UNESCO: Building Peace
Through Education,
Science, and Culture
This presentation explores UNESCO's mission, key functions, and
its role in tackling global challenges, along with debate topics that
highlight its push for peace, equity, and sustainability.
Group 3 – Amanbir Kaur Riar
The Birth of UNESCO: A
Vision for Global Solidarity
UNESCO was founded in 1945 by 37 countries in response to the
devastation of two world wars. It was created to prevent future
conflicts by promoting intellectual and moral solidarity through
education, science, culture, and communication. In 1946, the first
General Conference was held in Paris, marking the start of its
mission to build lasting peace in the minds of people.
UNESCO’s Core Functions: Advancing Peace
and Sustainable Development
Education for All Cultural Heritage
Promotes quality education and lifelong learning, Protects diverse cultural heritage and nurtures
fostering responsible global citizens. creativity to strengthen international bonds.
Scientific Cooperation Freedom of Expression
Mobilizes scientific programs and policies to address Advocates for freedom of expression and champions
pressing global challenges. intercultural dialogue worldwide.
How UNESCO Operates:
Governance and Global Reach
• Led by the Director-General and Secretariat, who manage daily
operations and program implementation.
• Over 50 field offices worldwide ensure initiatives are adapted
to local needs.
• Builds partnerships with governments, NGOs, and other
organizations.
• Conducts important research to guide policies and practices.
• Creates international legal frameworks, such as conventions on
education rights.
• All efforts aim to support peace, equality, and sustainable
development globally.
Debate Topic 1: Fostering Climate Resilience
in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
1 The Challenge for SIDS 2 UNESCO's Role in 3 Guiding Equitable
Resilience Solutions
Small Island Developing
States (SIDS) face existential UNESCO plays a crucial role The debate centers on how
threats from rising sea levels, by safeguarding endangered UNESCO can most effectively
extreme weather events, and heritage sites, promoting guide equitable international
ocean acidification, sustainable development support and innovative
jeopardizing the livelihoods of practices, and developing solutions to help these
6,7 million people and their innovative resilience nations adapt and thrive
unique heritage. strategies tailored to island amidst escalating climate
vulnerabilities. impacts.
Debate Topic 2:
Sustainability in Cultural Events and Celebrations
A key debate is how UNESCO can balance
preserving cultural traditions with protecting the
environment. This means finding ways to reduce
harm to the planet without losing the value of
cultural practices.
Major festivals like Rio Carnival and Oktoberfest
celebrate heritage but often cause waste, pollution,
and high carbon emissions. UNESCO must help
promote greener ways to keep traditions alive
without damaging the Earth.
Debate Topic 3: Addressing “Otherness” and
Inclusion in Education
Promoting awareness of diverse identities, including the third gender, is key to building inclusive
schools.
UNESCO's Commitment Policies for Acceptance Global Impact
UNESCO is deeply committed to The discussion aims to identify This debate highlights
building inclusive education specific policies and UNESCO's proactive role in
systems that are free from educational tools UNESCO can shaping educational
hate, discrimination, and recommend to member states environments that embrace
intolerance, ensuring every to cultivate empathy, respect, and celebrate all forms of
student feels valued and and equality worldwide. human diversity, promoting
respected. understanding for a harmonious
future.
Conclusion: UNESCO’s
Role in Shaping a
Peaceful, Sustainable
Future
• UNESCO is a vital force in bringing nations together through
education, science, culture, and communication, aiming to
create a world rooted in peace and dignity.
• Through the collective wisdom and action of its council,
UNESCO is uniquely positioned to lead the way toward a more
just, resilient, and inclusive world for all.
