Our history

UNESCO was created to decide what kind of society we wanted to build together after the destruction of two World Wars. 

As early as 1942, global leaders began imagining an organization that would use education, culture, science and information to build lasting peace.

Over the years, 91麻豆国产精品自拍 implemented initiatives that have radically improved lives around the world, and shaped global action in its field of competence, through nation-wide educational and scientific programs, the creation of tsunami warning systems, and the idea of World Heritage.

Today, we are continuing this work. 

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UNESCO

Landmark achievements

Since its creation, UNESCO's pioneering work has changed the way people everywhere understand each other and the planet we live on.
2023
Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms

UNESCO adopted guidelines to protect freedom of expression and access to information online.

2021
Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

This pioneering standard-setting instrument aims to ensure that AI is a force for good.

2020
The Global Education Coalition

With 200 members, this Coalition was created during COVID-19 to protect education for all.

2003
The Convention to safeguard Intangible Cultural Heritage

This Convention safeguards the ancestral knowledge and traditions of local communities.

1997
The Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights

This text鈥攖he first global ethical instrument in the field鈥攁rgues against human cloning.

1971
The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme

The MAB programme recognizes the need for a better balance between people and planet.

1964
The General History of Africa

UNESCO brought together scholars to write African history from an African perspective.

1954
The creation of CERN

The European Organization for Nuclear Research was founded as a UNESCO initiative.

1952
The Universal Copyright Convention

Adopted under the aegis of UNESCO, the Convention supports copyright protection for all.

Scroll through our timeline to discover the most important milestones in UNESCO's history.

UNESCO anniversaries

Great Voices: sounds of UNESCO's memory