Education
Education has the power to transform lives as a main driver of development. As the lead UN agency in education, UNESCO’s work encompasses educational development in all aspects of education from early childhood through primary, secondary, post-secondary to higher education -- in all settings (formal, non-formal and informal) and for children, youth and adults, offering expertise in the planning and management of education systems to help countries achieve Education for All (EFA) and provide quality lifelong learning. In Bangladesh, the formal education system comprises of the three stages: primary, secondary and higher or tertiary.
In parallel is the Madrasa system (religious School system) from primary to tertiary. The responsible ministries are the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MOPME). MOPME manages formal pre-primary, primary (grades I-V), and non-formal education, literacy, post literacy and lifelong learning while MOE is responsible for secondary and higher/tertiary level education that has three sub-streams: general, madrasah (religious), and technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Other Ministries and Government departments, such as Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Ministry of Social Welfare, Department of Agriculture and Department of Youth Development etc. also offer specialized education and training programmes. Government’s commitment to education, especially to EFA, is reflected through its formulation of different policy documents and its translation into programmes.
Culture
Culture is a source of innovation, preservation and identity and in today’s interconnected world, culture’s power to transform societies is clear. Its diverse manifestations – from historic monuments and museums to traditional practices and contemporary art forms – enrich our everyday lives in countless ways. Heritage constitutes a source of identity and cohesion for communities disrupted by bewildering change and economic instability. Creativity contributes to building open, inclusive and pluralistic societies. Both heritage and creativity lay the foundations for vibrant, innovative and prosperous knowledge societies.
UNESCO is convinced that no development can be sustainable without a strong culture component. Indeed only a human-centred approach to development based on mutual respect and open dialogue among cultures can lead to lasting, inclusive and equitable results.
UNESCO renowned cultural conventions provide a unique global platform for international cooperation and establish a holistic cultural governance system based on human rights and shared values. These international treaties endeavor to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage including ancient archaeological sites, intangible and underwater heritage, museum collections, oral traditions and other forms of heritage, and to support creativity, innovation and the emergence of dynamic cultural sectors
Communication and Information
The Communication and Information Sector (CI) is one of the five sectors of UNESCO. It focuses on two key areas:
- Fostering Freedom of Expression
- Building Knowledge Societies
CI Programmes are rooted in UNESCO's Constitution, which requires the Organization to promote the free flow of ideas by word and image.