12】

1. Vatican

UNESCO National Commission of Türkiye

The UNESCO National Commission of Türkiye (UTMK) was established by a Council of Ministers decision dated 25 August 1949 and numbered 3-9862. The Commission’s purpose is to carry out activities in education, culture, and science in accordance with UNESCO ideals, inform public and private institutions about UNESCO activities, and encourage their participation. It is also the Commission’s responsibility to effectively monitor UNESCO processes and inform both the public and the government. The Commission’s organs include the General Assembly, the Executive Board, the Audit Board, and the General Secretariat.

Responsibilities of the UNESCO National Commission of Türkiye

According to the Regulation on the UNESCO National Commission of Türkiye, the Commission’s responsibilities are:^【13】

• Facilitate cooperation among ministries and relevant official or private institutions and individuals on matters within UNESCO’s mandate,
• Provide advisory services to the government on matters related to UNESCO,
• Inform the public about UNESCO’s objectives, programs, and activities,
• Advise the government in selecting delegates for General Conferences and other meetings organized by UNESCO, collaborate with delegates, and assist in preparing the government’s contributions to these meetings,
• Inform national institutions and organizations about decisions and recommendations adopted at UNESCO General Conferences and other meetings, as well as findings and proposals in reports and studies, obtain approval from relevant ministries, facilitate their discussion, and strive to achieve outcomes, taking into account national needs and priorities,
• Act under the views and instructions of relevant ministries regarding foreign relations of Türkiye in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication related to UNESCO activities,
• Maintain communication with the UNESCO Headquarters and with national commissions or national cooperation councils of other UNESCO member states regarding implementation of decisions and mutual exchange of information and documents,
• Contribute to national activities and evaluation of UNESCO programs, monitor the development of UNESCO programs, and draw the attention of relevant institutions to opportunities arising from international cooperation,
• Collaborate with the Ministries of National Education, Culture and Tourism, Foreign Affairs, and other relevant ministries and institutions in implementing UNESCO projects and participation in UNESCO’s international activities,
• Participate in identifying candidates for UNESCO posts and selecting beneficiaries of UNESCO scholarships under the regular program or extrabudgetary funding,
• Promote interdisciplinary dialogue and cooperation among institutions active in education, science, culture, and communication at the national level.

General Assembly

The UTMK General Assembly consists of government representatives and representatives of official and private institutions in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication, as well as distinguished individuals. Assembly members are elected every four years. Its responsibilities include guiding the work of the Executive Board, providing recommendations on matters within UNESCO’s mandate, and reviewing and approving the final audit reports prepared by the Audit Board.

Executive Board

The UTMK Executive Board consists of 15 members appointed by the Ministries of National Education, Foreign Affairs, and Culture and Tourism, as well as individuals elected by the General Assembly from public institutions, higher education institutions, private organizations, and distinguished individuals. The Board elects its own Chair and Vice-Chairs from among its members. Its responsibilities include preparing lists and reports for submission to the General Assembly, ensuring implementation of decisions, advising the government on the selection of delegates or experts for UNESCO conferences and meetings, preparing the budget and annual activity reports, and establishing and operating specialized committees.

UNESCO Executive Board Representatives

The Executive Board, one of UNESCO’s key decision-making bodies, meets every two years and consists of 58 members elected by the General Conference. By a decision adopted in 2005, states now directly nominate representatives to the Board rather than individuals. Türkiye was elected to the Executive Board for the periods 2001–2005 and 2017–2021 and has been represented on the Board through the following representatives who have served in various UTMK committees:^【14】

• Reşat Nuri Güntekin (1946–1949)
• Ahmet Kutsi Tecer (1949–1952)
• Prof. Dr. Bedrettin Tuncel (1958–1966)
• Prof. Dr. Erdal İnönü (1978–1982)
• Prof. Talât Sait Halman (1991–1995)
• Prof. Dr. Orhan Güvenen (2001–2005)

Presidents of the UNESCO National Commission of Türkiye^【15】

• Ord. Prof. Dr. Tevfik Sağlam (25.05.1949 – 27.07.1963)
• Prof. Dr. Bedrettin Tuncel (27.07.1963 – 10.05.1980)
• Prof. Dr. Suat Sinanoğlu (11.05.1980 – 16.06.1993)
• Prof. Dr. Oluş Arık (16.06.1993 – 10.05.1996)
• Prof. Dr. Arsin Aydınuraz (10.05.1996 – 18.05.2010)
• Prof. Dr. Nabi Avcı (18.05.2010 – 10.03.2011)
• Prof. Dr. Öcal Oğuz (2011 – )

President of the UNESCO National Commission of Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Öcal Oğuz

Prof. Dr. Öcal Oğuz has authored or edited 52 books and published approximately 100 articles, with around 70 papers presented at international conferences and published in conference proceedings. Since 1989, he has served as editor-in-chief of the journal Millî Folklor, indexed in national and international databases including Web of Science’s A&HCI and TÜBİTAK/ULAKBİM SBVT.

Prof. Dr. Oğuz has led the establishment efforts of the Hacettepe University Turkish Folklore Club, Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University Turkish Folklore Society, Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University Center for Research and Application of Turkish Folklore, Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University Museum of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Department of Turkish Folklore, Graduate Programs in Turkish Folklore at the Institute of Social Sciences, Ankara Museum of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the Institute of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Prof. Dr. Öcal Oğuz’s Past and Current Positions Related to UNESCO and UTMK

• Turkish Expert, Intergovernmental Meetings for the Preparation of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (SOKÜM) (2002–2003)
• Turkish Expert, Intergovernmental Meetings for the Preparation of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (KİFAÇ) (2004–2005)
• Chair, UTMK Specialized Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003–…)
• Chair, UTMK Specialized Committee on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2007–…)
• Turkish Expert, Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2006–2010)
• Turkish Expert, Subsidiary Body of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2008–2010)
• Member, UTMK Executive Board (2006–2010)
• Member, UTMK Executive Board (2010–…)
• Vice-Chair, UTMK Executive Board (2010–2011)
• Member, Executive Board of the UNESCO Category 2 Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage (Bulgaria) (2011–…)
• Chair, UTMK Executive Board (2011–…)

Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects Led or Participated in by Prof. Dr. Öcal Oğuz on Behalf of UTMK

• North Macedonia–Türkiye Joint Culinary Culture Project (2008–2009)
• Bulgaria–Türkiye Joint Musical Culture Project (2009–2010)
• Romania–Türkiye Joint Culinary Culture Project (2011–2012)
• Kazakhstan–Türkiye Joint Musical Culture Project (2012–2013)
• Azerbaijan–Türkiye Project on the Role of Women in the Transmission of Traditional Craftsmanship (2012–2013)