UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. It has 194 member states and 12 associate members, as well as partners in the non-governmental, intergovernmental and private sector. Headquartered in Paris, France, UNESCO has 53 regional field offices and 199 national commissions.
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Some of the key events about UNESCO

  • 1946
    UNESCO was founded to promote international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication
  • 1956
    UNESCO withdrew from South Africa due to its apartheid policies
  • 1960
    Launched the Nubia Campaign to save ancient Egyptian monuments from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam
  • 1965
    Established the World Heritage Sites program to protect cultural and natural heritage around the world
  • 1972
    Adopted the World Heritage Convention, providing a framework for preserving cultural and natural sites
  • 1974
    UNESCO suspended Israel's membership over allegations of altering Jerusalem's cultural heritage
  • 1978
    Inscribed the first 12 sites on the World Heritage List
  • 1984
    The United States withdrew from UNESCO, citing concerns about mismanagement and political bias
  • 1985
    The United Kingdom and Singapore also withdrew from UNESCO, following the U.S. example
  • 1992
    Created the Memory of the World Programme to preserve documentary heritage
  • 1999
    UNESCO faced criticism for its handling of the World Heritage Site designation process
  • 2001
    Adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity to protect cultural expression and identity
  • 2003
    Established the Intangible Cultural Heritage List to safeguard living traditions and practices
  • 2003
    UNESCO was accused of mismanaging funds in its Iraqi education programs
  • 2005
    Launched the Tsunami Early Warning System in the Indian Ocean following the 2004 disaster
  • 2011
    UNESCO's decision to admit Palestine as a member led to a loss of U.S. funding
  • 2013
    UNESCO lost voting rights in its General Conference due to unpaid membership dues
  • 2015
    Initiated the #Unite4Heritage campaign to protect cultural heritage threatened by conflict and terrorism
  • 2017
    The United States announced its second withdrawal from UNESCO, citing anti-Israel bias
  • 2019
    UNESCO faced allegations of corruption in its hiring practices and internal promotions

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

UNESCO Latest news

Diplomat gets kicked out of Paraguay after secret Taiwan-related meetings

Diplomat gets kicked out of Paraguay after secret Taiwan-related meetings

A year ago Paraguay expelled a Chinese diplomat who broke visa rules by meeting local politicians about Taiwan relations. The low-level envoy tried to convince lawmakers to drop Taiwan ties for better trade deals

Economics, Politics • December 5 2024 , 11:21 PM  •  1243 views
Paraguay takes unexpected step against Chinese diplomat over Taiwan pressure

Paraguay takes unexpected step against Chinese diplomat over Taiwan pressure

Paraguay made quick-fire diplomatic move by ordering Chinese representative to leave country in 24 hours. Foreign ministry acted after alleged attempts to damage long-term Taiwan partnership

Politics • December 5 2024 , 05:37 PM  •  713 views
Japanese sake brewing gets global recognition - but will locals start drinking it?

Japanese sake brewing gets global recognition - but will locals start drinking it?

UNESCO just added centuries-old Japanese sake brewing to its cultural heritage list. This traditional rice-wine making process (which takes many weeks) hopes to win back home crowd despite growing foreign interest

Culture • December 5 2024 , 07:14 AM  •  2925 views
Korean families visit ancient Japanese gold mines that hide dark past

Korean families visit ancient Japanese gold mines that hide dark past

South Korean delegation skipped Japanʼs official event but held their own ceremony at historic Sado mines. Korean officials and victims families gathered to remember forced-labor during wartime at this newly-listed UNESCO site

Politics, Culture • November 25 2024 , 03:21 AM  •  3697 views
Japan's gold mines memorial raises questions about its wartime past

Japan's gold mines memorial raises questions about its wartime past

Japanese officials plan a memorial at newly-listed UNESCO site - Sado Island Gold Mines. The ceremony comes after long-running disputes with South Korea about mines dark wartime history

Society, Politics, Culture • November 23 2024 , 08:11 AM  •  3145 views
Ancient Greek pottery master gets unexpected global recognition at age 70

Ancient Greek pottery master gets unexpected global recognition at age 70

Traditional potter from Lesbos island keeps centuries-old craft alive using local clay and olive-pit fired kilns. His unique methods recently caught UNESCOʼs attention making him one of Mediterraneanʼs last authentic artisans

Culture • November 19 2024 , 07:27 PM  •  706 views
Mount Fuji's eco-friendly future: Chinese tram system might replace tourist buses

Mount Fuji's eco-friendly future: Chinese tram system might replace tourist buses

Japanese officials plan to introduce a new hydrogen-powered tram system at Mount Fuji to tackle tourist overcrowding. This trackless transport solution will help preserve the sacred mountainʼs UNESCO status

Society, Culture • November 17 2024 , 02:08 AM  •  1942 views
French officials warn North Korea over secret military help to Russia

French officials warn North Korea over secret military help to Russia

French diplomats took action against North Koreaʼs support of Russian military operations. Paris warned about firm counter-measures in response to North Korean troops deployment

Politics • November 7 2024 , 05:16 PM  •  1991 views
Latest Gaza strikes reshape Middle East peace talks as US election approaches

Latest Gaza strikes reshape Middle East peace talks as US election approaches

Military actions in Gaza and Lebanon complicate US-led peace efforts just days before presidential election. Recent strikes hit multiple locations while humanitarian situation in north Gaza reaches critical point

Society, Politics • November 1 2024 , 06:26 PM  •  417 views
Ancient guardian statues found at Cambodia's mysterious Angkor site

Ancient guardian statues found at Cambodia's mysterious Angkor site

Archaeological team uncovers dozen sandstone figures near royal palace gates in Angkor Thom. These well-preserved guardian statues date back to ancient Khmer Empire times

Society, Culture • October 30 2024 , 10:25 AM  •  4542 views