UNESCO, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was formed in November 1945 and its constitution took effect in 1946. It promotes cooperation in education, the sciences, culture and communication among its 194 member states.
Key facts
- Formed 16 November 1945 at a London conference; constitution in force 4 November 1946; 194 member states.
- Director-General: Khaled El-Enany of Egypt. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Runs the World Heritage Convention (1972), the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention (2003), the Memory of the World programme (1992) and the Creative Cities Network.
- The United States announced in 2025 that it would withdraw again, effective December 2026. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
Why exams ask about it
Its headquarters city and its lists (sites, intangible heritage, creative cities) are asked every year.