IV.

What is UNESCO?
UNESCO, the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization, is a specialized agency of the
United Nations founded on November 16,
1945, in response to the devastation of
World War II. Its establishment was driven
by the belief that peace must be built upon
the intellectual and moral solidarity of
humanity. UNESCO's mission is to promote

peace, security, and sustainable development by fostering international

Figure 1. [Link]

cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. The organization works

to bridge gaps between nations, enabling global collaboration to address critical
challenges like poverty, inequality, and conflict. Through its initiatives, UNESCO
seeks to enhance mutual understanding, respect for cultural diversity, and the free flow
of ideas.

One of UNESCO's most recognized functions is its commitment to preserving

cultural heritage and promoting cultural diversity. The organization administers the
World Heritage Sites program, which identifies, protects, and preserves sites of
outstanding cultural and natural significance to humanity. This program not only
safeguards historical and natural treasures but also raises awareness about the
importance of cultural heritage in shaping our identities and fostering intercultural
dialogue. UNESCO is also deeply involved in educational initiatives that aim to expand
access to quality education, promote gender equality, and enhance literacy worldwide.
By supporting scientific research and innovation, advocating for freedom of expression,
and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and information.

Furthermore, UNESCO's efforts extend to addressing contemporary global

challenges through its various programs and strategic initiatives. It plays a pivotal role
in advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly
in areas such as education for sustainable development, climate change adaptation, and
gender equality. UNESCO's Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiative,
for example, aims to integrate sustainability principles into educational systems
worldwide, empowering learners to contribute meaningfully to sustainable
development. Additionally, UNESCO's work in cultural diplomacy, including its efforts
to protect cultural heritage in conflict zones, not only preserves humanity's shared
history but also facilitates reconciliation and peacebuilding in post-conflict societies.
HISTORY OF UNESCO
 In the middle of World War II, the
governments of European nations resisting Nazi
Germany convened the Conference of Allied
Ministers of Education (CAME) in the United
Kingdom. While aggressions raged, these
nations sought to establish a framework for
educational reconstruction in the postwar era.
This initiative rapidly expanded in scope and
garnered global interest, with the United States

Figure 2. [Link] 050-F119BD36/United-Nations-Educational

[Link]
among the countries joining the endeavor.
Subsequently, at the directive of CAME, the United Nations Conference for the

Establishment of an Educational and Cultural Organization (ECO/CONF) was

convened in London on November 16, 1945. This conference, occurring shortly after
the war's conclusion, brought together representatives from forty-four nations. Their
shared objective was to create an organization that fosters a global peace culture.

UNESCO’s initial emphasis was on rebuilding schools, libraries, and

museums that had been destroyed in Europe during World War II. Since then, its
activities have been mainly facilitative, aimed at assisting, supporting, and
complementing the national efforts of member states to eliminate illiteracy and to
extend free education. UNESCO also seeks to encourage the free exchange of ideas and
knowledge by organizing conferences and providing clearinghouse and exchange
services.

MISSION OF UNESCO
The political and economic structures of
governments alone cannot guarantee the lasting
and genuine support of their people. True peace
must be based on dialogue, mutual
understanding, and the intellectual and moral
unity of humanity.
In this spirit, UNESCO creates
educational tools to help people become global
citizens who reject hate and intolerance. The

organization is committed to ensuring that every child and adult has access to quality education.
By promoting cultural heritage and recognizing
Figure 3. [Link] 050-722569F8/UNESCO-headquarters [Link]
the equal dignity of all cultures, UNESCO strengthens ties between nations. It supports
scientific programs and policies that serve as foundations for development and
cooperation. UNESCO also advocates for freedom of expression for democracy and
progress.

UNESCO was founded in response to a world war marred by racist and anti-
Semitic violence. Seventy years later, and after numerous liberation struggles,
UNESCO’s mandate remains vital. With cultural diversity under threat, new forms of
intolerance emerging, scientific facts being rejected, and freedom of expression being
challenged, UNESCO’s mission to uphold the values of education, science, and culture
is more crucial than ever.
FRAMEWORKS OF UNESCO FOR EDUCATION
UNESCO has developed several international frameworks and guidelines to
support and advance education globally. Here is a list of some key frameworks:

1. Education 2030 Framework for Action (FFA)

The FFA aims to realize the Sustainable Development Goals by
promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all by 2030. It
prioritizes access, equity, inclusion, and adequate financing, ensuring that
education systems address diverse needs and support lifelong learning
opportunities. This framework serves as a strategic guide for global efforts to
enhance educational outcomes and foster a more equitable and just educational
environment.

2. Global Citizenship Education (GCED) Framework

The GCED framework emphasizes education that equips learners to
tackle global challenges through a focus on human rights, social justice, peace,
cultural diversity, and sustainability. It aims to nurture responsible global
citizens who are well informed and actively engaged in addressing pressing
global issues. By fostering a sense of global responsibility, the framework
supports the development of a more inclusive and interconnected world.

3. International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED)

ISCED organizes education programs into standardized levels and
fields, facilitating the global comparison and compilation of education data.
This universal classification system enables a clearer understanding of diverse
education systems and aids in the analysis of educational trends and outcomes.
It ensures consistency in reporting and enhances the ability to compare
educational statistics across different countries and contexts.

4. UNESCO Global Action Programme on Education for Sustainable

Development (GAP)

The GAP initiative aims to advance Education for Sustainable

Development (ESD) by embedding sustainability principles into education at all
 levels. It empowers learners to make informed decisions and take actions that
support environmental, economic, and social sustainability. By integrating ESD
into education systems, the program promotes a comprehensive approach to
addressing sustainability challenges and fostering a more sustainable future.

5. Education for All (EFA) Framework

Active from 1990 to 2015, the EFA framework aimed to meet the
essential learning needs of children, youth, and adults worldwide. It focused on
achieving universal primary education, advancing gender equality, and
improving learning outcomes. The framework sought to eliminate barriers to
education and ensure that all individuals have access to quality learning
opportunities, contributing to global educational progress.
6. UNESCO Strategy for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
The TVET strategy seeks to enhance the relevance, access, and
governance of technical and vocational education. It aims to improve skills
development, employability, and social inclusion through lifelong learning
opportunities. By focusing on the needs of the labor market and individuals, the
strategy supports economic growth and ensures that TVET systems effectively
prepare learners for the demands of a dynamic job market.

7. UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers (ICT-CFT)

The ICT-CFT provides a structured approach for integrating information
and communication technologies into teaching practices. It offers guidelines to
enhance teacher competencies and promote digital literacy, aiming to improve
educational outcomes in the digital age. The framework supports teachers in
effectively using technology to enrich their teaching methods and engage
students, thereby advancing the overall quality of education.

ROLE OF UNESCO IN PROVIDING INTERNATIONAL

FRAMEWORKS FOR EDUCATIONAL POLICIES AND PRACTICES

UNESCO plays a pivotal part in shaping global educational policies and

practices. By providing international frameworks for education. Here are the roles of
UNESCO in providing international frameworks for educational policies and practices:

1. Policy Design
UNESCO plays a pivotal role in policy design by working closely with
countries to formulate, implement, and advocate for effective educational
policies. This involves comprehensive data collection, continuous monitoring,
and engaging in active dialogue with national authorities to ensure policies are
both feasible and impactful. Their approach ensures that educational policies are
grounded in practical realities and address the needs of diverse populations.
Such as the “Education Retention Policy” of UNESCO which aids in addressing
 high school dropout rates by collaborating with local authorities. They research
underlying causes, develop support programs like scholarships, and train
teachers.

2. Standard Setting
UNESCO promotes international standards and guidelines to shape
educational policies and practices, ensuring that educational systems align with
global goals and best practices. By establishing these frameworks, UNESCO
helps countries create cohesive and effective education systems that contribute
to global development objectives, fostering quality education, equity, and
lifelong learning opportunities for all. Education for Sustainable Development
(ESD) is an example of UNESCO promoting standards for integrating
sustainable development into education systems worldwide. This includes
frameworks and guidelines for developing curricula and teaching practices that
support environmental sustainability and global citizenship.
3. Facilitating Global Collaboration
UNESCO currently has 195 member states and 11 associate members
and is pivotal in fostering international collaboration and dialogue. As a
platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences, UNESCO enables
countries to align their educational strategies with global standards. This
harmonization helps nations develop policies that reflect international best
practices, promoting progress in education, science, and culture worldwide.
Since its founding, UNESCO has organized 48 conventions, 15 of which have
specifically focused on education, underscoring its commitment to this critical
area. Through these efforts, UNESCO continues to support sustainable
development and peace by enhancing education systems around the globe
(United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2024).

4. Capacity Building
UNESCO plays a crucial role in enhancing global education by offering
technical assistance and capacity-building support to countries. This involves
providing training, resources, and expert guidance to help nations effectively
implement educational frameworks and achieve their educational goals. A
notable example of UNESCO's impact is seen in the Education for Sustainable
Development (ESD) program, which has benefitted 230 trainees across multiple
countries. Funded by UNESCO, this program aims to integrate sustainability
into education systems, equipping educators with the necessary skills (Vare et
al., 2019).

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

UNESCO plays a crucial role in monitoring and evaluating the progress
of educational initiatives worldwide by assessing their alignment with
established international frameworks. This comprehensive process includes a
detailed review of the effectiveness of educational policies and practices,
 ensuring they not only meet global standards but also effectively address
emerging challenges in the sector. For instance, in Malawi, UNESCO found that
while the national curriculum met global standards, it lacked local cultural
relevance, causing student disengagement. UNESCO recommended revising the
curriculum to include region-specific content and enhancing teacher training.
Following these changes, Malawi improved student engagement and
educational outcomes, aligning better with local needs and advancing its
educational goals (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization, 2023).

6. Advocacy and Awareness

UNESCO plays a crucial role in promoting the adoption of international
educational frameworks by advocating for their implementation and raising
awareness about their significance. This includes actively engaging with
policymakers, educators, and the public to highlight the benefits, ensuring these
frameworks are recognized and effectively integrated worldwide. For example,
Kenya has implemented several policies and initiatives aligned with Education
for All goals to improve access to quality education. The country adopted free
primary education in 2003, which significantly increased enrollment rates.
Additionally, Kenya has worked on improving educational quality and equity
through various programs supported by UNESCO and other international
organizations. This includes efforts to enhance teacher training, develop
educational materials, and promote gender equality in education (United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2024).
7. Research and Evidence Gathering
UNESCO actively conducts and supports research on educational
practices and policies to inform the creation of international frameworks. By
gathering and analyzing evidence, UNESCO ensures that educational guidelines
and strategies are based on robust data and real-world insights. This approach
helps in developing effective and relevant educational frameworks that will
improve educational outcomes globally. For example, UNESCO's research
publications, such as the "Global Education Monitoring Report," offer
comprehensive analyses and data on various aspects of education, from access
and quality to equity and learning outcomes. These reports provide valuable
factual figures and in-depth insights based on extensive global data, thereby
supporting the creation of informed and impactful educational policies
worldwide.

8. Promoting Inclusivity and Equity

UNESCO is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and equity in global
educational frameworks, establishing guidelines to ensure that quality education
is accessible to everyone. A notable example of this commitment is the Better
Education for Africa’s Rise II project in Uganda. This initiative has made
remarkable strides in advancing gender diversity within technical education
fields. Specifically, in Building and Civil Engineering, the project has led to a
 dramatic increase in female enrollment, with the number of women rising from
just 5 to 37 out of 97 students (United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization, 2017).

9. Fostering Innovation and Best Practices

UNESCO promotes the adoption of innovative educational practices and
the sharing of best practices globally. It supports the creation of frameworks that
integrate new approaches and technologies, aiming to enhance learning
outcomes and improve the overall quality and effectiveness of education
systems worldwide. For instance, the Philippines has incorporated UNESCO’s
ICT Competency Framework for Teachers (ICT-CFT) into its national
educational strategies to boost digital literacy and integrate technology in
classrooms. It provides a structured approach to improving teachers' digital skills
and enhancing their ability to use technology effectively in the classroom
(Espinosa et al., 2023).

10. Building Partnerships and Networks

UNESCO forges strategic partnerships with governments, organizations,
and institutions to facilitate the implementation of international educational
frameworks. These collaborations are essential for pooling resources and
expertise, enabling more impactful and sustainable educational reforms that
align with global standards and address local needs. For example, UNESCO's
Global Education Coalition, launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,
brought together over 150 partners from diverse sectors to ensure that learning
never stops. This coalition provided resources, expertise, and technological
solutions to support distance learning, particularly in regions with limited access
to education. By fostering such partnerships, UNESCO leverages collective
strengths and resources to address global challenges, promote inclusive
education, and achieve its mission of building peace through international
cooperation (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,
2023).