UNESCO-Republic of Korea Partnership

Our shared priorities

The UNESCO-Republic of Korea (ROK) partnership is a dynamic and robust collaboration that bolsters UNESCO's efforts in education, culture, and the sciences.

ROK's political, financial, and technical support advances our shared priorities in areas such as Technical and Vocational Education (TVET), Digital Learning, Global Citizenship Education (GCED), Girls’ Education, Climate Mitigation and Adaptation, and the preservation of Cultural, Natural, and Documentary Heritage.

Our partnership promotes sustainable development, innovation, and capacity building, particularly in Africa and Asia.

The Republic of Korea has consistently been one of UNESCO's top partners, making significant investments in long-term programs. During the 2022-2023 biennium, ROK ranked 4th among government partners for voluntary contributions. For 2024 funds mobilized, ROK ranked 8th among government partners.

While education remains our primary area of collaboration, we also partner on cultural projects. Additionally, ROK supports initiatives in AI ethics, water management, biosphere reserves, the UN Ocean Decade, documentary heritage, and development in post-conflict areas such as Mosul.

On 28 May 2024, UNESCO and the Government of the Republic of Korea held a High-Level Strategic Dialogue to discuss the current partnership, align strategic priorities, and enhance the visibility of the partnership and its achievements.

UNESCO

Better Education for Africa's Rise

UNESCO-ROK flagship project has supported African countries in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) since 2011. Its second phase (2017-2022) alone supported 59 institutes and trained 1740 teachers.

Girls' rights to education

Supporting access to education for 200,000 girls and womens across Mali, Nepal and Tanzania since 2016

ICT transforming education in Africa

Strengthening digital skills among students and teachers since 2015

Biodiversity and livelihoods in Madagascar

Supporting local community by preserving ecosystems, reducing deforestation and enhancing livelihoods through sustainable practices, reaching 300,000 inhabitants.

Sustainable water security

Since 2017, ROK and UNESCO have joined hands to enhance water security in developing countries by providing water management tools and strengthening human resource capacity.

Documentary heritage

Support to the Amadou Hampate Ba Foundation for Enhanced Preservation and Accessibility of its collections

Revive the Spirit of Mosul

Training vulnerable youth with job-oriented training programmes in Iraq, including 4000 young people from Mosul.

Impact stories

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How the Republic of Korea flattened the COVID-19 curve: openness, transparency and democracy

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Students meet with activists at UNESCO to lead the fight against racism

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How Mohammad is helping Syrian refugees resume their education & gain new skills

SEVENTEEN

The K-pop group, Seventeen, held a concert at the 13th UNESCO 91�鶹��Ʒ�� in UNESCO HQ. Their participation highlighted the vital role artists can play in global dialogues, inspiring millions of youths to engage with pressing issues and drive meaningful change.