UNESCO’s Contribution to the UN Reform

UNESCO’s contribution to the UN reform is critical for the Organization’s leadership role and impact in its areas of competence (Education, Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture and Communication & Information) and to increased coordination and cooperation with the other UN agencies with a view to enhancing synergies and minimizing duplication in programme delivery.

The UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, contributes to the UN Reform at both the regional and national levels:

At the Regional level, as member of the Regional UN System for Europe and Central Asia, we support United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs) in the region with: Strategic guidance and policy advice through our participation in the Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM) and the Regional UN Sustainable Development Group for Europe and Central Asia (R-UNSDG ECA); and, Technical support through the work of the Peer Support Group (PSG) and Issue-Based Coalitions (IBCs).

At the Country level UNESCO is considered to be either a resident or “non-resident” member of many UNCTs in the region having an UNDAF (United Nations Development Assistance Framework) or “Delivering as One UN” or going to launch the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). We also collaborate with other UN agencies, programmes and funds to develop and implement joint programmes.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with its 17 goals and 169 targets, sets forth a bold new framework for development cooperation in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet. The 2030 Agenda commits all countries and stakeholders to working together to achieve sustained and inclusive economic growth, social development and environmental protection and aspires to ensure prosperity and well-being for all. Moving forward, the Agenda must build on national ownership and on the mobilization of effective action and resources at the national, regional and global level. Inclusivity, integration and universality -- these are the hallmarks of the new Agenda. These represent a universal, ambitious, sustainable development agenda, an agenda “of the people, by the people and for the people,” crafted with UNESCO’s active involvement.

Drawing on its humanist mandate, and mobilizing all of its partners and stakeholders, UNESCO contributes significantly to 9 SDGs through an holistic approach, integrating all of its areas of specialized expertise and in close partnership with UN entities and partners from the public and private sectors. Through regional networks and initiatives, the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe strives to support the region achieve the 2030 Agenda.