UNESCO
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, is a specialised agency of the United Nations that was established in 1945. Through education, science, culture, communication, and information, it aims to contribute to peace, poverty reduction, sustainability, and intercultural dialogue. It has 194 member states and 12 associate members.
UNESCO was created with the conviction that lasting peace cannot be established solely through political and economic agreements but must be built upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity. ‘Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed’ is the guiding principle of the UNESCO Constitution. This solidarity finds concrete expression in international intellectual cooperation and knowledge sharing in the fields of education, science (exact and natural sciences, humanities and social sciences), culture and communication.
UNESCO provides important services to its Member States. It sets global norms and standards with a view to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda. It develops instruments for international cooperation, generates knowledge for the public and builds global networks of sites and institutions that have been included in its lists.
Switzerland has been a member of UNESCO since 1949 and is represented by a permanent delegation at the organisation's headquarters in Paris. It supports UNESCO's principles of an inclusive society, respect for democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights, protection of the civilian population, infrastructure and natural ecosystems, and good governance in the field of digital and technology policy.
It also promotes efficiency and the involvement of civil society within UNESCO.
Permanent Delegation of Switzerland to UNESCO
Swiss Commission for UNESCO
UNESCO is the only United Nations organisation that has a global network of national commissions, of which there are currently 200 worldwide. The Swiss Commission for UNESCO acts as a link between the authorities, civil society and UNESCO. It carries out its own activities at national level and coordinates the networks and actors associated with UNESCO in Switzerland.
The Swiss Commission for UNESCO consists of fifteen members appointed by the Federal Council. Its secretariat is affiliated with the FDFA.
Swiss Commission for UNESCO (fr, it, de)
Links
Contact
State Secretariat STS-FDFA
Bundesgasse 28
3003 Bern
Phone: +41 58 462 30 50