UNESCO NATIONAL COMMISSIONS EXPANDED THEIR PORTFOLIOS BEYOND EDUCATION SINCE THE 1960s

Prof. Hamisi Masanja Malebo, Executive Secretary, UNESCO National Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Since the 1960s, UNESCO National Commissions have significantly broadened their portfolios to operate as multidisciplinary catalysts. They have shifted beyond basic education conventions to encompass science, social sciences, culture, communication, and human rights, spearheading initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ethics of Artificial Intelligence, and climate change resilience.

Evolution of the Operational Scope

The evolution of their operational scope spans several core areas:

Science and the Environment

Commissions coordinate national participation in the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, promote UNESCO Global Geoparks, and advance sustainability science.

Culture and Heritage

They lead the domestic implementation of the World Heritage Convention and the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, managing transnational serial nominations and community-based preservation projects.

Information and Communication

They champion press freedom, media literacy, digital skills, and the Memory of the World Register, while tackling emerging global issues such as disinformation and the ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

Interdisciplinary Networks

Commissions foster robust civil society engagement through partnerships with UNESCO Chairs and UNESCO Associated Schools, acting as vital institutional bridges between governments, academia, and the public.

UNESCO’s Expanded Portfolio for National Commissions

UNESCO’s expanded portfolio for National Commissions has pivoted to include specialized science, technology, and cultural diplomacy to address rapidly emerging global issues. With 199 commissions acting as constitutional bridges, they now manage localized challenges including the ethical governance of Artificial Intelligence, climate disruption, and digital disinformation.

Core Focus Areas

*Science and Technology Diplomacy*

Bridging scientific research with international policy. Commissions support cross-border collaboration on transboundary water management, climate change resilience, and the ethical implementation of the global Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

Cultural and Heritage Diplomacy

Using international programs such as World Heritage Sites and the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage to foster cooperation across borders. Commissions also facilitate high-level dialogues celebrating linguistic diversity.

Information and Digital Literacy

Tackling the spread of misinformation. Commissions host media and information literacy programs designed to protect independent journalists and equip communities with necessary digital skills.

Peacebuilding and Crisis Management

Leveraging global networks to protect cultural heritage and educational infrastructure in areas threatened by armed conflict and natural disasters.

To strengthen these efforts, UNESCO’s governing bodies have recently launched updated global guidelines to provide practical tools to maximize the impact of National Commissions at the country level.

UNESCO National Commissions as a Bridge Between UNESCO and Member States

UNESCO’s 199 National Commissions (NatComs) operate as a unique bridge between the United Nations and Member States. Recently reinforced by new UNESCO Global Guidelines, their portfolios have expanded beyond basic liaison functions to include active programme execution, localized sustainable development, and targeted capacity building.

Core Expanded Functions

The UNESCO Charter of National Commissions outlines several modernized responsibilities:

Operational Execution

Shifting from pure advisory roles to actively managing and implementing cross-sectoral programmes.

Decentralized Coordination

Strengthening integration between UNESCO and local partners to deliver impactful, community-focused projects.

Standard-Setting and Policy

Advising national governments on UNESCO’s standard-setting work, including the implementation of Open Science and Ethical AI frameworks.

Network Mobilization

Bridging civil society, academia, and the mass media with intergovernmental dialogue to ensure localized impact.

Focus on Priority Areas

The expanded portfolio heavily integrates UNESCO’s global priorities:

Priority Africa

Supporting conservation (e.g., through the African World Heritage Fund), promoting quality education, and advancing science-based solutions.

Gender Equality

Integrating inclusive policies and expanding initiatives to tackle intersectoral issues, such as gender-based violence.

Written by Prof. Hamisi Masanja Malebo, Executive Secretary, UNESCO National Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania.

 Edited by Julitha August Mlay, Public Relations and Communications Officer, UNESCO National Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania.