About UNESCO and the Singapore National Commission for UNESCO

About UNESCO

Background

• Established in November 1945 as a specialised agency of the United Nations
• 193 Member States and 6 Associate Members (as of October 2007)

Purpose

“to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations”

(extract from the Constitution of UNESCO)

Main Activities

• Knowledge sharing
• Building human and institutional capacities in diverse fields
• Clearinghouse for dissemination and sharing of information

Main Themes

UNESCO is organised around 5 main themes by which the various priorities and programmes are derived:

1. Education

   • Basic education for all, with special attention given to literacy, HIV/AIDS prevention education and teacher training.
   • Secondary education, including technical and vocational education and training, as well as science and technology education
   • Promoting quality education, with special reference to values education and teacher training
   • Higher education

2. Natural Sciences

   • Water and associated eco-systems
   • Oceans
   • Capacity building in basic and engineering sciences, formulation of science policies and promotion of a culture of maintenance
   • Promoting the application of science, engineering and natural resource use and management, disaster preparedness and alleviation and renewable sources of energy

3. Social and Human Sciences

   • Ethics of science and technology, with emphasis on bioethics
   • Promotion of human rights and the fight against all forms of discrimination through activities in UNESCO’s field of competence
   • Foresight, philosophy, human sciences, democracy and the enhancement of human security
   • Management of social transformation

4. Culture

   • Promoting cultural diversity, with special emphasis on tangible and intangible heritage
   • Cultural policies as well as intercultural and interfaith dialogue and understanding
   • Cultural industries and artistic expressions

5. Communication and Information

   • Empowering people through access to information and knowledge with special emphasis on freedom of expression
   • Promoting communication development
   • Advancing the use of ICT for education, science and culture

For more information on UNESCO, please visit the UNESCO website.

About the Singapore National Commission for UNESCO

The Singapore National Commission for UNESCO is responsible for planning and coordinating Singapore’s programmes and activities in UNESCO.

Chaired by Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister of State for Defence and Education, Singapore, the Singapore National Commission is supported by three Sub-Commissions focussing on Education, Science and Culture & Information. Members of the National Commission and Sub-Commissions include representatives from government ministries; educational, scientific and cultural institutions, as well as relevant agencies and organisations.