UNESCO

UNESCO SYMBOLIC GLOBE

Recently there was vote in the United Nations to accept Palestine into UNESCO. Out of 185 nations eligible to vote, 173 did vote: Abstentions - 52, Yes - 107 and No -14.  

Since there has been so much discussion on this vote I thought maybe it might help to back up just a bit to take a look at what UNESCO (United Nations Educations, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is. UNESCO is one of several specialized agencies of the United Nations. For a full list how the UN is structured and the organizations within this structure you can click here http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/structure/index.shtml

Here is a statement of introduction from UNESCO's website. http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/

UNESCO works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values. It is through this dialogue that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which are at the heart of UNESCO’S mission and activities.

The broad goals and concrete objectives of the international community – as set out in the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – underpin all UNESCO’s strategies and activities. Thus UNESCO’s unique competencies in education, the sciences, culture and communication and information contribute towards the realization of those goals.

UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. The Organization focuses, in particular, on two global priorities:

• Africa

• Gender equality

And on a number of overarching objectives:

• Attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning 

• Mobilizing science knowledge and policy for sustainable development

• Addressing emerging social and ethical challenges

• Fostering cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace

• Building inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication

The United States was one of the fourteen nations voting against allowing Palestine full membership into UNESCO, always the 'team player' the US decided it would pick up its ball and go home. In this case the ball was $60 million in funding for UNESCO.

State Department spokesperson, Victoria Nuland, said the United States had no choice but to withdraw funds, citing "a 21-year-old law prohibiting the payment of funds to any UN body accepting the Palestinians as full members."

It's convenient isn't it to keep old laws on the books, I mean you never know when you might have to use them.

If UNESCO's mission is to "work to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values", I think having Palestine a part of UNESCO is a step in the right direction.