Australian National Commission for UNESCO
The Australian National Commission for UNESCO is the Australian Government focal point for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The National Commission provides expert analysis and policy advice to the Australian Government on UNESCO matters and acts as a point of liaison between government, the community and UNESCO in Australia.
UNESCO was established in 1946 as a specialised agency of the United Nations. UNESCO's mandate includes education, the natural sciences, the social and human sciences, culture and communications/information technology. Australia is a founding member. There are currently 193 Member States. Further information is available from UNESCO.
News
World Radio Day – 13 February 2012
UNESCO have proclaimed World Radio Day on 13 February 2012 to celebrate radio broadcast, improve international cooperation among radio broadcasters and encourage decision-makers to create and provide access to information through radio, including community radios. It’s an occasion to draw attention to the unique value of radio.
UNESCO encourages all countries to celebrate this Day.
Media release: World Radio Day
2012 L'Oreal-UNESCO 'For Women in Science' Award for Asia-Pacific – Australian Laureate
Professor Ingrid Scheffer, Chair of Paediatric Neurology Research at the University of Melbourne, has been awarded the 2012 L'Oreal –UNESCO 'For Women in Science' Award for Asia-Pacific. Professor Scheffer has been recognised for her outstanding work on identifying genes involved in epilepsy.
Each year, five outstanding female scientists from around the world are honoured for their contribution to advancing science. Professor Scheffer is one of just five Australian women out of a total 72 International Laureates to have won the prestigious international award. The Australian National Commission for UNESCO is pleased to be associated with the L'Oreal-UNESCO Women in Science awards, and congratulates Professor Scheffer on her award. The Awards Ceremony will take place in March 2012 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
Media release: Global recognition for Melbourne epilepsy pioneer
2011 UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize
The Director-General of UNESCO has designated National Archives of Australia (NAA) as the laureate of the 2011 UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize for its work, which includes publications, and innovative initiatives in the preservation of digital records.
National Archives of Australia to receive UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize
About the Australian National Commission
- Charter of the Australian National Commission for UNESCO
- Members of the Australian National Commission for UNESCO
Australian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO
Australian Permanent Delegation website
Education
Natural sciences
- Australian Man and the Biosphere focal point
- Communities for Sustainable Futures Conference: A Dialogue – hosted by Noosa Biosphere
- Australian International Hydrological Programme contact
- UNESCO Science portal
Social sciences
Culture
Communications
Youth
UNESCO: Acting with and for Youth
Working for UNESCO
Young Professional Programme (YPP)
The Young Professional Programme is a UNESCO initiative for candidates from un-represented or under-represented countries in the UNESCO Secretariat.
For the information of potential applicants, Australia has not been invited to nominate candidates for the YPP in the current intake.
Contact us
- The Secretary-General
Australian National Commission for UNESCO
International Organisations and Legal Division
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
R G Casey Building
John McEwen Crescent
BARTON ACT 0221 - Email: natcom.unesco@dfat.gov.au
- Phone: +61 (0)2 6261 2037
- Media enquiries: +61 (0)2 6261 1555