Evelyn Sprague, age 14, of Rapid City, S.D., for her question:
WHAT DOES UNESCO DO?
UNESCO is an important agency of the United Nations. Its full name is United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It works for the understanding and cooperation among people everywhere.
Members of UNESCO try to promote a respect for justice, rule of law, human rights and basic freedoms for all people.
UNESCO was established in 1946. It has 131 members. The agency carries out programs only at the request of its members and these members provide most of its funds.
The organization helps develop education at all levels. It sponsors programs to train teachers, build courses of study and carry out research in education.
UNESCO promotes international scientific cooperation and encourages research in the basic sciences. In 1952 it helped establish the European Council for Nuclear Research, which carries on research on the peaceful uses of atomic energy.
It also develops studies and research on natural resources.
UNESCO concentrates on international cultural cooperation as well as working in education and science. It led efforts to save Nile Valley archaeological treasures that might have been lost under the lake formed by the Aswan High Dam in Egypt, for example.
The organization also works for the growth of museums and of studies in the humanities.
A General Conference is made up of UNESCO delegates appointed by member nations. It meets every two years and approves the budget. Most of the meetings are held at the Paris headquarters.
An executive board is made up of 34 members, each serving six year terms. They are selected from among the delegates to the General Conference. They nominate a director general.
UNESCO also works with other U.N. agencies in providing technical aid to underdeveloped areas.
UNESCO has a Secretariat that is headed by the director general. More than a thousand persons work in the Secretariat and they come from more than half of the member nations.
The director general is appointed to a six year term. He appoints and directs the staff of the Secretariat and makes regular reports to member nations and the Executive board on UNESCO activities.
The National Commissions of the member nations give their government advisories. They also provide information and also help coordinate activities.
Shortly after the U.N. Charter was signed in 1945 in San Francisco, steps were taken to establish UNESCO and other specialized agencies.