UNESCO and UN Reform
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“Change is never easy. But it can be well-managed and inclusive to ensure smooth transitions and tangible outcomes. This is our commitment…Let us see our efforts through for all those who look to us with hope to better their lives in our increasingly complex world.” UN Secretary‑General António Guterres (UNGA, 31 May 2018).
In 2017, UN Secretary-General António Guterres advanced detailed proposals for reforms to the UN development system (UNDS) in line with the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR) mandates. This process is part of the Secretary-General’s broader reform agenda, aiming to enhance the UN’s contribution to sustainable development, ensure the effective reform of the peace and security and management reform, and increase the UN system’s impact on the ground.
Contributing to the UN Reform
UN reform is critical for building UNESCO’s reputation and relevance in the region as it helps to determine the reality of the Organization’s leadership role and impact in its areas of competence (Education, Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture and Communication & Information). The UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, contributes to the UN Reform at both the regional and national levels:
At the Regional level, as member of the Regional UN System for Europe and Central Asia, we support United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs) in the region with:
1. Strategic guidance and policy advice through our participation in the Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM) and the Regional UN Sustainable Development Group for Europe and Central Asia (R-UNSDG ECA)
2. Technical support through the work of the Peer Support Group (PSG) and Issue-Based Coalitions (IBCs).
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 having an UNDAF (United Nations Development Assistance Framework) or “Delivering as One UN”. We also collaborate with other UN agencies, programmes and funds to develop and implement joint programmes.
The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
The 2030 Agenda, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)and 169 targets, sets forth a bold new framework for development cooperation in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet. The 2030 Agenda commits all countries and stakeholders to working together to achieve sustained and inclusive economic growth, social development and environmental protection and aspires to ensure prosperity and well-being for all. Moving forward, the Agenda must build on national ownership and on the mobilization of effective action and resources at the national, regional and global level. Inclusivity, integration and universality -- these are the hallmarks of the new Agenda.
These represent a universal, ambitious, sustainable development agenda, an agenda “of the people, by the people and for the people,” crafted with UNESCO’s active involvement.
Drawing on its humanist mandate, and mobilizing all of its partners and stakeholders, UNESCO contributes significantly to nine SDGs through an holistic approach, integrating all of its areas of specialized expertise and in close partnership with UN entities and partners from the public and private sectors. Read more
Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in September 2015, at the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly by heads of State, Government leaders, UN High Level Representatives and Representatives of Civil Society. On 1 January 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development officially came into force. Building on the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the SDGs aim to go further to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.
UNESCO contributes to the implementation of the SDGs through its fields of competency- Education, Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture, Communication and Information, Sustainable Development Goals for Ocean. Read more