UNESCO
Structure, Governance and Finance
UNESCO Institute for Statistics
Montreal June 2011
Andrew Barton
• Statistical Assistant: Data Processing & Standards
– Regional Responsibility: Anglophone Africa
• Education:
– MSc. Economics from the University of Amsterdam
– BComm. Economics from John Molson School of Business
• Previous work experience:
– Advisor in Statistics: Leaseurope/Eurofinas (European
finance and leasing industry - NPO)
– Junior Demographic Analyst: Department of Foreign Affairs
and International Trade Canada
– Policy Analyst: Catholic Community Services (NPO in
Montreal)
Shereen Joseph
• Worked in the communications unit in various
capacities at the UIS:
– Communications
– Publications
• Over 10 years experience in the field
• Education:
– MSc. Journalism at Concordia University (ongoing)
– BSc. Microbiology from the University of Alberta
• Freelance Consultant
Presentation Outline
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Overview: History, Mission & Priorities
UNESCO Structure & Governance
Financing
Differences between IGO and NPO
Overview: History
• 1942: Conference of Allied Ministers of Education - CAME
– European countries looking to reconstruct their systems of
education in the post war era
• 1945: A proposal from CAME was made at a United
Nations Conference for the establishment of an
educational and cultural organization (London)
• At the end of the conference, thirty-seven countries
founded the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (16 November)
Overview: History
Preamble of the Constitution
“That since wars begin in the minds of men, it
is in the minds of men that the defences of
peace must be constructed;
Overview: Mission & Priorities
• UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of
peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable
development and intercultural dialogue through
education, the sciences, culture, communication
and information.
• UNESCO focuses on two global priorities:
– Africa & Gender Equality
Overview: Mission & Priorities
• The broad goals and objectives of the international
community – as set out in the internationally
agreed development goals (Millennium
Development Goals and Education for All) –
underpin all UNESCO’s strategies and activities.
Overview: Mission & Priorities
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In fulfilling its mission, UNESCO will carry out for
the international community five established
functions:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
laboratory of ideas, including foresight
standard-setter
clearing house
capacity-builder in Member States in UNESCO’s fields
of competence
catalyst for international cooperation
UNESCO Structure and Governance
• UNESCO is a specialized agency of the UN (carries
out prescribed mandate, but independent)
• UNESCO is an Intergovernmental Organization - IGO
– Goals and scope are outlined in a treaty or charter
– Membership is limited to nation states / countries
• Three levels of membership (193 members, 7
associate members & 2 observers)
– Members are required to make yearly contributions
UNESCO Structure and Governance
• Governing Bodies
– General Conference
– Executive Board
• Secretariat
UNESCO Structure and Governance
• General Conference
– Primary decision making body of UNESCO
– Meets once every 2 years to determine the policies
and main lines of work of the organization
– 1 country – 1 vote
– Approves UNESCO’s biennial programmes and
budget
– Every 4 years, it appoints the Director General
UNESCO Structure and Governance
• Executive Board
– Composed of 58 member states who are elected at
the General Conference every two years
– Choice of representatives depends on diversity of
cultures and geographic regions
– Responsible for the execution of the programme
adopted at the General Conference
– Meets twice a year to examine the Organization’s
programme and budget
UNESCO Structure and Governance
• Secretariat
– The Director General is the executive head of UNESCO
– DG formulates proposals for appropriate action by the
General Conference and Executive Board
– DG prepares a draft biennial programme and budget
– Staff implements the approved programme
– Organizational Chart
• Central Services
• Programme Sectors
• Support Sectors
• Field Offices
UNESCO Financing Sources
• Total Budget: $1,115,751,400 USD
• Membership contributions (assessment)
– Represents 58% of the 2010-2011 budget
– For 2010-2011: $653,000,000 USD
• Extra budgetary funding (voluntary)
– UNESCO becoming more reliant on extra budgetary funds
– Represents 42% of the 2010-2011 budget
– For 2010-2011: $462,751,400 USD
UNESCO Financing Sources
• Five major sources of extra budgetary funding:
– Bilateral Government Donors
– The United Nations Funds and Programmes
– Multilateral Development Banks (WBG)
– The European Commission
– The Private Sector
UNESCO Financing Protocol
• Biennial budget is submitted
by the Director General as a
resolution at the UNESCO
General Conference for
approval
• Scale of Assessment – Set at
the United Nations General
Conference on a yearly basis
• Assessment is based on a
countries Gross National
Income and a country’s
capacity to pay
• Contributions are to be paid
partly in US dollars and partly
in Euros (can pay in national
currency)
Members
Contribution %
USA
22.000%
Japan
12.530%
Germany
8.018%
UK
6.604%
France
6.123%
Italy
4.999%
Canada
3.207%
China
3.189%
Spain
3.177%
Mexico
2.356%
Others
27.797%
IGO vs NPO
• Similarities:
– Both are not driven by profit
– Funding sources are the same (public and private)
• Differences:
– NPO can represent both public and private interests
– IGO represent public interests
– Governance & Structure
• NPO structure depends on the type of organization
• IGOs structure based on a charter or treaty between countries
– Financing structure is different (i.e. UN scale assessment)
List of IGO’s in Montreal
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UNESCO Institute for Statistics
ICAO – International Civil Aviation Organization
Secretariat on the Convention of Biodiversity
Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the
Montreal Protocol
• Commission for Environmental Cooperation
(Canada, Mexico & US only)
• Cospas Sarsat (Canada, France, Russia, & US only)