Beth O'Brian, age 16, of Marion, Ohio, 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, who 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 educational research.
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 out 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 organization's budget. Most of the meetings are held at the Paris headquarters.
The executive board is made up of 34 members, each serving a six year term. They are selected from among the delegates to the General Conference.
UNESCO also works with other U.N. agencies in providing technical aid to underdeveloped areas.
UNESCO has a Secretariat headed by a director general. More than a thousand persons work in the Secretariat. The director general serves for a six year term. He appoints and directs the staff of the Secretariat and makes regular reports on UNESCO activities to member nations and the Executive board.
The National Commissions of the member nations give their government advisories. They also provide information and help coordinate the group's many activities
Shortly after the U.N. Charter was signed in 1945 in San Francisco, steps were taken to establish UNESCO and other specialized agencies.