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. Further information is available from the 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.
Priorities and mission
The Australian National Commission for UNESCO (comprising a Chair, Secretary-General and six Commissioners covering UNESCO's portfolio) serves three roles:
- to advise the Australian Government on all matters related to UNESCO
- to provide a portal for the Australian community to access UNESCO's programs, and to help implement UNESCO's mandate in Australia
- to foster and support UNESCO's programs and goals in Australia.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade hosts the Secretariat for the Commission, working closely with Australia's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO in Paris. Representatives of other Australian Government agencies are also members of the National Commission.
For more information please visit the Charter of the Australian National Commission for UNESCO.
UNESCO Chairs and Creative Cities
Nine universities across Australia host UNESCO Chairs, in areas as diverse as Intercultural Relations, Journalism and Communication, Cultural Diversity and Social Justice, Higher Education, Environment and Heritage, and Water Economics and Transboundary Water Governance. Australia also hosts several UNITWIN Cooperation Programs.
UNESCO Creative Cities Network
Eight Australian cities have received UNESCO Creative Cities status:
- Adelaide – City Of Music
- Ballarat – City of Crafts & Folk Art
- Bendigo – City of Gastronomy
- Geelong – City of Design
- Hobart – City of Literature
- Launceston – City of Gastronomy
- Melbourne – City of Literature
- Sydney – City of Film
Australian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO
Australian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO website
Contact us
The Secretary-General
Australian National Commission for UNESCO
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
R G Casey Building
John McEwen Crescent
BARTON ACT 0221
Email: natcom.unesco@dfat.gov.au