What is UNESCO and Why is it Important?
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in the aftermath of two World Wars to strengthen peace through international cooperation in education, sciences, and culture. It was founded with the vision that political and economic agreements alone cannot build peace — mutual understanding and cultural dialogue are equally vital.
Adopted in London in 1945 and effective from 1946, UNESCO’s Constitution was signed by 37 founding countries, including India, making India a founding member of the organization.
What Are the Main Objectives of UNESCO?
UNESCO’s objectives are rooted in promoting peace and sustainable development across the globe. Its key objectivesinclude:
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Achieving quality education for all and lifelong learning
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Mobilizing science knowledge for sustainable development
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Addressing emerging social and ethical challenges
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Fostering cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue
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Promoting inclusive knowledge societies through ICT
UNESCO’s Structure and Membership
UNESCO consists of:
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195 Member States
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8 Associate Members
It is governed by:
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The General Conference
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The Executive Board
Its day-to-day operations are carried out by the Secretariat, led by the Director-General. The headquarters is located in Paris, and it maintains 50+ field offices worldwide.
UNESCO is also part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG).
Interesting Membership Facts:
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Non-UN UNESCO members: Cook Islands, Niue, Palestine
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UN members not in UNESCO: Israel, Liechtenstein
Recent Update: USA Rejoins UNESCO
In July 2023, the United States rejoined UNESCO, after its withdrawal in 2019 due to alleged bias against Israel. As a founding member, the USA’s return is seen as a significant shift in multilateral cooperation.
Major UNESCO Programmes UPSC Aspirants Must Know
1. World Heritage Convention (1972)
India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (as of 2025), including:
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34 Cultural Sites
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7 Natural Sites
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1 Mixed Site – Khangchendzonga National Park
🔔 Latest Addition – 2024:
The Moidams of the Ahom Dynasty (also called Pyramids of Assam) were added in 2024. These are burial mounds of Ahom royalty and now stand as India’s 43rd World Heritage Site.
2. Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
Promotes sustainable balance between humans and their environment.
3. Intangible Cultural Heritage List
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Includes the Traditional Brass and Copper Craft of the Thatheras from Jandiala Guru, Punjab.
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Inscribed in 2014 for preserving traditional craftsmanship.
4. Global Geoparks Network
Promotes protection and sustainable use of geological heritage.
5. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
Focuses on reorienting education to address sustainable futures.
UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
Launched in 2004, this network fosters cooperation among cities that use creativity as a lever for sustainable urban development. As of 2025, it has 350 cities in over 100 countries.
Indian Cities in the Creative Cities Network:
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Varanasi – City of Music (2015)
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Jaipur – Crafts and Folk Art (2015)
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Chennai – City of Music (2017)
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Hyderabad – Gastronomy (2019)
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Srinagar – Crafts and Folk Art (2021)
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Gwalior – City of Music (2023)
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Kozhikode – City of Literature (2023)
UNESCO Memory of the World Programme
This programme aims to:
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Preserve documentary heritage, especially in conflict zones.
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Ensure accessibility of such heritage globally.
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Raise awareness about its significance.
India’s Contributions:
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Rigveda Manuscripts (2007)
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First Non-Aligned Movement Summit Archives (2023)
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Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana (2024)
Science and Sustainability Initiatives (2024–2025)
🧪 International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024–2033)
Launched by UNESCO in December 2024 to bridge the gap between science and society.
🌀 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (2025)
Designated by the UN and led by UNESCO, it commemorates 100 years of quantum mechanics and promotes global awareness of its applications.
Frequently Asked UPSC Questions on UNESCO:
❓ When was UNESCO founded?
1945 (Constitution adopted), 1946 (came into force)
❓ How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in India (2025)?
43 Sites – 34 Cultural, 7 Natural, 1 Mixed
❓ What is the latest Indian site added to the UNESCO World Heritage list?
Moidams of the Ahom Dynasty, Assam (2024)
❓ Which cities in India are part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network?
Varanasi, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Srinagar, Gwalior, Kozhikode
❓ What major science initiative was launched by UNESCO in 2024?
International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024–2033)
Conclusion
For UPSC aspirants, understanding UNESCO goes beyond remembering dates and facts. It connects to culture, education, geopolitics, science, and diplomacy — all key areas in General Studies Paper 1 and 2, and even Essay and Interview rounds.
Keep this topic bookmarked — questions on World Heritage Sites, Cultural Preservation, or Multilateral Agenciesare frequent flyers in UPSC Prelims and Mains alike.
