The United Kingdom National Commission for UNESCO is the focal point in the UK for UNESCO-related policies and activities. As an independent body, the Commission is the principle adviser to and works closely in partnership with UK government, enabling it to engage UK organisations in education, science, culture and communication & information, towards achieving UNESCO's ideal of promoting the inseparable goals of peace, mutual understanding and equitable and sustainable human development.   The Commission is part of the global community of 195 UNESCO National Commissions, each acting as an essential partner to UNESCO in its respective country. UNESCO is the only member of the United Nations System to have National Commissions performing this role in its Member States. "The Commission has an important role in improving UK input into all aspects of UNESCO policy-making and debate, and in helping build a more effective UNESCO." Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP Secretary of State for International Development January 2005

UNESCO-L'OREAL For Women in Science Programme UNESCO Associated Schools Project UK UNESCO Chairs Programme

IN FOCUS ‘Unpacking the Suitcase’ School Linking Seminar (16/06/08) UNESCO Associated Schools UK to host seminar titled ‘Unpacking the Suitcase- sharing lessons from a UNESCO Associated Schools partnership’ at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire on 26 June 2008 (more) New report "Improving Access to Scientific Information for Developing Countries: UK Learned Societies and Journal Access Programmes" published (16/06/08) Report by the Commission's Improving Access To Scientific Information Working Group sets out recommendations to strengthen the provision of scientific information to institutions and readers in need. (more) New UNESCO Chair in Gender Research at Lancaster University (02/06/08) Lancaster University officially launched the new UNESCO Chair in Gender Research with a high level seminar. Professor Sylvia Walby has been appointed as Chairholder. (more) Britain's commitment to promote, defend, and protect the right of journalists re-stated on World Press Freedom Day (03/05/2008) For the first time in several years, the Foreign Secretary issued a statement on World Press Freedom Day, noting that the freedom to receive and pass on reliable and accurate information is fundamentally important to democratic government. (more) Three to one Concur - Journalism is Alive and Well - at World Press Freedom Day Debate (02/05/2008) In a debate organised by the UK National Commission, Press Freedom Network and the Frontline Club this morning, an audience of senior media practitioners, commentators and press freedom experts voted that journalism is alive and well. (more) Missed the debate? View a video of the event Publication of the Draft Heritage Protection Bill Welcomed (07/04/2008) The draft Heritage Protection Bill was published on 2 April 2008, representing a major step towards a single system in the safeguarding and management of the UK’s historic places. (click for the press statement) (click for DCMS press release)

RECENT EVENTS International expert workshop on heritage of science 21-23 Jan 08 - London Workshop materials available.  Inaugural UK UNESCO Chairs Colloquium 17-18 Jan 08 - Nottingham Conference papers and report available.   EFA by 2015: Will we Make it? 17 January 2008  Final Report and Papers now available 2008 World Press Freedom Day UK debate: 2 May 2008

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