Why Do We Need UNESCO?

The issues we face today know no borders. Climate change, biodiversity loss, the rapid development of artificial intelligence, unequal access to quality education, threats to cultural heritage, and the spread of false information are issues that cannot be solved by countries acting alone.

UNESCO brings together governments, scientists, educators, experts, cultural institutions, and young people to share knowledge and experience, develop common approaches, and find solutions.

At the same time, UNESCO is not a “world government” and does not run schools or universities. Its role is to help countries cooperate, develop common principles and standards, advance knowledge, and support international networks and initiatives.

What Does UNESCO Do?

UNESCO’s work spans several interconnected areas.
In education, UNESCO works to ensure access to quality, inclusive, and equitable education, supporting teachers, stronger education systems, and innovative approaches to learning.

In science, the Organization promotes international cooperation and the use of scientific knowledge to address global challenges — from climate change, biodiversity conservation, water resources, and oceans to technological development and innovation.

In culture, UNESCO works to protect and promote cultural and natural heritage, while supporting cultural diversity and creativity. The Organization created and continues to expand the World Heritage List, helping safeguard cultural and natural sites around the world that are of outstanding value to humanity.

In communication and information, UNESCO promotes access to reliable information, supports freedom of expression, and advances media and information literacy — skills that are particularly important in today’s digital world.

Social and human sciences address issues such as human rights, ethics, social justice, democracy, and intercultural dialogue. Among today’s emerging challenges are ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, and other new technologies.

UNESCO Cares About the Future

The world is constantly changing, and with new opportunities come new questions: How will artificial intelligence transform education and science? How can we protect our cultural and natural heritage? How can we ensure access to quality education and reliable information? And how can we make development more equitable and sustainable?

UNESCO helps countries address these questions by bringing together knowledge, science, education, culture, and international cooperation.

Young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow. They are already shaping the world today — by researching, creating, asking questions, and proposing solutions to global challenges.

Our next publications will explore UNESCO’s work in Ukraine, the participation of the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in UNESCO’s programmes and initiatives, as well as international projects and opportunities for Ukrainian schoolchildren and young researchers.