top of page
                               
                                             NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO  
​
                                    (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation)

                                   

                                 

                                         "Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men

                                                 

                                              that defenses of peace must be constructed."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNESCO is the only UN Agency to have a global network of national cooperating bodies known as National Commissions for UNESCO. 

National Commissions make part of the overall constitutional architecture of the Organization.

Set up by their respective governments in accordance with the Article VII of the UNESCO Constitution, the National Commissions operate, on a permanent basis, for the purpose of associating their governmental and non-governmental bodies in education, sciences, culture and communication with the work of the Organization. 

 

Presently, there are 199 National Commissions for UNESCO across the world. They constitute a truly global family with as an authoritative network of stakeholders, partners and experts and offer a comparative advantage to the Organization within the United Nations system. This network plays a significant role in the liaison with partners, the coordination of activities and the promotion of UNESCO’s visibility at the country level.

 

Acting as agencies of consultation, liaison and information, and mobilizing and coordinating partnerships with national partners, including the civil society, the National Commissions make also substantial contributions in the advancement of UNESCO’s objectives and in the implementation of its programme. 

​

THE FOLLOWING ARE PROGRAMS THAT UNESCO HANDLES:

EDUCATION: 

The Education sector of UNESCO focuses on six programmes: 

 

  • Sector-wide policy formulation, planning and management;

  • Literacy and lifelong learning;

  • Teachers;

  • Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET);

  • Education for Peace, human rights and global partnership;

  • All these from early Childhood care education to higher education.

 

Interdisciplinary programmes led by Education Sector

 

  • HIV/AIDS and Education;

  • Education for Sustainable Development.

 

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

 

The NatCom together with the Department of Environment were both selected to lead the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2014.  In the Post 2015 Era, the two shall lead the country in the implementation of the Global Action Plan on ESD.

​

ThakaKhoali-SMEF Mathematics and Science Project

Based at Education Facilities Unit and under the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO the project implements projects that promote the Teaching and Learning of Maths and Science through the establishment of Thakakhoali Science clubs, the use of ICT in teaching and learning.

​

NATURAL SCIENCE:

​

The Natural Science of UNESCO focuses on 2 major sectoral objectives namely:

 

 

1.Strengthening science, technology and innovation systems and policies – nationally, regionally and globally

​

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD or Rio+20) has confirmed the pivotal role that science, technology and innovation (STI) play in poverty eradication and sustainable development in all its dimensions – economic, social and environmental.  All the technological innovation and engendering solutions needed to address challenges such as green growth and employment; environmental degradation and restoration, climate change adaptation, diseases, natural disasters and energy needs are underpinned by the sciences.

 

UNESCO has an explicit mandate in the sciences, to support Member State’s efforts to reform and upgrade national STI systems and governance.

UNESCO is committed to among others provide technical support to help bridge the gap between STI knowledge and policy and to catalyse member states’ investment in STI.  A specific focus will be put on the development of national, regional and grass roots innovation capacities to spur green transformations, encourage creativity and enhance opportunities for youth led applied in

novation and employability of youth.

​

2.Promoting international scientific cooperation on critical challenges to sustainable development

UNESCO’s Natural Science Programme addresses sustainable development and sustainability issues are at the centre of the international debate as the current patterns of human activity are fundamentally altering Earth’s systems, testing the biophysical limits.

Critical issues being addressed include water security, the ocean, atmosphere and climate and terrestrial systems and biodiversity.

Water Security

Freshwater remains a critical element of security, sustainability, inclusion and peace.  Its vital importance continues to increase due to among others population growth, urbanisation and climate change.  UNESCO is committed to assisting member states in strengthening the governance and management of the world’s limited freshwater resources within the framework of the strategy “Water Security: Responses to Local, Regional and Global Challenges (2014 – 2021).

​

Biosphere Reserves

UNESCO endeavours to strengthen the role and potential of the UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves as pilot for research on mitigation and adaptation of climate change, green economies and as sites for collaboration with other similar initiatives.  Biosphere Reserves (BRs) further serve to build scientific knowledge and identify best practices for natural resource use and ecosystem management, restoration and rehabilitation. 

UNESCO BRs are model regions for sustainable development.  They take into account the interests of environmental protection and social and economic development.

Biosphere reserves have three interrelated zones that aim to fulfil three complimentary and mutually reinforcing functions:

  • The core area(s) which are strictly protected ecosystems that contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation

  • The buffer zone surrounds or adjoins the core areas, and is used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training and education.

  • The transition area is the part of the reserve where the greatest activity is allowed, fostering economic and human development that is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable

 

CULTURE:

​

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION:

SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES:

bottom of page