Its aim is “to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information”
- It was established in 1946 and is based in Paris.
- It has 195 member states and ten associate members.
- Its five major programs are:
- Education,
- Natural sciences,
- Social/human sciences,
- Culture
- Communication/information.