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22 April 2025 - Documentary heritage relating to the life and work of Charles Darwin inscribed onto the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register

The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme serves as the documentary heritage equivalent of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, protecting invaluable records that tell the story of human civilisation.
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Explore Our Sites

From expansive mountain ranges and stunning coastlines, to rural landscapes and vibrant cities, cultures and traditions, to natural and built heritage, UNESCO Designations are the manifestation of the UNESCO values.

UNESCO Sites in the United Kingdom and its Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies are destinations of world-class standard. They tell the story of the British Isles in an unparalleled way: its creation, formation, biodiversity, occupation, invasion, monarchy, religion, industry, culture, scientific invention and creativity. 

Each of the types of UNESCO designation - Biosphere Reserves, Creative Cities, Global Geoparks and World Heritage Sites – play a vital role in the future of our societies and planet. 

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About the UK National Commission for UNESCO

An independent body, the National Commission is a constitutional part of the UK's membership of UNESCO. We are the central hub for all UNESCO-related matters in the UK.

 

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Our Impact

The positive impacts of our work are felt across the UK and far beyond. From supporting women’s and girls’ education globally, to developing and leading multi-agency projects to address climate change, our impacts make tangible differences to people’s lives.

Our work aligns to UNESCO core programme areas of education, the sciences, culture and communication & information, and contributes to the achievement of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, defined in the 2030 Agenda. 

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Explore our Resources

Our Resource Centre is the essential document library for UNESCO in the UK.

From major research studies to strategy documents, toolkits to accreditation guidance, maps to factsheets, our Resource Centre is the place to find the information you need.

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Official Statements
National Statement by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - delivered at the 221st Executive Board, UNESCO on 08 April 2025
Constitutions & Conventions
Constitution of the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation - 2022 Edition
Research Reports
The National Value of UNESCO Designations to the United Kingdom
Toolkits
Digital Toolkit for UNESCO Designated Sites in the UK
Official Statements
National Statement by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - delivered at the 221st Executive Board, UNESCO on 08 April 2025
Constitutions & Conventions
Constitution of the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation - 2022 Edition
Research Reports
The National Value of UNESCO Designations to the United Kingdom
Toolkits
Digital Toolkit for UNESCO Designated Sites in the UK

Get Recognised

Achieving UNESCO status is a huge achievement. It shows that a place, organisation, or person has met, and continues to meet, UNESCO's international standards and ascribes to its values.

There are many ways to be accredited by UNESCO in the UK: designated site status, patronage, prizes, or becoming a member of our expert network. 

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Latest News

28 April 2025
UNESCO sites across the north and midlands feature on latest series of BBC's 'Great British Railway Journeys'

A number of UNESCO sites in the north and midlands have taken centre stage in the latest series of the popular BBC show 'Great British Railway Journeys'.

24 April 2025
UNESCO Biosphere Youth Network meets for the first time at the UKMAB Annual Gathering in The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere

The 2025 UK Man and the Biosphere (UKMAB) Annual Meeting, hosted by The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere, marked a significant milestone for youth involvement in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

22 April 2025
Documentary heritage relating to the life and work of Charles Darwin recognised on the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register

Documentary heritage relating to the life and work of Charles Darwin has been inscribed onto the prestigious UNESCO Memory of the World International Register…

28 April 2025
UNESCO sites across the north and midlands feature on latest series of BBC's 'Great British Railway Journeys'

A number of UNESCO sites in the north and midlands have taken centre stage in the latest series of the popular BBC show 'Great British Railway Journeys'.

24 April 2025
UNESCO Biosphere Youth Network meets for the first time at the UKMAB Annual Gathering in The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere

The 2025 UK Man and the Biosphere (UKMAB) Annual Meeting, hosted by The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere, marked a significant milestone for youth involvement in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

22 April 2025
Documentary heritage relating to the life and work of Charles Darwin recognised on the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register

Documentary heritage relating to the life and work of Charles Darwin has been inscribed onto the prestigious UNESCO Memory of the World International Register…

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This website was produced by the UK National Commission for UNESCO as part of its Local to Global programme, made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.