What is UNESCO's mandate?

UNESCO’s main objective is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication and information. The goal is to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for human rights and fundamental freedoms. These principles, which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, are enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. To fulfill its mandate, UNESCO performs five principal functions. It serves as: • A laboratory of ideas – UNESCO plays a central role in anticipating and defining the key emerging problems in its spheres of competence and identifies suitable strategies and policies to address these issues. • A standard-setter – UNESCO serves as a central forum to articulate the ethical, normative and intellectual issues of our time, fostering multi-disciplinary exchange and mutual understanding. The Organization works to ... more