Launched in 2012, the UK government Girls’ Education Challenge (GEC) is an ambitious twelve-year initiative aiming to provide the world’s most marginalised girls with quality education.
We implement UNESCO’s Science programme through four pillars:
Legal framework Step n°1
Policy advice Step n°2
Expert Advice Step n°3
Sites & initiatives Step n°4
We monitor legal instruments the UK has ratified the UK has ratified as a member of UNESCO, work with leading experts to advise the UK and devolved governments on UNESCO programmes and support UNESCO designations in the UK.
Spotlight Programmes
In addition to its vital research function, the synchrotron light experimentation centre in Jordan can be safely described as an outstanding example of scientific diplomacy.
Established in 1960, the IOC brings together leading experts in ocean science to co-ordinate research and build capacity, especially in developing countries.
Uniting the world’s leading water scientists, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) is all about finding solutions to the world’s water issues.
Introduction
Everyone should have the opportunity and right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress. And scientists must have the freedom to conduct research and collaborate regardless of political boundaries and borders.
As the only United Nations agency with a specific mandate for science, UNESCO works to advance and promote science in the interests of peace, sustainable development and human security and well-being.
Since its inception in London in November 1945, UNESCO has acted as a catalyst for the establishment of many scientific unions and bodies in natural and human sciences. It has stimulated the creation of initiatives with far-reaching implications for sustainable development including the Man and the Biosphere Programme, the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO Global Geoparks and natural sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The UK is home to many science-related UNESCO sites and programmes, and our world-leading experts continue to shape and have impact through UNESCO’s global programmes.
Spotlight
Browse our In Focus Programmes
#Quote
‘‘Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world’
Louis Pasteur
Science
Discover our scientific role and browse our science programmes below
#SustainableDevelopment #ClimateChange #Geology #DopingInSport #TheHumanGenome #ScientificResearch #ArtificialIntelligence #BiosphereReserves #GlobalGeoparks #IHP #IOC
UNESCO establishes an international normative framework through its Conventions, Recommendations and other agreements
⚖️ #LegalFramework step n°1
SCIENCE FRAMEWORK
UNESCO establishes international frameworks for science through Conventions and other agreements.
UNESCO establishes international standards through Conventions and other multilateral agreements that help develop national science policies, set-up international frameworks for collaboration between scientific researchers, and protect some of our most important and cherished places from the dangers of climate change and biodiversity loss.
#KeyScienceFramework
Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers
13 NOV 2017
? #Recommendation
The Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers is aimed at research institutes, individuals and scientific organisations that practise, regulate and promote science. It calls on governments to create the conditions that will enable science to flourish and advance, to be practiced ethically and fairly, and to be useful and relevant to society.
International Declaration on Human Genetic Data
16 OCT 2003
? #Declaration
The Declaration outlines the ethical principles that should govern the collection, processing, storage and use of human genetic data. The overall aim of the declaration is to ensure the human dignity and the protection of human rights.
International Convention against Doping in Sport
19 OCT 2005
? #RatifiedConvention
This Convention represents the first attempt to apply the force of international law to anti-doping. States that agree to the Convention align their domestic rules with the World Anti-Doping Code, which is endorsed by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
RATIFIED CONVENTIONS
#Convention International Convention against Doping in Sport 19 October 2005 - Paris, France Download the #Convention Home > Framework > #Conventions The Convention helps to harmonize anti-doping legislation, guidelines, regulations, and rules internationally in order to provide a fair and equitable playing environment…
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ALL UNESCO FRAMEWORK
Discover the full repertoire of UNESCO frameworks, from our standard setting instruments to our institutes and centres.
Discover our #Framework
Each and every accredited expert within our network is tasked with a specific committee or programme within UNESCO’s framework
📕 #PolicyAdvice step n°2
SCIENCE POLICY
Current global challenges extend beyond borders, cultures and political systems, and require international science-based responses towards sustainable solutions.
Since 1946, the UK National Commission for UNESCO’s role is to ensure the UK’s leading specialists, intellectuals and academics are contributing and shaping UNESCO’s science manadate. We also advise the UK and Devolved Government on policy relating to UNESCO’s scientific activities. This advice ensures the UK Government is adhering to the text of these legal instruments by fulfilling its obligations and promoting their aims and intentions within the UK.
KEY POLICY AREAS
UNESCO is the only UN agency with a specific mandate for science. It has also been named the lead agency in the UN’s Scientific Advisory Board, which has been tasked with advising the UN on how to strengthen the interface between science and policy.
UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) was established by the United Nations (UN) in 1960 to be the focal point for ocean science in the UN system.
The structure and functions of UNESCO are under discussion in the context of both budget reductions and an internal review by UNESCO and external review by the UK Government.
Remote access is a major tool for sustainable tourism that will bring economic benefits to local communities.
ALL OUR POLICY WORK
Are you interesting in becoming a UNESCO Chair? Find out more below
Discover our #Policy
The UK National Commission has produced and published several long form policy briefs that cover both the social and natural sciences. These inform UK Government about the international opportunities in UNESCO’s programmatic sphere, opportunities and guidance on the implementation of more of UNESCO’s Science conventions and recommendations, and evaluating UNESCO’s role in the sciences.
Discover our #SciencePolicy
SCIENCE POLICY BRIEFS
Evaluating the role of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
FEB 2015
? Policy Brief Series n°13
This policy brief aims to revisit IOC’s mandate, to consider how this has changed over the years, and to establish where – in an increasingly crowded space – IOC can have the greatest impact and add the greatest value.
The ‘S’ in UNESCO: key challenges for UNESCO’s science programmes and priorities
OCT 2014
? Policy Brief Series n°15
This policy brief recommends that there was an opportune moment to take stock of UNESCO’s overall science portfolio, to enable future decisions about its current relevance and direction to be taken on a longer timescale and with the benefit of wide-ranging input from all Member States.
Redefining the UNESCO-Geoparks Relationship
AUG 2012
? Policy Brief Series n°05
This policy brief recommends that UNESCO’s relationship with Geoparks should be formalised under an international initiative. This would benefit UNESCO and Geoparks through improved governance, networking and better utilisation of resources.
OTHER SCIENCE POLICY DOCUMENTS
The UK National Commission for UNESCO has a wider portfolio of policy work which spans UNESCO’s four programmatic areas. They advise and inform our stakeholders about issues and opportunities both internationally and within the UK.
Discover more #CulturalPolicy documents
SCIENCE POLICY DOCUMENTS
Dyfi UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
JUNE 2020
?️ Policy Document
This case study explores how Dyfi Biosphere reserve is creating new projects in partnership with local stakeholders in order to tackle the problems of low visibility and resources.
Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Geopark
JUNE 2020
?️ Policy Document
This case study explains how formal education is a key aspect of the Biosphere’s work, and to facilitate this they have forged strong links with schools, local businesses, organisations and especially teachers.
Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve: Eco-Tourism
JUNE 2020
?️ Policy Document
This case study shows that the Sustainable Heritage Areas: Partnerships for Ecotourism as a platform to share and exchange ideas, experiences and concerns with other destinations in Scotland is having a positive effect on the management of the Wester Ross Biosphere.
Discover all n°#PolicyBriefs
OTHER SCIENCE POLICY DOCUMENTS
DISCOVER
Key Issues on the UNESCO Recommendation on Scientific Researchers
#Policy #BriefN°19
Explore #PolicyBrief n°19
Each and every accredited expert within our network is tasked with a specific committee or programme within UNESCO’s framework
🎓 #ExpertAdvice step n°3
SCIENCE EXPERTS
We work with a network of experts across the UK to support UNESCO’s global mission to build peace in the minds of men and women.
Our Expert Network is made up of pro-bono specialists who help to advise the UK and Devolved Governments on policy relating to UNESCO’s programmes.
KEY SCIENCE EXPERTS
INTERNATIONAL DAY International Day of Persons with Disabilities 03.12 Home → What's On → Events → International Days → December 3 We celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3. READ MORE BELOW DAY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Photo credit, from top to bottom: Nathan Anderson, Arisa Chattasa. The annual observance of the…
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INTERNATIONAL DAY International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 25.11 Home → What's On → Events → International Days → November 25 We celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25. READ MORE BELOW END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Photo credit, from top to bottom: United Nations, Karl…
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INTERNATIONAL DAY International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 17.10 Home → What's On → Events → International Days → October 17 We celebrate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17. READ MORE BELOW ERADICATION OF POVERTY Photo credit, from top to bottom: John Moeses Bauan, Hermes Rivera, Jordan Opel. On…
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Professor David Drewry, is our non executive director in charge of the #SciencePortfolio
Meet David Drewry
The relevant UK government department approves Accredited Experts. They have an official role, representing the UK in UNESCO Committees, Commissions and Programmes. They also work with us and the UK Permanent Delegation to UNESCO based with the Department for International Development in London and Paris, to advise the UK and/or devolved governments on UNESCO related matters.
🎓 Explore our #AccreditedExpert network
KEY SCIENCE ACCREDITED EXPERTS
Professor Sheila McLean, OBE
EXPERT – SINCE 2003
? #AccreditedExpert
As a member and then Vice-Chairperson of UNESCO’s International Bioethics Committee and the Council of Canadian Academies, Professor McLean has provided specialist advice to a range of international bodies including the Council of Europe, World Health Organisation and The Royal Society of Canada.
Professor Samar Hasnain
EXPERT – SINCE 2004
? #AccreditedExpert
Professor Samar Hasnain represents the UK Government on the SESAME (Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) Council and was responsible for persuading UK to join SESAME as an observer country in 2004.
FROM OUR SCIENCE ACCREDITED EXPERTS
The UNESCO Chair/UNITWIN programme seeks to foster international cooperation and knowledge sharing between higher education institutions. UNESCO Chairs are based within an Institute for Higher Education, and their work identifies with a current UNESCO priority.
🪑 Explore our #Chairs network
FROM OUR SCIENCE CHAIRS
Our experts represent the UK on a number of committees which implement and oversee UNESCO’s work on science.
🏛 Explore UNESCO's #Committees
FROM OUR SCIENCE COMMITTEES
Each and every accredited expert within our network is tasked with a specific committee or programme within UNESCO’s framework
📍 #Sites&Initiatives step n°4
SCIENCE SITES, ACTIONS & INITIATIVES
The UK has a vibrant network of UNESCO scientific projects that are working with like-minded people around the world to foster and create peace.
These designations are intrinsically community-driven initiatives. The preservation of our natural world requires input from the local communities that live and work near the sites – those who can have the most impact and benefit the most from its sustainability.
Plants, animals and the human race face unprecedented challenges – rapid climate change, the quickening pace in the loss of biodiveristy, widespread pollution, landscape despoliation, ocean acidification, rising sea levels and massive reduction in Arctic sea ice.
UNESCO’s unique network of biosphere reserves, natural world heritage sites and global geoparks, in addition to its global programmes focused on the Oceans, Hydrosphere, and the Earth Sciences offer fundamental and collaborative scientific research to understand and tackle these major threats.
LATEST SCIENCE NEWS
Launched in 2012, the UK government Girls’ Education Challenge (GEC) is an ambitious twelve-year initiative aiming to provide the world’s most marginalised girls with quality education.
This short survey is for the use of the UK National Commission for UNESCO only. We will use your responses to better understand your fields of work, capacity and international links so that we can inform the government reliably of the UK UNESCO Chairs network's expertise across UNESCO's fields of competency. 1. About your UNESCO…
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Launched in 2012, the UK government Girls’ Education Challenge (GEC) is an ambitious twelve-year initiative aiming to provide the world’s most marginalised girls with quality education.
Sign the open letter to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an armed offensive against Ukraine. One month later, intense fighting continues with hundreds of lives lost, and buildings and sometimes entire cities devastated. According to the figures recently released by the UNESCO Secretariat, 53 cultural buildings (historical monuments, places…
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Discover our sites of #science, explore our 🌋 Global Geoparks, our 🌲 Biosphere Reserves, and our 🌴 Natural World Heritage Sites
Explore our #Sites
The UK’s environment, scientific and natural heritage is represented by natural World Heritage Sites, Biopshere Reserves and Global Geoparks. Collectively they span vast swathes of territory across the UK and its Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. They act as climate change laboratories, ecological and geological centres of research as well as destinations for visitors to enjoy the pristine landscapes. The UK’s Memory of the World register also pays homage to the prolific historical contribution in the field of science.
🏔️ Explore our #Sites of science
OUR SCIENCE SITES
Henderson Island
SITE – SINCE 1988
⛩️ #WorldHeritageSite
Sitting in the isolated east South Pacific Ocean, Henderson Island is one of the last few places in the world practically untouched by humans.
Biosffer Dyfi
SITE – SINCE 2009
⛩️ #BiosphereReserve
The area around the river Dyfi in Wales is a special place for its people, its culture and the local environment. It hosts some of the finest and most inspiring landscapes and wildlife areas in Europe, as well as a passionate community that care strongly about their magnificent surroundings.
Geopark Shetland
SITE – SINCE 2009
⛩️ #GlobalGeopark
From the highest sheer cliffs in Britain to the best ‘hands on’ exposure of the Great Glen Fault, Shetland is packed with incredibly varied geology spanning almost 3 billion years.
The English Riviera Geopark
SITE – SINCE 2007
⛩️ #GlobalGeopark
Home to the Kents Cavern jawbone, the oldest modern human fossil in North West Europe and situated within the stunning, rolling hills of South Devon, Torbay’s geology has created a beautiful coastline, linking the rich diversity of the landscape with its wildlife, people and culture.
NEWS FROM OUR SCIENCE SITES
Since it was established, the UK National Commission for UNESCO has worked in partnership with likeminded organisations and colleagues in the field of science, working together to tackle global and local challenges.
💸 Meet our #Science Partners
KEY SCIENCE PARTNERS
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
UNESCO Prizes in natural and social science are prestigious awards addressing global issues and themes, which are conferred on individuals or organisations by the Director-General for UNESCO upon recommendation by an independent and international jury. They each carry a high symbolic value, and are awarded with a substantial monetary award.
🏆 Apply to our #SciencePrizes
OUR SCIENCE PRIZES
UNESCO Avicenna Prize for Ethics in Science
PRIZE – SINCE 2003
? #Prize
Named after the 11th-century Persian physician and philosopher Avicenna (980-1038) the Prize highlights the importance of ethics in science, helps to develop reflections and raise awareness among scientists and the general public.
Green Chemistry for Life Grant Programme
PRIZE – SINCE 2014
? #Prize
Established to give young scientists involved in research in green chemistry and allied areas in biochemistry, geochemistry, biotechnology, ecology and healthcare ample opportunity to demonstrate their inventiveness and provide important input to sustainable development.
BLOGS FROM OUR SCIENCE PRIZES
At their root, UN International Days contribute to the achievement of the purposes of the UN Charter and promote awareness of and action on important political, social, cultural, humanitarian or human rights issues. International days are at the heart of the United Nations Charter.
🌞 Find science #IntlDays
SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL DAYS
World Radio Day
FEB 13 – SINCE 2011
? #InternationalDay
Radio stations should serve diverse communities, offering a wide variety of programs, viewpoints and content, and reflect the diversity of audiences in their organizations and operations.
International Day for Biological Diversity
22 MAY – SINCE 2001
? #InternationalDay
The International Day for Biological Diversity was proclaimed by the United Nations in order to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.
World Tsunami Awareness Day
DEC 15 – SINCE 2015
? #InternationalDay
International cooperation is key for deeper political and public understanding; as well as involvement in reducing our risks from coastal natural hazards. In December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly designated 5 November as World Tsunami Awareness Day to promote a global culture of tsunami awareness.
NEWS FROM OUR SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL DAYS
DISCOVER
Discover our Communication & Information Programmes
#Communication #Information
Explore our #CommunicationProgrammes