The Venue
The United Nations Conference for the establishment of an educational and cultural organization was convened in London from 1 to 16 November 1945. This historic conference was held in the Great Hall at One Great George Street, the global headquarters of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
The 44 delegations present decided to create an organization that would embody a genuine culture of peace. In their eyes, the new organization must establish the "intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind" and, in so doing, prevent the outbreak of another world war.
On 16 November, at the conclusion of the conference, thirty-seven countries signed the charter establishing the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). At the Conference, Ms Ellen Wilkinson, then British Minister of Education, as well as President of the General Conference, read from the newly adopted constitution. A plaque inside the Great Hall commemorates this historic event.
Watch the film of Ms Ellen Wilkinson, then British Minister of Education, as well as President of the General Conference, read from UNESCO's newly adopted constitution in the Great Hall on 16 November 1945.
Read the full report of the Conference for the Establishment of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, 1st to the 16th November, 1945 (ECO/CONF./29) here.
The charter came into force on 4 November 1946, following ratification by twenty countries.
Sixty-five years later, the UK National Commission for UNESCO is pleased to host the Director-General’s Regional Consultation with National Commissions for UNESCO of Europe and North America on the Preparation of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2012-2013 (36C/5).
The Consultation took place from 5-8 June 2010. The proceedings from 6-8 June took place in the Great Hall of Civil Engineers at One Great George Street, the original setting and birthplace of UNESCO.
British Minister of Education Ellen Wilkinson reads from the newly adopted UNESCO Constitution, 1945 
UNESCO founding meeting, the Great Hall, 1945 (compliments of the ICE Archive)