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 International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition (21/08/08) 23 August marks the tenth International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. This day remembers the millions of men, women and children who were subjected to this terrible denial of human rights, and those who fought tirelessly to end that tyranny. (more) Glasgow Wins UNESCO City of Music Bid (20/08/08) Glasgow has been awarded the prestigious title of UNESCO ‘City of Music’. The announcement, made in Glasgow by UNESCO’s Director General Mr Koïchiro Matsuura on 20 August, means the city will join UNESCO’s worldwide Creative Cities Network. The title gives high profile, global recognition to Glasgow’s musical heritage, industry and potential. (more) The Future of Stonehenge (15/07/08) Proposals to revise the Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan and to improve the monument’s landscape setting and presentation to visitors in time for the 2012 Olympics were unveiled for public consultation by Margaret Hodge, Culture Minister, and Lord Bruce-Lockhart, Chairman of English Heritage. Consultation booklet Download (more) Antonine Wall World Heritage Status (10/07/08) The nomination of the Antonine Wall as an extension of the trans-national Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site which includes Hadrian’s Wall and the Upper Raetian German Limes was accepted by the World Heritage Committee. The UK now has 28 World Heritage Sites. (more) Winners of the 2008 L’Oréal UK and Ireland Fellowships For Women In Science Announced (02/07/08) The winners of the four 2008 L’Oreal UK and Ireland Fellowships For Women In Science were announced on 2 July 2008 at an awards ceremony at the Royal Institution in London. (more) ‘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)

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