The Canadian Commission for UNESCO

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the most commonly asked questions received at the Commission can be found under the categories listed below. If you have other questions why not e-mail us at info@unesco.ca

General Information

What is UNESCO?

UNESCO is the English acronym for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Its constitution was adopted by the London Conference in November 1945, and entered into effect on the 4th of November 1946 when 20 states had deposited instruments of acceptance. Canada was one of these 20 original Member States, and has been an active member ever since. UNESCO currently has 190 Member States and six Associate Members.

What is UNESCO's mandate?

UNESCO’s main objective is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication and information. The goal is to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for human rights and fundamental freedoms. These principles, which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, are enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

To fulfill its mandate, UNESCO performs five principal functions. It serves as:

• A laboratory of ideas – UNESCO plays a central role in anticipating and defining the key emerging problems in its spheres of competence and identifies suitable strategies and policies to address these issues.
• A standard-setter – UNESCO serves as a central forum to articulate the ethical, normative and intellectual issues of our time, fostering multi-disciplinary exchange and mutual understanding. The Organization works to forge universal agreements on these issues, benchmarking targets and mobilizing international opinion.
• A clearing house – UNESCO assumes a role in gathering, transferring, disseminating and sharing available information, knowledge and best practices in its fields of competence. It identifies innovative solutions and tests their effectiveness by implementing pilot projects.
• A capacity-builder in Member States – UNESCO organizes international cooperation for servicing its stakeholders, especially its Member States in building human and institutional capacities in all its fields of competence.
• A catalyst for international cooperation – As a technical multidisciplinary agency, UNESCO acts as a motivating force for development and cooperation in its fields of competence. To reflect that role, it strives to guarantee that the objectives, principles and priorities which it promotes are identified and followed by other multi - and bilateral programmes. It works to ensure that projects are implemented, through innovation, effective interventions and wise practices, especially at regional and national levels.

What is a National Commission for UNESCO?

Unique within the United Nations system, the National Commissions participate in the elaboration, execution and evaluation of UNESCO's programme within the context of their country. National Commissions also organize their own activities, implement initiatives on behalf of UNESCO, and circulate information about UNESCO. The publication in national languages of books, documents and information kits are common tools used by National Commissions.

The Canadian Commission for UNESCO was created in 1957 as an independent division of the Canada Council for the Arts. Membership in the Commission represents a broad cross-section of Canadian society. The Commission’s extensive network across the country includes government departments and agencies, intergovernmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, institutions and individual members.

What does the Canadian Commission for UNESCO do?

The Canadian Commission has four principal functions:

• to co-ordinate UNESCO programme activities in Canada and ensure their implementation.
• to encourage Canadian participation in UNESCO activities.
• to advise Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada on UNESCO programmes and budgets, including the adoption and implementation of standard-setting instruments such as international conventions.
• to carry out activities in Canada in support of UNESCO’s programmes and objectives.

What is the Commission’s relationship with the Canada Council for the Arts?

The Canadian Commission for UNESCO is an autonomous organization operating under the aegis of the Canada Council for the Arts. (http://www.canadacouncil.ca/ ) The Director of the Canada Council is a member of the Commission’s Executive Committee. The Commission benefits from the Council's arms-length relationship with government, as its autonomous status makes it an ideal forum where representatives of governments and organizations in civil society can work together on issues of common concern.

Who can become a member of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO?

Membership in the Canadian Commission is by invitation. The duration of membership is three years with the possibility of renewal for another two terms of three years. All new memberships and renewals are recommended for approval to the Executive Committee by the Commission’s Membership Committee.

Employment Information

How do I find out about opportunities for employment at the Commission?

If you wish to explore opportunities for employment at the Commission, check the Employment Opportunities section on the Canada Council for the Arts web site.

How do I find out about opportunities for employment at UNESCO?

For information on job opportunities at UNESCO headquarters in Paris and its field offices elsewhere in the world, you should visit the Recruitment Section of UNESCO's web site.

I'm interested in working for an international organization. Where can I look?

If you are interested in working for an international organization, we would suggest you that you check out the Public Service Commission of Canada web site. This site includes information about employment opportunities abroad.

I'm interested in finding out about internship opportunities. Where can I look?

The Commission periodically takes on interns for short to medium-term developmental assignments. If you are a student, and are interested learning about UNESCO and the Commission, then e-mail us at info@unesco.ca
I'm looking for the Curriculum Vitae Form mentioned on UNESCO's Recruitment web site.

Where can I find it?

You can download an electronic version of the form here in [PDF Format].

Financial Support Information

I'm looking for financial support to help me in my studies at home or abroad.  Does the Commission offer any bursaries or grants?

The Commission does not offer any type of bursary or grant to assist students in their education.
If you are a Canadian student, we suggest that you consult the UNESCO publication, Study Abroad, which is a directory of scholarships available to persons wishing to study abroad and is available in many libraries. For more information from UNESCO on studying abroad visit the UNESCO web site.

Where can I find information on how to apply for a UNESCO Fellowship?

UNESCO fellowships are usually awarded to individuals already working in areas important to the development of their countries. They are generally not awarded for the pursuit of academic studies leading to degrees or diplomas. For more information on UNESCO Fellowships, please visit the Studying Abroad Section of the UNESCO web site.

If you are not a Canadian citizen and you wish to be considered as a candidate for a UNESCO fellowship, please note that you need to contact the National Commission in your country.

Where can I find information on the UNESCO - Aschberg Bursaries for Artists?

The UNESCO - Ashberg Bursaries for Artists Program was created to open new career prospects for artists and to give them opportunities to continue their training in specialized institutions. For more information on the Program, visit the Aschberg Bursaries for Artists section on UNESCO’s web site.

You can download the electronic version of the brochure in [PDF Format].