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Quick Facts about UNESCO

by VOA News

   Full Name: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
   Organization

   Created: 1945.

   Mission: To build a culture of peace, sustainable development and
   intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture,
   communication and information.

   How does it work?

   UNESCO's primary decision-making body is the General Conference,
   comprising all 195 member states. It meets every 2 years to set the
   policies and programs of the agency. It is overseen by a
   Director-General, who is appointed every four years.

   Programs: UNESCO's activities are focused on five areas.
     * Attaining quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning
     * Mobilizing scientific knowledge and policy for sustainable
       development
     * Addressing emerging social and ethical challenges
     * Fostering cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture
       of peace
     * Building inclusive knowledge societies through information and
       communication

   Observances: UNESCO observes 40 International Days, including
   International Women's Day on March 8, World Press Freedom Day on May 3,
   World Teachers' Day on October 5 and International Migrants Day on
   December 18.