Celebrating and drawing attention to personalities, works or events that have contributed to the mutual enrichment of cultures helps to promote international understanding, closer relations among peoples and peace. UNESCO therefore participates since 1956 in the commemorations of historic events and in the anniversaries of eminent personalities celebrated by Member States and Associate Members, in order to give them worldwide significance.

Anniversaries of historic events and of eminent personalities celebrated by Member States and Associate Members with which UNESCO is  associated in 2012-2013 (as approved by 35C/Resolution 72 and the 36th session of the General Conference):