Definition

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a United Nations (UN) agency "dedicated to strengthening our shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication comprised of 194 member states.^[1] It's primary area of responsibility is in safeguarding heritage.

The agency's main office is in Paris, France. UNESCO is governed by a General Conference that elects a Director-General every four years. Among its many roles, UNESCO:

Establishes World Heritage Sites
Sets standards
Produces tools, and
Develops knowledge

Its focus includes

Protecting biodiversity
Responding to artificial intelligence
Advancing quality education
Safeguarding heritage, and
Ensuring access to reliable information
Promoting Open Science and Citizen Science

^[2] See also: Cultural Heritage

UNESCO History

UNESCO was officially founded in 1946 after the 20th member of the UN ratified the UNESCO Charter.^[3]

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed”.^[4]

The articles of the UNESCO Constitution articulate its role within the international community:

Peace based exclusively upon the political and economic arrangements of governments would not be a peace which could secure the unanimous, lasting and sincere support of the peoples of the world, [...] peace must therefore be founded, if it is not to fail, upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind...
Article I - Purposes and functions
1. The purpose of the Organization is to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among the nations through education, science and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations. ^[5]

Libraries & UNESCO

IFLA and UNESCO have worked together since 1949 when both organizations released the IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto. UNESCO recognizes libraries as an important cultural site for learning: "The IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto proclaims UNESCO’s belief in the public library as a living force for education, culture and information, and as an essential agent for the fostering of peace and welfare through the minds of all people." ^[6]

The manifesto was revised in 2022 to reflect new developments in technology, like artificial intelligence, but still recognizes "UNESCO's Role in building inclusive Knowledge Societies": "The synergy between UNESCO and libraries manifests in the new IFAP Strategic Plan (2023-2029) which puts a spotlight on how evolving digital ecosystems impact knowledge societies and the role libraries can play in mitigating these impacts."^[7]

Kula & UNESCO

The relationships and advocacy between UNESCO and IFLA aligns with major initiatives in Kula. For example, LENS@UVic will explore the role of AI in libraries and archives; the great work of librarians and information literacy around trusted information sources is a key part of our identity; finally, the perseveration and stewardship of cultural heritage is at the heart of the Conflict Aftermath Digital Archive Project (CADAP) and other Kula initiatives.