CURRENT CONTEXT: The United States has decided to exit UNESCO, the UN’s cultural and educational agency, under a renewed global disengagement policy.

ABOUT UNESCO:

• Full Form: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
• Established: 1945 (post-World War II)
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Parent Body: UN Economic and Social Council
• Members: 194 countries + 12 associate members

 

FOCUS AREAS: Education, Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture, Communication and Information

FUNCTIONS:

• Supports literacy and free education
• Maintains the World Heritage Site list
• Publishes global reports:
• Global Education Monitoring Report
• World Water Development Report
• World Trends in Freedom of Expression