WHAT IS UNESCO?
UNESCO is an agency of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and seeks to promote peace through international cooperation in these fields. UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.

OUR VISION
Political and economic agreements between Governments are not sufficient to ensure lasting and sincere support for the aspirations of peoples. Lasting peace must be built on the basis of dialogue and mutual understanding, as well as on the intellectual and moral solidarity of humankind.

In this context, UNESCO is developing educational tools to shape the citizens of the future, free from hatred and intolerance. UNESCO works to ensure that every child and citizen has access to quality education. By promoting the preservation of cultural heritage and protecting the equal dignity of all cultures, UNESCO strengthens the links between them. UNESCO assists in the formulation of research policies as a driver of development and cooperation. UNESCO defends freedom of expression as a fundamental right and a prerequisite for democracy and development. UNESCO acts as a laboratory of ideas, sets international standards and implements cooperation programmes that promote the free exchange of ideas and knowledge.

This vision of the world was born after the Second World War, driven by racist and anti-Semitic ideology. More than seventy years later, UNESCO's mandate remains more relevant than ever in a world where cultural diversity is under attack and plagued by new forms of intolerance, scientific knowledge is being challenged and freedom of expression is under threat. In response, UNESCO must continue its humanitarian activities in the fields of education, science and culture.

STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS
UNESCO has a unique role to play in strengthening the foundations of lasting peace and equitable and sustainable development. The development of cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, communication and information is of strategic importance at a time when societies around the world are facing increasing pressure for change and the international community is facing new challenges.

Document 37 C/4 (2014-2021), approved by UNESCO's General Conference, sets out the Organization's overall strategic vision for the next eight years and the century ahead.

The strategic directions set out in document 37 C/4 are embodied in the Programme and Budget document 39 C/5 (2018-2019), covering a four-year period. At that time, the budget will be allocated on a programmatic basis on a biennial basis.

STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS
UNESCO has a unique role to play in strengthening the foundations of lasting peace and equitable and sustainable development. The development of cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, communication and information is of strategic importance at a time when societies around the world are facing increasing pressure for change and the international community is facing new challenges.

Document 37 C/4 (2014-2021), approved by UNESCO's General Conference, sets out the Organization's overall strategic vision for the next eight years and the century ahead.

The strategic directions set out in document 37 C/4 are embodied in the Programme and Budget document 39 C/5 (2018-2019), covering a four-year period. At that time, the budget will be allocated on a programmatic basis on a biennial basis.