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Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day

Thursday 8 May 2025 marks 80 years since VE (Victory in Europe) Day when the Second World War came to an end in Europe. In honour of all of those that served, and the VE Day generation, we highlight just a tiny selection of the myriad stories connecting the end of WWII in Europe to UNESCO designations, inscriptions and notable figures.

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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Heritage Sites
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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 Role
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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

08 May 2025
Manchester Festival of Libraries (4-8 June) announces its full programme for 2025 including visiting performers from other global UNESCO Cities of Literature

Returning for its fifth year, and winner of Best Event at the Manchester Culture Awards in 2024…

08 May 2025
Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day

Thursday 8 May 2025 marks 80 years since VE (Victory in Europe) Day when the Second World War came to an end in Europe.

07 May 2025
Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature appoints Harriet MacMillan as new Director

The Chair of the Board of Trustees of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature, Ruth Plowden, has announced that Dr Harriet MacMillan has been appointed as the charity’s new Director.

08 May 2025
Manchester Festival of Libraries (4-8 June) announces its full programme for 2025 including visiting performers from other global UNESCO Cities of Literature

Returning for its fifth year, and winner of Best Event at the Manchester Culture Awards in 2024…

08 May 2025
Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day

Thursday 8 May 2025 marks 80 years since VE (Victory in Europe) Day when the Second World War came to an end in Europe.

07 May 2025
Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature appoints Harriet MacMillan as new Director

The Chair of the Board of Trustees of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature, Ruth Plowden, has announced that Dr Harriet MacMillan has been appointed as the charity’s new Director.

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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.