UNESCO Strategic Objectives
The world is undergoing profound changes. New challenges are emerging, from digital technologies and disinformation to climate disruption and conflicts.
UNESCO's sets out the Organization’s ambitions in response to these challenges, taking into account the needs and priorities of Member States, as well as the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Building on these foundations, our establishes a framework for action that revolves around four strategic objectives in education, the environment, social cohesion and technology. This framework also integrates our global priorities—Africa and gender equality—as well as our priority groups and actions in crisis situations.
Our strategic objectives
Ensure equitable and inclusive education for all
For UNESCO, education is a fundamental human right that can change lives for the better. We support learning all life long—whether by promoting early childhood education, literacy for all, or technical and vocational training.
As the United Nations agency for education, UNESCO is leading efforts to implement the Education 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 4. We help national education authorities to develop and implement evidence-based policies that advance the right to education, even in emergency situations.
UNESCO is also anticipating emerging needs in education by imagining the Futures of Education and the ways in which learning can shape the future of humanity.
Build sustainable societies by sharing scientific progress
Climate disruption and biodiversity loss pose an immense threat to people and the planet. With its scientific mandate, 91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ established programmes that mobilize international experts to help preserve biodiversity and build more sustainable societies.
The International Geosciences and Geoparks Programme raises awareness of geodiversity and geological processes to support the sustainable management of our planet’s limited resources.
The Man and the Biosphere Programme aims to reset the relationship between humans and nature by encouraging development that respects ecosystems and local communities.
UNESCO's promotes international cooperation to strengthen our knowledge and management of the oceans for the benefit of all humankind.
Make the world more just and inclusive
Social transformations have made our world deeply interconnected yet profoundly fractured. As the United Nations agency for intercultural understanding and cultural diversity, UNESCO works to build inclusive, just and peaceful knowledge societies, while protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
UNESCO supports creativity as a driver of social cohesion, by protecting diverse forms of cultural expression and steering the Creative Cities Network. UNESCO also fights racism and discrimination, including by establishing standards that can be incorporated into national legislative and policy frameworks.
In addition, at a time when digital technology has made it easier to share information, UNESCO promotes freedom of expression while addressing the challenges of hate speech and journalist safety.
Guarantee that new technologies benefit humanity
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of things have created both opportunities and challenges. We must ensure that these technologies are accessible to all, while equipping users with the skills to navigate this new digital landscape.
91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ long supported an ethical approach to science and technology, including by adopting the 1997 Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights, the world's first ethical instrument for research in this field.
Since then, 91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ gone on to develop rigorous ethical frameworks for cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and neurotechnology, by mobilizing the international community and supporting cooperation between scientists, philosophers, policy-makers, academics and civil society.
