UNESCO through its Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, Venice (Italy), contributes to the UN Reform at both the regional and national levels, with our contributions at the global level coordinated through the relevant Bureaux at our Headquarters in Paris. UN reform is critical for building UNESCO’s reputation and relevance in the region as it helps to determine the reality of our leadership role and impact in our areas of competence, thus allowing us to increase our effectiveness in key areas.

At the Regional level The UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe regularly participates as member of UN coordination mechanisms, such as the UN Development Group and the Peer Support Group for Europe and Central Asia, which provide technical support and guidance to UN agencies within countries in the region.

At the Country level UNESCO is considered to be either a resident or “non-resident” member of many United Nations Country Teams in the region, particularly in those countries which have an UNDAF or are working to “Deliver as One” and participates regularly in meetings and UN-wide initiatives within countries. The Office also collaborates with other UN Agencies at the national or sub-national level to develop and implement joint programmes.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight goals to be achieved by 2015. The MDGs are drawn from the actions and targets contained in the Millennium Declaration that was unanimously adopted during the UN Millennium Summit in 2000. The eight MDGs break down into 21 quantifiable targets that are measured by 60 indicators.

The UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe works with our Member States in our region to help speed up meeting these international targets, many of which have published regular MDG reports on the status of implementation within their country.

Since 2000, the MDGs have defined a common framework of priorities for the United Nations and development community. While the UN system must continue to support the achievement of the MDGs by the target date of 2015, a discussion on the development agenda that will build on the MDGs after 2015 has already started.

The new Post-2015 Development Agenda that is emerging is being discussed at the highest levels of governments, civil society and with average citizens through a global consultation process. National stakeholders in at least 56 countries are coming together to exchange inputs and ideas for a shared global vision of "The Future We Want", in an inclusive and open debate with relevant knowledge on development challenges, opportunities and solutions.

In Europe and Central Asia, national consultations are taking place in the following countries: Albania; Armenia; Kazakhstan; Kosovo (as defined under UNSC Resolution 1244); Republic of Moldova; Serbia; Tajikistan; and Turkey.

At the global level, led by various UN agencies, this debate is centered around 11 thematic areas: Inequalities; Governance; Growth and Employment; Health; Education; Environmental Sustainability; Food, Security, and Nutrition; Conflict and Fragility; Population Dynamics; Energy; Water

UNESCO is co-convener with UNICEF of the thematic consultation on Education and is a contributing agency to the thematic consultations on Environmental Sustainability, Water, Conflict and Fragility, Growth and Employment, and Inequalities.

The results of the various consultations will feed into the Report from the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Post-2015 for discussion at the UN General Assembly in September 2013.