History of UNESCO in Timeline

UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations promoting international collaboration through education, arts, sciences, and culture to foster world peace and security. With 194 member states and 12 associate members, it partners with non-governmental, intergovernmental, and private sector entities. Headquartered in Paris, it operates through 53 regional field offices and 199 national commissions to implement its mandate globally. UNESCO's core mission involves facilitating access to quality education, promoting scientific knowledge, preserving cultural heritage, and encouraging freedom of expression, ultimately contributing to sustainable development and global understanding.

1901: Funerary monument from Palmyra acquired by Met.

In 1901, a funerary monument from Palmyra was acquired by the Metropolitan Museum.

September 1921: League of Nations resolution for international cooperation

On September 21, 1921, the League of Nations passed a resolution to elect a commission to study the feasibility of nations freely sharing cultural, educational, and scientific achievements, laying the groundwork for international cooperation.

1922: Creation of the International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation (ICIC)

In 1922, the International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation (ICIC) was created, including prominent figures such as Henri Bergson, Albert Einstein, and Marie Curie, to promote cultural, educational, and scientific achievements among nations.

September 1924: Creation of the International Institute for Intellectual Cooperation (IIIC)

In September 1924, the International Institute for Intellectual Cooperation (IIIC) was created in Paris to serve as the executing agency for the ICIC.

December 1925: The International Bureau of Education (IBE) began to work

In December 1925, the International Bureau of Education (IBE) started its work as a non-governmental organization, focusing on international educational development.

1930: Buddha head in the Metropolitan Museum

A head of Buddha has been in the Metropolitan Museum's collection since 1930.

1937: Nanjing Massacre

In 1937, the Nanjing massacre occurred, documents related to which became a point of contention between Japan and UNESCO in later years.

November 1942: Conference of Allied Ministers of Education (CAME) began meetings in London

In November 1942, the Conference of Allied Ministers of Education (CAME) began holding meetings in London to discuss the future of international cooperation in education after World War II.

October 1943: Necessity for an international organization was expressed in the Moscow Declaration

On October 30, 1943, the Moscow Declaration, agreed upon by China, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the USSR, expressed the necessity for an international organization.

October 1944: Dumbarton Oaks Conference proposals

In October 1944, the Dumbarton Oaks Conference proposals were presented, further shaping the plans for the formation of the United Nations and its associated organizations.

June 1945: United Nations Conference on International Organization (UNCIO) held in San Francisco

From April to June 1945, the United Nations Conference on International Organization (UNCIO) was held in San Francisco, contributing to the development of UNESCO.

November 1945: United Nations Conference for the establishment of an educational and cultural organization (ECO/CONF) convened in London

From November 1 to 16, 1945, the United Nations Conference for the establishment of an educational and cultural organization (ECO/CONF) convened in London, where the Constitution of UNESCO was introduced and signed by 37 countries.

December 1945: Conference of Allied Ministers of Education (CAME) meetings ended

In December 1945, the Conference of Allied Ministers of Education (CAME) concluded its meetings in London, having played a critical role in laying the groundwork for the establishment of UNESCO.

1945: UNESCO Founded

In 1945, UNESCO was founded as the successor to the League of Nations' International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation. Its mission is to advance peace, sustainable development and human rights through international collaboration.

1945: Creation of The UNESCO Courier magazine

The UNESCO Courier magazine was created in 1945, with the mission to "promote UNESCO's ideals, maintain a platform for the dialogue between cultures and provide a forum for international debate".

November 1946: UNESCO's Constitution came into force

On November 4, 1946, UNESCO's Constitution came into force, marking the official establishment of the organization, with the deposit of the twentieth ratification by a member state.

December 1946: First General Conference

From November 19 to December 10, 1946, the first General Conference of UNESCO took place, and Julian Huxley was elected as Director-General.

1946: UNESCO General Conference

This is the list of the sessions of the UNESCO General Conference held since 1946.

1946: Establishment of UNESCO

UNESCO was established in 1946, and the list of its Directors-General since then is as follows.

1947: Pilot project on fundamental education in the Marbial Valley, Haiti

In 1947, UNESCO launched a pilot project on fundamental education in the Marbial Valley, Haiti, marking an early initiative in the field of education.

1948: Arid Zone programming start

In 1948, UNESCO initiated Arid Zone programming, which ran until 1966, marking an early major project in the field of natural sciences.

1948: UNESCO recommended free primary education

In 1948, UNESCO recommended that Member countries should make free primary education compulsory and universal.

1949: Expert mission to Afghanistan

In 1949, UNESCO sent an expert mission to Afghanistan as part of its efforts to promote education in various countries.

1949: Israel admitted to UNESCO

In 1949, one year after its creation, Israel was admitted to UNESCO.

1950: UNESCO initiated Impact of Science on Society

In 1950, UNESCO initiated the quarterly review Impact of Science on Society (also known as Impact) to discuss the influence of science on society.

1950: Declaration of anthropologists and other scientists

In 1950, UNESCO issued an influential statement on race, beginning with a declaration by anthropologists, including Claude Lévi-Strauss, and other scientists.

December 1951: Intergovernmental meeting of UNESCO in Paris

In December 1951, an intergovernmental meeting of UNESCO in Paris led to the creation of the European Council for Nuclear Research, paving the way for the establishment of CERN.

1952: Established a joint commission

In 1952, a joint commission was established by the International Bureau of Education (IBE) and UNESCO.

November 1954: Amendment of the Constitution

In November 1954, the Constitution was amended during the General Conference, changing the role of the executive board members to be representatives of their governments rather than acting in their personal capacity.

1954: Ivory Coast mask present in the United States.

In 1954, an Ivory Coast mask with a provenance indicates that it was present in the United States.

1954: Establishment of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

In 1954, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) was established, following the creation of the European Council for Nuclear Research by UNESCO.

1955: Republic of South Africa withdrew from UNESCO

In 1955, the Republic of South Africa withdrew from UNESCO, citing the organization's publications as "interference" in the country's "racial problems".

1958: Isamu Noguchi designs Garden of Peace

In 1958, American-Japanese sculptor artist Isamu Noguchi designed the Garden of Peace, which was donated by the Government of Japan for the UNESCO headquarters.

1960: Launch of the International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia

In 1960, UNESCO launched the International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia, which aimed to move the Great Temple of Abu Simbel to prevent it from being flooded by the Nile after the construction of the Aswan Dam.

1966: End of Arid Zone programming

In 1966, UNESCO's Arid Zone programming came to an end after an extended period of promoting natural sciences.

1968: First intergovernmental conference on environment and development

In 1968, UNESCO organized the first intergovernmental conference aimed at reconciling the environment and development, leading to the creation of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme.

1969: International Bureau of Education joined UNESCO

In 1969, the International Bureau of Education (IBE) officially joined UNESCO, solidifying their partnership in international educational development.

1972: Adoption of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage

In 1972, the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage was adopted, leading to the establishment of World Heritage Sites.

1976: Establishment of the World Heritage Committee

In 1976, the World Heritage Committee was established to oversee the implementation of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

1978: Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice

In 1978, UNESCO issued the Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice, continuing its work against racism.

1978: First sites included on the World Heritage List

In 1978, the first sites were included on the World Heritage List, recognizing their cultural and natural significance.

1980: Creation of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC)

In 1980, UNESCO created the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), a multilateral forum designed to promote media development in developing countries.

1984: United States withdraws from UNESCO.

In 1984, The United States withdrew from UNESCO, citing the "highly politicized" nature of the organization, its ostensible "hostility toward the basic institutions of a free society, especially a free market and a free press", as well as its "unrestrained budgetary expansion", and poor management under then Director-General Amadou-Mahtar M'Bow of Senegal.

1984: US overreacted to calls regarding UNESCO

In 1984, the United States overreacted to calls of some who wanted to radicalize UNESCO, and the calls of others who wanted the United States to lead in emasculating the UN system.

1985: United Kingdom and Singapore withdraw from UNESCO

In 1985, the United Kingdom followed the United States and withdrew from UNESCO. Singapore also withdrew at the end of 1985, citing rising membership fees.

April 1989: Palestine applied for UNESCO membership

In April 1989, Palestine applied for membership in UNESCO and the WHO, triggering legislative consequences in the United States.

1990: World Conference on Education for All, in Jomtien, Thailand

In 1990, the World Conference on Education for All, held in Jomtien, Thailand, initiated a global movement to provide basic education for all children, youths and adults.

1992: Publication ceased for Impact of Science on Society

In 1992, the journal Impact of Science on Society ceased publication.

1993: Endorsement of the Windhoek Declaration

In 1993, UNESCO's General Conference endorsed the Windhoek Declaration on media independence and pluralism, leading the UN General Assembly to declare 3 May as World Press Freedom Day.

1994: Construction of meditation room begins

In 1994, construction began on a meditation room at UNESCO headquarters, built by Tadao Ando in memory of UNESCO's 50th anniversary.

1994: Republic of South Africa rejoined UNESCO

In 1994, under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, the Republic of South Africa rejoined UNESCO.

1995: Meditation room construction completed

In 1995, a meditation room was built by Tadao Ando at UNESCO headquarters, in memory of the 50th anniversary of UNESCO.

1997: United Kingdom rejoins UNESCO

In 1997, following a change of government, the United Kingdom rejoined UNESCO.

1997: Establishment of the UNESCO / Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize

Since 1997, UNESCO has awarded the UNESCO / Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize every 3 May, recognizing contributions to press freedom.

October 1998: Adoption of the World Declaration on Higher Education

On October 9, 1998, UNESCO's World Conference on Higher Education adopted the World Declaration on Higher Education, aiming to set global standards for ideals and accessibility of higher education.

2000: World Education Forum in Dakar, Senegal

In 2000, the World Education Forum in Dakar, Senegal, led member governments to commit to achieving basic education for all by 2015.

2001: Artifacts looted from Kabul Museum.

In 2001 artifacts were looted from the Kabul Museum.

October 2003: United States rejoins UNESCO

On October 1, 2003, the United States rejoined UNESCO.

2003: Adoption of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

In 2003, UNESCO member states adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognizing and protecting cultural traditions and expressions.

2003: United States rejoins UNESCO

In 2003, the United States rejoined UNESCO after a period of absence.

2005: Adoption of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions

In 2005, UNESCO member states adopted the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

March 2006: The UNESCO Courier made available free online

In March 2006, The UNESCO Courier magazine became available free online, with limited printed issues.

October 2007: Singapore rejoins UNESCO

On October 8, 2007, Singapore rejoined UNESCO.

2008: Israel bombs Islamic University of Gaza.

In 2008, Israel bombed the Islamic University of Gaza and restated the claim that they develop and store weapons there.

October 2010: UNESCO declares Hebron and Bethlehem sites as Palestinian

In October 2010, UNESCO's executive board declared the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron and Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem as "al-Haram al-Ibrahimi/Tomb of the Patriarchs" and "Bilal bin Rabah Mosque/Rachel's Tomb", stating they were an integral part of the occupied Palestinian Territories, leading to criticism and suspension of ties.

2010: Armed clashes during 2010-2011.

Armed clashes happened during the years 2010-2011.

February 2011: Article published with Adolf Hitler as a role model.

In February 2011, a Palestinian youth magazine published an article where a teenage girl described Adolf Hitler as one of her four role models.

June 2011: UNESCO censures Israel over Mughrabi Gate Bridge

On June 28, 2011, UNESCO's World Heritage Committee censured Israel's decision to demolish and rebuild the Mughrabi Gate Bridge in Jerusalem for safety reasons, leading to disputes over signed agreements and objections from Egypt.

December 2011: UNESCO condemns magazine article and withdraws support.

In December 2011, UNESCO, which partly funded a Palestinian youth magazine, condemned an article that portrayed Adolf Hitler as a role model and subsequently withdrew its support.

2011: Armed clashes during 2010-2011.

Armed clashes happened during the years 2010-2011.

2011: Palestine becomes a full member of UNESCO.

In 2011, Palestine became a full member of UNESCO. This prompted the United States to stop paying its annual UNESCO dues.

2011: Palestine admitted as a member

In 2011, UNESCO admitted Palestine as a member, marking a significant development in its international relations.

2012: UNESCO to establish a chair at the Islamic University of Gaza

In 2012, UNESCO decided to establish a chair at the Islamic University of Gaza in the field of astronomy, astrophysics, and space sciences, fueling controversy and criticism.

2012: Hiatus in publishing of The UNESCO Courier magazine

There was a hiatus in the publishing of The UNESCO Courier magazine between 2012 and 2017.

2013: United States and Israel lost UNESCO voting rights

In 2013, two years after stopping payment of dues, the United States and Israel lost UNESCO voting rights, although they retained the right to be elected.

January 2014: UNESCO postpones exhibit on Jewish people and the Land of Israel

In January 2014, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova indefinitely postponed an exhibit created by the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, titled "The People, The Book, The Land: The 3,500-year relationship between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel", after objections from Arab states, but the decision was later amended, and the exhibit achieved popularity.

2015: Target date for achieving basic education for all

2015 was the target date set in 2000 for achieving basic education for all, as committed to by member governments at the World Education Forum in Dakar, Senegal.

2015: Japan threatens to halt UNESCO funding

In 2015, Japan threatened to halt funding of UNESCO because of the organization's decision to include documents related to the 1937 Nanjing massacre in the "Memory of the World" program.

May 2016: Zülfü Livaneli resigns as Turkey's UNESCO goodwill ambassador

On May 25, 2016, Turkish poet and human rights activist Zülfü Livaneli resigned as Turkey's only UNESCO goodwill ambassador, citing human rights situation in Turkey and the destruction of the historical Sur district of Diyarbakir as his reasons.

October 2016: Japan Suspends UNESCO Funding

In October 2016, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida confirmed that Japan's 2016 annual funding of ¥4.4 billion had been suspended to UNESCO, although he denied any direct link with the Nanjing document controversy.

October 2016: UNESCO passes resolution on East Jerusalem

On October 13, 2016, UNESCO passed a resolution on East Jerusalem condemning Israel for aggressions and illegal measures against freedom of worship, recognizing Israel as the occupying power, and referring to the Temple Mount only by its Muslim name, leading to strong denouncements and suspension of ties from Israel.

2016: United States elected to the executive board

In 2016, despite having lost voting rights, the United States was elected as a member of the executive board for the period 2016–19.

October 2017: United States and Israel announce withdrawal from UNESCO

In October 2017, the United States and Israel announced their decision to withdraw from UNESCO, citing, in part, anti-Israel bias.

October 2017: United States notifies UNESCO of withdrawal

On October 12, 2017, the United States notified UNESCO it would again withdraw from the organization, on 31 December 2018; Israel followed suit.

2017: The UNESCO Courier magazine resumed publishing

In 2017, The UNESCO Courier magazine resumed publishing after a hiatus.

December 2018: The United States and Israel left UNESCO

On December 31, 2018, the United States and Israel officially left UNESCO.

December 2018: US formally withdraws from UNESCO

On December 31, 2018, the United States formally withdrew from UNESCO.

January 2019: Israel formally leaves UNESCO

On January 1, 2019, Israel formally left UNESCO following the US withdrawal, citing perceived anti-Israel bias.

2019: Israel left UNESCO

In 2019, after 69 years of membership, Israel left UNESCO, citing its perception of the organization as biased and manipulated by enemies.

November 2020: UNESCO withdraws part of advertising campaign

In November 2020, part of a UNESCO advertising campaign intended to highlight international trafficking in looted artefacts had to be withdrawn after it falsely presented a series of museum-held artworks with known provenances as recently looted objects held in private collections.

2020: UNESCO states illicit trade in cultural property amounts to 10 billion dollars a year

In 2020 UNESCO stated that the size of the illicit trade in cultural property amounted to 10 billion dollars a year. However, this figure was widely disputed.

June 2023: Directors-General of UNESCO

As of June 2023, there have been 11 Directors-General of UNESCO since its inception, including nine men and two women from six regions.

July 2023: UNESCO Member States and Associate Members

As of July 2023, UNESCO comprises 194 member states and 12 associate members, including some non-independent states and territories with additional National Organizing Committees.

2023: Russia excluded from the executive committee & US re-joined UNESCO

In 2023, Russia was excluded from the executive committee for the first time due to insufficient votes and The United States rejoined UNESCO after 5 years of leaving, agreeing to pay its $600 million in back dues. The readmission occurred in July 2023.

2023: The United States announced it was rejoining UNESCO.

In 2023, the United States announced it was rejoining the body. The US also pledged to pay all past-due payments.

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