About National Commissions for UNESCO
UNESCO is the only UN Agency to have a global network of national cooperating bodies known as National Commissions for UNESCO.
National Commissions make part of the overall constitutional architecture of the Organization.
Set up by their respective governments in accordance with the Article VII of the UNESCO Constitution, the National Commissions operate, on a permanent basis, for the purpose of associating their governmental and non-governmental bodies in education, sciences, culture and communication with the work of the Organization.
Article VII of the UNESCO Constitution (pdf 1MB)
Presently, there are 198 National Commissions for UNESCO across the world. They constitute a truly global family with as an authoritative network of stakeholders, partners and experts and offer a comparative advantage to the Organization within the United Nations system. This network plays a significant role in raising UNESCO’s visibility at the country level.
Directories of National Commissions
Acting as agencies of consultation, liaison and information, and mobilizing and coordinating partnerships with the civil society, the National Commissions make also substantial contributions in the advancement of UNESCO’s objectives and in the implementation of its programme.
The Coordinating Group of National Commissions closely follows key issues regarding National Commissions, advises on the ways and means of strengthening their global network and advocates for their stronger role in UNESCO's overall strategy and programme - More
Legal Texts on National Commissions for UNESCO (pdf 200Ko)
The Handbook for National Commissions for UNESCO (pdf 5,2MB)
Other relevant Publications and Documents