Publisher's Synopsis
UNESCO's charter establishes lofty goals for the organisation, stating that its aim "is to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among the nations through education, science and culture in order to further respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms..." for all peoples of the world. Given such idealistic goals, UNESCO may seem set up for failure, but it has stuck to the charter and encouraged the inspiring contributions of many intellectuals. Beyond the world of ideas, UNESCO makes itself responsible for definitive international goals like the reduction of poverty, universal primary education, and sustainable development strategies. Despite these good intentions and aims, UNESCO has suffered criticism and politicisation over the years, although it continues to serve as a laboratory and standard-bearer for international co-operation. This book examines and assesses the past, present, and future of UNESCO. It affirms that UNESCO remains as relevant today as it was at its inception, particularly to developing nations.
