Education
Education holds the key to development. UNESCO Beijing conducts its educational programmes in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia, People's Republic of China, and Republic of Korea with the knowledge that promoting education for all is the surest way of removing the burden of poverty and demolishing the wall of exclusion. 

Science
UNESCO believes in the “pursuit of the sciences in the service of development”. With the environmental threats posed by the sub-region’s booming development, however, it is essential that the UNESCO Beijing Office not only use science to improve the quality of lives but to ensure sustainable development for future generations as well.  UNESCO also implements projects for technical and vocational education, environmental education and higher education. 

Culture
In the words of the UNESCO Director-General: “We cannot do away with the heritage without running the risk of offering young people nothing but a series of questions without answers.”  UNESCO Beijing’s work in the revitalisation of cultures is especially significant since it provides continuity in this era of unpredictable change in the sub-region. 

Main Functions
The UNESCO Beijing Office has two main purposes: 

• to implement UNESCO programmes with consideration to the East Asian sub-region’s interests and realities; and
• to articulate the current and future needs of the East Asian Member States, and to facilitate the incorporation of  these needs into the framework of UNESCO programmes.

Keeping Things Close to Home
The UNESCO Beijing Office pays close attention to cooperation with governments and organisations and to development of resources within the East Asian sub-region.  Close cooperation with National Commissions in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia, People's Republic of China, and Republic of Korea has enabled the office to form alliances with various institutions in the three countries.  Regular consultation with government agencies, institutes and non-governmental organisations also allows UNESCO to better understand its beneficiaries’ needs.  These strong relationships have contributed to the effective implementation of UNESCO programmes. UNESCO Beijing also places great emphasis on strengthening national capacities in education, the sciences and cultural preservation. 

Making Connections
UNESCO Beijing stresses a sub-regional approach in its programmes to ensure maximised development and sharing of each country’s resources.  The office emphasises the participation of Member States in seminars, training courses and forums, and encourages networking between institutions and experts within the sub-region. 

UNESCO Beijing strives to focus and coordinate its efforts with the efforts of other organisations.  It maintains and forges new links with multilateral and bilateral donors and international non-governmental organisations.  The office’s programmes are also supported by extra-budgetary resources and various volunteer groups.  In addition, the Beijing Office works closely with UNESCO offices in Bangkok, Jakarta, and other locations on many joint activities. 

Despite, or because of, its many disparities, juxtapositions and changes, East Asia today is truly a land of possibilities--and that is perhaps its most fitting label of all.  The Beijing Office sees numerous possibilities for using education, science and technology to accelerate development and culture so as to foster exchange within the sub-region.  UNESCO Beijing invites you to discover these possibilities together.

Office Information

Please telephone in advance to schedule an appointment.  An office staff member will be pleased to greet you at the gate and accompany you to the office.

Office Hours:
The regular office hours are 9:00 to 18:00 Monday through Friday.

UNESCO Beijing Office Staff with Director-General Mr. K. Matsuura