Thinking globally
Acting locally

UNESCO’s activities in education are now highly decentralized. From only eight Regional Offices, Offices, Centres and Representatives in 1950 - of which only one for education, the Regional Centre for Fundamental Education in Latin America (CREFAL) in Patzcuaro, Mexico - today UNESCO has available to it a network of sixty-nine field units, or representatives, of which forty-four are directly involved in educational activities. In each region, the Organization’s programme is implemented by a variety of field units which serve as conduits between the Secretariat in Paris, national authorities and the intellectual community. They seek active partnerships with United Nations sister organizations and are instrumental in advising countries on project design and fund-raising opportunities, while feeding back information to Headquarters on Member States’ needs and aspirations. Through its field units, UNESCO can be more relevant and more efficient in fulfilling its mandate. Global issues and international and inter-regional co-operation are dealt with by Headquarters. Three specialized institutes have responsibilities in training and research: IIEP in Paris, IBE in Geneva and UIE in Hamburg.