Croatia joined UNESCO on June 1, 1992. The country is particularly active in the defense of peace and the promotion of inter-cultural dialogue.
Croatia also plays an active role in strengthening cooperation in South-East Europe. In September 2007, it hosted the annual regional Ministerial Conference on Cultural Heritage.
Actor and producer Relja Bašić was named UNESCO Artist for Peace in recognition of his "personal commitment to UNESCO's programme of cultural diversity".