UNESCO

Quantum technologies are advancing rapidly, but participation in this field remains uneven. Insights from #UNESCO’s Global Survey on Quantum Research and Infrastructure show that gaps in skills, training and access continue to shape who can contribute to the future of quantum science and technology. Strengthening education, training and talent pipelines is not just a workforce challenge. It is essential to ensuring more equitable access to emerging technologies and the opportunities they create. Explore the full analysis in the Global Report of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, led by UNESCO. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eBFwtCZx

UNESCO pays tribute to the memory and immense philosophical legacy of Edgar Morin, a towering figure of thought and a close friend of UNESCO. Through his articles, books, and lectures —always marked by immense generosity— Edgar Morin gave voice to nuance, complexity, and the essential dialogue between disciplines, standing against the dangers of extreme specialization. He offered us the exceptional gift of delivering UNESCO’s centenary keynote lecture, spanning a century of reflection and engagement—perhaps the best introduction for those discovering his work today. Edgar Morin’s intellectual journey is a method for the future: an art of patience and a true initiation into the art of human creativity and reflection, at a time shaped by machines and artificial intelligence. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eRc_P3qt ➡️ Watch Edgar Morin’s keynote lecture delivered at UNESCO on the occasion of his 100th birthday: https://lnkd.in/eKUqYy5f ➡️ Explore Edgar Morin’s articles and reflections in the UNESCO Courier: https://lnkd.in/egz_Qe_X ➡️ Rediscover his landmark work on the future of education, published with UNESCO in 1999 and more relevant than ever today: https://lnkd.in/eb9RGwQr

In the context of the recent aggravation of hostilities in Lebanon, UNESCO is deeply alarmed by the verified damages affecting Chama’ Citadel as well as the reported strikes in the immediate vicinity of Beaufort Castle, both properties provisionally inscribed on the List of enhanced protection of the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. UNESCO is also concerned about the state of conservation of Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a site under enhanced protection, in the light of recent alarming developments that may expose the site to further damage and potential looting. UNESCO strongly condemns unlawful attacks against cultural property. Sites under “enhanced protection” benefit from the highest level of legal protection against attack and use for military purposes. Damage to such institutions deprives communities of access to culture and shared spaces that are essential for recovery and social cohesion. UNESCO and its Regional Office in Beirut will continue to work with the Lebanese authorities in assessing damage to cultural institutions and in reinforcing urgent safeguarding measures within its mandate. https://lnkd.in/ew5yEXxf

Reshaping Creativity Policies for Innovation How can cultural policies help shape more sustainable and inclusive creative economies? In this interview, Jordi Baltà Portolés, editor of UNESCO’s Re|shaping Policies for Creativity report series, reflects on how cultural policies can respond to rapid technological, social and environmental change. Drawing on insights from the 2026 edition, the conversation explores governance, digital environments, sustainability and the conditions needed to support artists, cultural professionals and diverse creative sectors. Aligned with UNESCO’s work under the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the discussion highlights the role of culture and creativity in shaping more resilient and inclusive societies. Hosted by Gabrielle Menezes, UNESCO’s Chief of Digital Channels. 🔗 Read the report: https://lnkd.in/eeYib2c2

In this room, memory is stored on tape. For decades, the Radio Mogadishu archive has preserved voices, music, poetry and stories that shaped Somalia’s modern history. But analogue heritage is fragile. Time, environmental conditions and years of exposure to risk can erase these recordings forever. What is being preserved here is not only sound. It is a living record of memory, identity and cultural expression. The Radio Mogadishu archive is one of East Africa’s most significant audio collections. Its thousands of recordings connect generations, preserving not only historical events but also the voices, creativity and experiences that continue to shape Somali society today. Archives are not only about safeguarding the past. They create bridges between generations, strengthen belonging and help communities access and understand their own histories. Through digitisation, documentary heritage becomes more resilient, more accessible and ready to inspire future generations. This work is being carried out through UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme -JFIT initiative, funded by the Japan - The Government of Japan, in collaboration with partners working to protect and preserve Somalia’s documentary heritage for generations to come. https://lnkd.in/e88hS-Gw #ForThePeople #MemoryOfTheWorld

As artificial intelligence transforms how knowledge is produced, accessed and shared, education has a critical role to play in strengthening creativity, critical thinking and human agency. In this context, the 2026 UNESCO ICT in Education Prize highlights innovative initiatives showing how AI can support meaningful learning experiences while preserving learners’ capacity for critical thinking, discernment and imagination across formal, non-formal and informal learning environments. 📣 Applications are open until 29 May 2026. Learn more: https://unes.co/ozkx17

Higher education has expanded at an unprecedented pace over the past two decades. Global enrolment rose from around 100 million students in 2000 to 269 million in 2024, representing 43% of the typical university-age population worldwide. Yet UNESCO's Higher Education Global Trends Report, drawing on data from 146 countries, shows that progress remains uneven. Regional disparities persist, financing systems are under pressure and completion rates are not keeping pace with rising enrolment. 👉 Discover more: https://lnkd.in/e7HBhefP

UNESCO and the TUI Care Foundation have launched a new global partnership on sustainable tourism in and around UNESCO #WorldHeritage destinations, supporting local communities, safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting more inclusive and responsible tourism development. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eUD7bTZm #TUICareFoundation

South Africa takes on leadership of the SDG 4 High-Level Steering Committee at a pivotal moment for global #education. H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa will serve as Co‑Chair for 2026–2027, alongside UNESCO Director‑General Khaled El-Enany Ezz. Together, they will accelerate global action for inclusive and equitable quality education. Because learning is at the heart of sustainable development, peace, equality and resilience. The journey begins on 10 July with the Transforming Education Summit+4, a key milestone on the road to 2030 and beyond. South Africa's Leadership: https://lnkd.in/eqf96Hci Education Summit + 4: https://lnkd.in/enWPcB9j #ForThePeople #TransformingEducation #LeadingSDG4 Education 2030 UN The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa

As part of UNESCO Culture and Arts Education Week 2026, students from the #UNESCO Associated School Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) were invited to reflect on one question: what does Art for Peace mean to them? The result is a global online exhibition bringing together artworks created by learners aged 6–14 from diverse cultural contexts around the world. Through drawings, colours, symbols and stories, these young artists share their visions of peace, empathy, hope and belonging, reminding us that creativity can help build understanding across cultures and generations. Presented under this year’s theme, “Culture and arts education for lasting peace,” the exhibition highlights how culture and the arts can help young people express themselves, connect with others and imagine more peaceful futures. 🎨 Explore the online exhibition: https://lnkd.in/eTFGMkYb