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 UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded on 16 November 1945. For this specialized United Nations agency, it is not enough to build classrooms in devastated countries or to publish scientific breakthroughs. Education, Social and Natural Science, Culture and Communication are the means to a far more ambitious goal : to build peace in the minds of men
For, if peace is to exist, it must first of all be desired by the women and the men of the whole world. But before that idea takes shape in the minds of each one of us, a long road remains to be traveled.
All individuals, no matter where they live, must have the opportunity to learn how to reason and to cultivate humanistic values, the first as the motor for material progress, the second to lay the foundations for peace and respect for human rights. An educated population, aware of its fundamental rights, is more likely to share in the fruits of democracy. And sharing the benefits of science and technology equally among the peoples of the world will improve their health and well-being.
However, harmony between peoples is still fragile. Day after day we are forced to recognize that this goal of peace and the common welfare is still distant. Solidarity and sharing are therefore more than ever cardinal values. UNESCO then fosters these values by multiplying and reinforcing educational, scientific and cultural relations, pursuing two closely linked objectives: development which, beyond the simple demands of material progress, must also respond to a full range of human aspirations without jeopardizing the heritage of future generations; and establishment of a Culture of Peace, based on education for responsible citizenship and full participation in democratic processes.
Today, UNESCO functions as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal agreements on emerging ethical issues. The Organization also serves as a clearinghouse – for the dissemination and sharing of information and knowledge – while helping Member States to build their human and institutional capacities in diverse fields. In short, UNESCO promotes international co-operation among its 191* Member States and six Associate Members in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. *As of March 2005
UNESCO is working to create the conditions for genuine dialogue based upon respect for shared values and the dignity of each civilization and culture.
This role is critical, particularly in the face of terrorism, which constitutes an attack against humanity. The world urgently requires global visions of sustainable development based upon observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which lie at the heart of UNESCO’s mission and activities.
UNESCO
www.unesco.org |
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