UNESCO

Why in News?

The U.S. announced it will withdraw from UNESCO again by December 2026, citing concerns over the agency’s anti-Israel bias and divisive agenda. This marks the third U.S. exit, affecting UNESCO’s budget but the agency is prepared.

Description:

• Full Form: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Founded: 16 November 1945
• India is a founding member.

Objectives:

• Promote international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.
• Strengthen the intellectual and moral solidarity of humankind.
• Preserve heritage and foster peace through dialogue and shared knowledge.

Major Functions & Programmes:

1. World Heritage Sites
   1. UNESCO designates cultural, natural, and mixed sites of outstanding universal value.
   1. India has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (as of July 2024).
2. Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
   1. Promotes sustainable development through Biosphere Reserves.
   1. India has 12 UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves (like Nilgiri, Sundarbans, Gulf of Mannar).
3. Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
   1. Preserves practices like Yoga, Kumbh Mela, Kutiyattam, Chhau dance.
4. Global Geoparks Network (India yet to have one)
5. UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) – For peace education globally.
6. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Global Education Monitoring Report, and World Press Freedom Day (May 3) are part of its initiatives.

Governance Structure:

• General Conference (Member states meet every 2 years)
• Executive Board
• Director-General (currently Audrey Azoulay, since 2017)

India-UNESCO Engagement:

• India hosts the UNESCO Cluster Office in New Delhi for India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
• Active participation in cultural heritage, education reforms, scientific cooperation, and digital literacy.

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