What are National Commissions ?
Of UNESCO's 186 Member States, 180 have
set up National Commissions. Under the Organization's Constitution, the National
Commissions, composed of members of the intellectual and scientific communities in each
country, form the vital link between these communities and UNESCO.
Unique in this respect within the United Nations system, the National Commissions
participate in the elaboration, execution and evaluation of UNESCO's programme.
They also organize their own activities, implement activities on behalf of UNESCO and
disseminate information about UNESCO, often through publication of books and documents in
national languages.
UNESCO's Secretariat -at Headquarters and in the field offices- maintains interactive
relations with National Commissions.
In addition, regular meetings of the Secretaries General of National Commissions on the
regional and interregional level serve to keep UNESCO informed on local as well as global
needs.
A list of National Commissions is available here
