MEDIUM-TERM STRATEGY - 2014-2021All strategic objectives and thematic focus areas must respond to the following two overarching objectives: * Peace - Contributing to lasting peace; * Equitable and sustainable development - Contributing to sustainable development and the eradication of poverty. The overarching objectives must also guide the Organization's work with respect to the two global priorities -- Africa and gender equality -- and to activities for youth, LDCs, SIDS and countries in transition. [There are] nine strategic objectives (SO) ... As approved by the General Conference at its 37th session (General Conference resolution 37 C/Res.1) and validated by the Executive Board at its 194th session (194 EX/Decision 18)United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural OrganizationUNESCO_3910fabe-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations. UNESCO's five functions will be as follows: (a) Serving as a laboratory of ideas and generating innovative proposals and policy advice in its fields of competence; (b) Developing and reinforcing the global agenda in its fields of competence through policy analysis, monitoring and benchmarking; (c) Setting norms and standards in its fields of competence and supporting and monitoring their implementation; (d) Strengthening international and regional cooperation in its fields of competence, and fostering alliances, intellectual cooperation, knowledge-sharing and operational partnerships; (e) Providing advice for policy development and implementation, and developing institutional and human capacities.United NationsPeace and equitable, sustainable development_3910fc94-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73To contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, and sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information._3910fd98-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73PeaceFairnessDevelopmentSustainabilityPrinciplesThe elaboration of the Medium-Term Strategy for 2014-2021 has been guided by the following fundamental principles to ensure greater consistency with the objectives and activities of other United Nations bodies, in accordance with the expectations expressed in the QCPR.Focus(a) Refocus UNESCO on its core mandate and main priorities and ensure the overall consistency of its action;PrioritizationStrategic AlignmentClarity(b) Define the Organization's basic functions better at its global, regional and national levels;Reform(c) Accelerate and increase field network reform;Innovation(d) Encourage innovation and creativity in UNESCO's various fields of competence;CreativityCompetenceCooperation(e) Strengthen resolutely UNESCO's cooperation and partnerships, in particular in a reforming United Nations system and with new partners.PartnershipsEvaluationEvaluation is the key mechanism for capturing effects of interventions at the expected results level and therefore central to improving results reporting and a sine qua non condition for better results-based management. UNESCO's evaluation function plays a critical role in enabling the Organization to meet its mandate by providing credible and evidence-based information that feeds into various decision-making processes. The evaluation function is critical to turning UNESCO into a learning organization. During the period of the Medium-Term Strategy, the overarching purpose will be to strengthen UNESCO’s evaluation and results-based management culture through targeted evaluation activities and advisory services and enhanced quality, type and coverage of evaluations throughout UNESCO in support of improved organizational learning, programme improvement and accountability. These include the improvement of self-evaluation practices of regular and extrabudgetary programmes, better quality assurance of external evaluations and the introduction of impact evaluation to better understand what works for whom under what circumstances.Education SystemsSupport Member States to develop education systems to foster high-quality and inclusive lifelong learning for all_39110054-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO1Education SystemsLearning OpportunitiesExpand learning opportunities, particularly for the most disadvantaged groups._3911013a-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO1.1Disadvantaged GroupsChildrenYouthAdultswho are deprived of opportunities for learning, the majority of whom are girls and womenGirlsWomenEducation, learning and skills are both enablers and drivers of inclusive and sustainable development and it is widely acknowledged that no country can improve the living conditions of its people without significant investment in education. While substantial progress has been made since 2000 in increasing access to basic education and reducing gender disparities in enrolment, there are still millions of children, youth and adults who are deprived of opportunities for learning, the majority of whom are girls and women. More efforts are needed to accelerate progress to further expand learning opportunities, particularly for the most disadvantaged groups, in order to address the challenges of social inequality.Quality & RelevanceImprove in the quality and relevance of education._3c9a9f1e-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.2Moreover, the remarkable progress made in increasing access to basic education has not been accompanied by a commensurate improvement in the quality and relevance of education. Millions of children leave school without having acquired basic skills like reading and writing. In many countries, young people are graduating without the skills required to enter, or remain on, a fast changing labour market. In addition, the increasing availability of information and knowledge through technology is transforming education systems, expanding learning opportunities as well as generating demand for new skills. This is impacting on the type of competencies required of teachers, as their role is changing from that of “transmitter of knowledge" to "enabler of learning". At the same time, there is a crucial shortage of qualified teachers in many countries to provide quality education to a growing number of learners.Education ProgrammeImprove the quality of education, learning processes and outcomes in our education programme._3c9aa19e-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.2.1During the 2014-2021 period, UNESCO will respond to these challenges by placing greater focus on improving the quality of education, learning processes and outcomes in its education programme.Learning & KnowledgeRealize inclusive lifelong learning and knowledge societies._3c9aa360-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.2.1.1It will continue to be guided by a rights-based and holistic approach to education aiming at the realization of inclusive lifelong learning and knowledge societies.Learning OpportunitiesExpand access to learning opportunities._3c9aa856-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.2.1.2UNESCO will promote expanded access to learning opportunities throughout the life cycle and through multiple pathways (formal education, non-formal and informal learning).Education & Learning SystemsEnsure that education and learning systems are inclusive, rights-based and reflect the diversity of all learners._3c9aaa68-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.2.1.3LearnersIt will seek to ensure that education and learning systems are inclusive, rights-based and reflect the diversity of all learners.Gender EqualityAchieve gender equality in education._3c9aabbc-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.2.1.4It will intensify efforts towards achieving gender equality in education by mainstreaming gender in and through education, and gender- specific programming in targeted programme areas.Policies & PlansDevelop policies and plans and improve public sector management and governance._3c9aae1e-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.3UNESCO will support its Member States to develop sector-wide policies and plans and improve public sector management and governance, and will accompany countries in their education reform, paying particular attention to supporting the reconstruction of education systems in countries affected by conflict and natural disasters.Technical SupportProvide technical support for the development of education sub-sectors._3c9aaff4-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.4Pursuing a holistic approach, UNESCO will provide technical support for the development of education sub-sectors and their related policies, strategies and programmes, from basic to higher education, including literacy and skills development.Lifelong Learning SystemsStrengthening lifelong learning systems._3c9ab148-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.4.1UNESCO will deploy its competences and resources strategically to implement targeted programmes which will focus on different subsectors in each of the two quadriennia, with the objective of strengthening the building blocks for lifelong learning systems.PrioritiesGive priority to literacy, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and higher education._3c9ab3c8-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.4.2During the first four years of the strategy, priority will be given to the following three sub-sectors: literacy, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and higher education -- which are areas of key interest to Member States, and where UNESCO has a strong comparative advantage.LiteracyScale-up literacy responses._3c9ab59e-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.4.2.1Youth and adult literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning and skills acquisition. UNESCO will promote scaling-up literacy responses, in particular for youth and adults. Building on the achievements of the United Nations Literacy Decade (UNLD), UNESCO will support those countries with the largest number of illiterates, among them the E-9 countries. Activities will focus on scaling up national literacy programmes, including learning for twenty-first century skills and education for global citizenship, and through new delivery modalities, such as ICT-enhanced and mobile learning.TVETSupport TVET policy reviews, knowledge sharing and strategies._3c9ab6fc-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.4.2.2Through skills development for the world of work, UNESCO will support TVET policy reviews, knowledge sharing and strategies to facilitate transition from school to the world of work.Higher EducationBroaden access to quality higher education._3c9abbfc-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.4.2.3UNESCO will seek to broaden access to quality higher education as a major vehicle for building inclusive and diverse knowledge societies, by addressing issues such as diversification of provision and quality assurance.FocusFocus on the key areas._3c9abdfa-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.5UNESCO will respond to the need to improve the quality of education and learning by focusing on the following key areas.TeachersAddress the shortage of qualified teachers._3c9abf62-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.5.1TeachersIt will address the acute shortage of qualified teachers in many countries by supporting teacher professional development through capacity development, especially of teacher-training institutions and dissemination of innovative teaching practices that improve teacher effectiveness.InnovationExpand innovative learning opportunities._3c9ac1ce-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.5.2It will expand innovative learning opportunities, particularly through the use of ICTs in education.Critical AreasStrengthen work in curriculum, pedagogy and assessment of learning outcomes._3c9ac3ae-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.5.3Finally, it will strengthen its work in areas that are critical to its improving learning such as curriculum, pedagogy and assessment of learning outcomes.SupportGive priority and targeted support to countries or population groups most in need._3c9ac520-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO1.6AfricaUp to 2015, the focus will therefore be on accelerating progress towards the EFA and MDG goals and mobilizing all partners for a "last big push" with targeted support to priority countries, of which two thirds are in Africa.African CountriesWhile recognizing the important progress made by many African countries towards the EFA goals over the last decade, UNESCO will continue to devote a significant part of its resources and programmatic action throughout the period 2014-2021 in favor of African Member States to help address the many educational challenges remaining and contribute to socio-economic development.Priority and targeted support will be given to those countries or population groups considered most in need or lagging behind in reaching the internationally agreed development goals... Particular attention will be given to supporting teacher professional development, literacy, vocational skills development and higher education. Global CitizenshipEmpower learners to be creative and responsible global citizens_39110216-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO2LearnersA range of factors continues to deepen vulnerability, induce social breakdown and threaten global peace and stability. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening within and between countries. Equity and inclusion remain central challenges to ensure sustainable development. A large part of the world's population is living in areas affected by conflict and violence. Moreover, natural disasters including those linked to climate change are having a particularly ravaging impact on the poorest. As a path for sustainable change, education can provide a powerful response to help alleviate these challenges. Education has a direct impact on poverty reduction, gender equality, health and environmental sustainability. A fundamental objective of education is to promote and impact values, attitudes and behaviors that empower learners to be proactive contributors to a more just, equal, peaceful and sustainable society. UNESCO, with its interdisciplinary mandate, is uniquely positioned to promote education that empowers learners to understand societal challenges and to develop effective and creative responses to them; contribute to the creation of peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies based on the principles of social justice and respect for human rights, gender equality, diversity and the environment; participate actively in democratic processes, and lead decent lives.CompetenciesEnsure that learning content, environments, practices and processes foster the acquisition of relevant competencies necessary to tackle local and global challenges_391102fc-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO2.1This will be achieved by supporting Member States to ensure that learning content, environments, practices and processes foster the acquisition of relevant competencies necessary to tackle local and global challenges, such as critical thinking, creativity, understanding of the ethical dimensions of human development, and active and responsible citizenship. A much stronger focus will be given to enhancing the role of education in responding to the challenges of the twenty-first century. In particular, UNESCO will intensify its efforts in the following three areas:Peace & Human RightsPromote peace and human rights education._3c9ac78c-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO2.1.1UNESCO will promote peace and human rights education for global citizenship, notably within the framework of the 1974 Recommendation concerning Education for International Understanding, Cooperation, Peace and Education relating to Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms; and the resolution by the United Nations General Assembly on Education for Democracy (A/RES/67/18); UNESCO’s Interdisciplinary and Intersectoral Plan of Action for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence (36 C/Resolution 66); UNESCO's General Conference resolution (37 C/Resolution 1 (VII)) and other major international instruments.Sustainable DevelopmentPromote Education for Sustainable Development._3c9ac980-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO2.1.2UNESCO will continue to promote ESD as an integral element of quality education and of all efforts to achieve sustainable development, and support the integration of ESD in education policies, plans, curricula, pedagogy, and assessment through evidence-based advocacy, technical assistance and monitoring, thus ensuring effective follow-up to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).Health & SexualityPromote health education and comprehensive sexuality education._3c9acafc-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO2.1.3UNESCO will promote health education, including HIV and comprehensive sexuality education, which imparts the skills to lead healthy lifestyles, and fosters safe and equitable learning environments that enhance the overall well-being of the learners and are conducive to improved learning achievement.Education AgendaAdvance Education for All (EFA) and shape the future international education agenda_391103e2-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO3The next eight years will be a period of opportunity. The development agenda will be at a crossroads in 2015, which will be the occasion to take stock of progress, and to chart out a new agenda and development framework, based on the analysis of emerging needs and challenges; it is a time for renewed commitment. Keeping education high on the global development agenda will be an important task for UNESCO. At the same time, recognizing that EFA is an unfinished agenda, UNESCO remains fully committed to making progress in collaboration with all stakeholders and partners towards the six EFA goals in a last "big push" before 2015.Coordination & PartnershipsCoordinate education for all and strengthen partnerships for education._391104be-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO3.1In the lead-up to the 2015 target year for achieving the Millennium Development Goals and Education for All goals, UNESCO will continue to assume its role as the lead coordinating agency for education for all at the global level and seek to expand and strengthen partnerships for education. It will facilitate national assessments of progress towards EFA and support the identification of policy priorities at country level and as a foundation for establishing the post-2015 education agenda at the regional and global levels. It will critically review the lessons learnt and guide the debate on international education and development agendas beyond 2015. It will seek to ensure that education remains a global priority beyond 2015, as a basic human right and as a prerequisite for peace and equitable and sustainable development.MonitoringMonitoring progress in education._3c9acd86-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO3.2In response to the need for evidence-based policymaking, UNESCO will continue its central role in monitoring progress in education through data collection, analysis and dissemination, also building on the rich experience of UIS and UNESCO's flagship publication, the EFA Global Monitoring Report. Furthermore, UNESCO will continue to promote education as a fundamental human right for all learners, supporting Member States to review and update their legal frameworks to reflect the right to quality education for all.Ideas & InnovationsServe as a laboratory of ideas and innovations in education._3c9acf84-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO3.3Moreover, UNESCO will continue to serve as a laboratory of ideas and innovations in education, and to steer international debates on critical issues and emerging challenges for education and facilitate the global policy dialogue among its Member States. UNESCO will inspire new ways of conceptualizing education and learning, their contribution to societal development, and modalities for international cooperation in the area. In so doing, it will create an international impetus for scaling up political attention and resources allocation to education and learning; integrating a foresight dimension into education policy development and planning; and building on evidence through the monitoring of education development and trends at the global, regional and national levels.Multilateral SupportEnsure multilateral support to education._3c9ad114-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO3.4Building on its convening power and advocacy role, UNESCO will work to ensure multilateral support to education at the global, regional and national levels, by strengthening coordination and cooperation among key stakeholders and partners. In the changing context of global development cooperation, UNESCO will further strengthen South-South and North-South-South cooperation as key implementation modalities, and expand cooperation with other important partners within and beyond the United Nations system, UNESCO will seek to forge equal partnerships between countries, in particular by strengthening technical cooperation between developing countries and attracting funding from new and emerging donors. It will also continue to cooperate with Member States, civil society, and the academic world and will further promote public-private partnerships in education.Cooperation & Knowledge-SharingEnhance international and regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing._3c9ad3b2-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO3.5UNESCO with its worldwide networks and global reach is well placed to enhance international and regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing among all its Member States. Going forward, UNESCO will give increased attention to ensuring the universal relevance of its education programme. It will seek to mobilize all member States, including all relevant stakeholders, to engage in cooperation on major global challenges and issues.Science, Technology & InnovationStrengthen science, technology and innovation systems and policies -- nationally, regionally and globally_391105a4-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO4The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD or Rio 20) has confirmed the pivotal importance of science, technology and innovation (STI) for poverty eradication and sustainable development in all its dimensions -- economic, social and environmental. STI can be the "game changer" of the socio-economic situation of developing countries and economies in transition. The sciences underpin all technological innovation and engineering solutions needed to address challenges such as green growth and employment, environmental degradation and restoration, climate change adaptation, existing and emerging diseases, natural disasters and energy needs. Investment in knowledge systems, including research and development (R&D), has expanded globally, including in many developing countries. The distribution of R&D efforts between North and South has changed with the emergence of new actors in the global economy, creating a more competitive global environment. However, disparities in scientific capacity and STI development levels within and between countries remain significant. Insufficient government commitments for STI, including financing, technology and capacity, poorly designed national STI policies and lack of adequate organizational capacities to implement policies; lack of quality STI statistics and indicators; unequal participation of women and man in scientific fields; lack of consistent life cycle thinking and long-term perspective in STI frameworks and policies; a disconnect between policymakers, scientists and society in generating, sharing and utilizing scientific knowledge, are some of the factors causing these disparities. Improving the policy environment, redesigning infrastructure and enterprise development, investing in higher education in science and engineering are some of the key areas identified for policy action needed to achieve the MDGs. Systems & GovernanceSupport Member States efforts to reform and upgrade national STI systems and governance._3911077a-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO4.1As the United Nations organization with an explicit mandate in the sciences, UNESCO will continue to support Member States efforts to reform and upgrade national STI systems and governance. UNESCO will provide technical support on strengthening STI ecosystems and the science-policy-society interface, to bridge the gap between STI knowledge and policy, and to catalyze Member States’ investment in STI. UNESCO’s support on building effective STI ecosystems will take into account country-specific contexts and will be founded on several key pillars, including: robust national STI policies as holistic frameworks and integral parts of national development policies and plans, strategically linked to education policy, macroeconomic and industrial policies, as well as to other sectoral policies; adequate institutional and human capacity for science, research and innovation and; popular participation, understanding and support for science. A specific focus will be put on the development of national, regional and grass-roots innovation capacities to spur green transformations, encourage creativity, and enhance opportunities for youth-led applied innovation, technopreneurship and the employability of young graduates. All UNESCO’s efforts in the sciences will incorporate a strong focus on enhancing the participation of women and girls and on promoting gender equality in STI. Performance Monitoring & EvaluationBuild the capacity of Member States to monitor and evaluate performance through STI statistics and indicators._3c9ad5ce-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO4.2The Organization will continue to build the capacity of Member States to monitor and evaluate performance through STI statistics and indicators. To complement efforts in promoting evidence-based STI policy-making, the Organization will also promote scientific and technological foresight systems.Science & EngineeringAssist Member States in institutional capacity-building for science and engineering._3c9ad772-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO4.3UNESCO will further strengthen its efforts to assist Member States in institutional capacity-building for science and engineering and the transformation of higher education systems to more trans-disciplinary approaches so as to integrate the challenges of sustainable development into the research and educational agenda. The Organization also recognizes a responsibility to focus on increasing opportunities to participate in the scientific enterprise, particularly for the marginalized. The Organization will continue to accord priority to the particular needs of SIDS by contributing to the implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of SIDS and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of SIDS. UNESCO will also continue supporting the rights of indigenous peoples and recognizing the value of their knowledge systems. The development and implementation of a UNESCOwide policy on engagement with indigenous peoples will be pursued. The Organization will promote global science advocacy campaigns, such as the International Year of Crystallography (2014) and the International Year of Light (2015) and will contribute to the UNEnergy initiative "Sustainable Energy for All".PartnershipsStrengthen participation in global partnerships to bridge the science-policy interface._3c9ada38-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO4.4UNESCO will continue to strengthen its participation in global partnerships to bridge the science-policy interface and to lead inter-agency efforts to reinforce consideration of indigenous knowledge systems in the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. At the global level, UNESCO will continue to lead global assessments and reports of the state of relations between policy, science and society, in areas including the status of investment in STI in all regions of the world.AdviceProvide advice on strategies for more effectively targeting efforts in the natural and social and human sciences, technology, engineering and innovation to the challenges of sustainable development._3c9adc5e-b47d-11e7-8f19-b489cc594c73SO4.5UNESCO, by hosting the Secretariat for the United Nations Secretary-General's Scientific Advisory Board, will also play a key role in providing advice to the Secretary-General, and to the United Nations system, on strategies for more effectively targeting collective efforts in the natural and social and human sciences, technology, engineering and innovation to the challenges of sustainable development.Sustainable DevelopmentPromote international scientific cooperation on critical challenges to sustainable development_39110860-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO5Greater knowledge-sharing is critical to induce the transformative changes needed to address the complex and inter-related challenges of sustainable development. UNESCO will promote international scientific cooperation and integrated scientific approaches to support Member States in effectively managing natural resources, reducing knowledge divides within and among countries, and building bridges for dialogue and peace.Research AgendaContribute to shaping the research agenda of global and regional scientific cooperation._39110950-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO5.1Sustainability issues are at the centre of the international debate as current and foreseeable patterns of human activity are fundamentally altering Earth systems, testing the biophysical limits of our planet. This is having profound impacts on the Earth's freshwater resources, on the ocean, atmosphere and climate, and on terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. Building on its experience in leading intergovernmental and international science programmes and bodies and on their global observation capacities, UNESCO will contribute to shaping the research agenda of global and regional scientific cooperation, based on the Rio+20 outcome document "The Future We Want" and the post-2015 development agenda.Sustainability SciencePut into practice integrated approaches to science and engineering for sustainable development._725e79ea-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO5.2UNESCO will put into practice integrated approaches to science and engineering for sustainable development, called "sustainability science". These integrated, "problem-solving" approaches draw on the full range of scientific, traditional and indigenous knowledge in a trans-disciplinary way to identify, understand and address economic, environmental, ethical and societal challenges.FreshwaterStrengthen the governance and management of the world's limited freshwater resources._725e835e-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO5.3Freshwater remains a critical element of security, sustainability, inclusion and peace, with its vital importance increasing due to, among other factors, demographic growth, urbanization and climate change. UNESCO will respond to the needs of Member States by strengthening the governance and management of the world's limited freshwater resources within the framework of the Strategy "Water Security: Responses to Local, Regional and Global Challenges (2014-2021)". Institutional & Human CapacitiesBuild institutional and human capacities of Member States in the various fields of freshwater resources management._725e89d0-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO5.3.1UNESCO will continue to build institutional and human capacities of Member States in the various fields of freshwater resources management.Policy GuidanceMake available updated knowledge for policy guidance on freshwater resources._725e9330-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO5.3.2The Organization will make available updated knowledge for policy guidance on freshwater resources.Ocean & CoastsContinue work in relation to ocean and coasts._725e990c-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO5.4The work in relation to ocean and coasts will continue to be a flagship area for UNESCO and will include interdisciplinary initiatives for science, education, culture and communication.CollaborationPromote international collaboration to generate strong scientific understanding and systematic observations of the changing world climate and ocean ecosystems._725e9d9e-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO5.4.1UNESCO will further promote international collaboration to generate strong scientific understanding and systematic observations of the changing world climate and ocean ecosystems. This will ensure that information is actionable to address a wide variety of social and environmental challenges, including climate change and variability, marine biodiversity, tsunami and other ocean-related hazards, and the sustainability of ocean ecosystem services. Scientific information about the status of the ocean will underpin global governance for a healthy ocean, and global, regional and national management of ocean risks and opportunities.LeadershipStrengthen our leading role within the United Nations system in ocean science, services and observations_725ea550-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO5.4.2UNESCO will endeavor to strengthen its leading role within the United Nations system in ocean science, services and observations, to respond within its mandate to requirements of various United Nations ocean-related conventions, as well as resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly.Biosphere Reserves & Other SitesStrengthen our role and potential of the UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves and other UNESCO-affiliated sites._725ea9ba-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO5.5The Organization will endeavor to strengthen the role and potential of the UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves and other UNESCO-affiliated sites, along with their associated networks, as pilot sites for research on mitigation and adaptation to climate change, green economies and as sites for collaboration with other international innovative environmental initiatives.Knowledge & Best PracticesBuild scientific knowledge and identify best practices for natural resource use and ecosystem management, restoration and rehabilitation._725eacda-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO5.5.1They will further serve to build scientific knowledge and identify best practices for natural resource use and ecosystem management, restoration and rehabilitation, as well as geosciences, and to strengthen the interface between science, policy and society at local, national, regional and global levels.Collaboration & KnowledgePromote scientific collaboration as a catalyst for dialogue and co-production of scientific knowledge._725eb450-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO5.6UNESCO will promote scientific collaboration, especially South-South and North-South-South triangular cooperation, as a catalyst for dialogue and co-production of scientific knowledge, in synergy with local and indigenous knowledge brokers, and for science diplomacy.Transboundary Areas & ResourcesPromote joint management of transboundary areas and resources._725eb87e-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO5.6.1The Organization will further promote joint management of transboundary areas and resources, including transboundary surface and groundwater resources and transboundary biosphere reserves, as a means for sharing knowledge and best practices, building peace and promoting dialogue among nations.Global Changes & Natural HazardsPromote international collaboration on the assessment and monitoring of global changes and natural hazards._725ebbc6-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO5.7The Rio+20 Outcome document underscores the notion of growing uncertainties and risks in the development process. UNESCO will promote international collaboration on the assessment and monitoring of global changes and natural hazards, including droughts and floods and geohazards, as well as tsunamis; the generation and sharing of scientific knowledge leading to the understanding of natural hazards; the reduction of disaster risks through supporting the establishment of early warning systems and coping mechanisms for potential disasters through education, the sciences and the promotion of social resilience. Social DevelopmentSupport inclusive social development, fostering intercultural dialogue for the rapprochement of cultures and promoting ethical principles_39110a36-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO6All countries today are undergoing profound social transformations. The need and the demand for social cohesion and intercultural dialogue have never been so urgent than today. Issues facing all societies include ethical implications of scientific progress and technology, demographic pressure, accelerated urbanization, increasing calls for social justice and cohesion, the role of young people as agents of change, new forms of communication and citizens’ participation in consolidating democracy.Evidence-Based PoliciesAssist countries in the design and review of inclusive evidence-based public policies._39110b12-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO6.1With a view to contributing to the post-2015 development agenda, UNESCO will seek to develop a future-oriented understanding of the dynamics at work, based on the approach of sustainability science, to assist countries in the design and review of inclusive evidence-based public policies. At stake is the management of social transformations to support the universal values of peace, justice, non-discrimination and human rights. Strengthening UNESCO's role in promoting the social dimension of sustainable development will help to harness new opportunities for inclusive social progress in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. Research, Practice & Policy-MakingStrengthen the links between research, practice and policy-making._725ec51c-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO6.2Building on its longstanding experience, UNESCO will strengthen the links between research, practice and policy-making. Member States will be supported in developing and implementing policies to accompany social transformations, in particular through human and institutional capacity-building.Inter-Cultural DialogueFoster understanding and knowledge of each other's lives through inter-cultural dialogue._725ec95e-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO6.3UNESCO will foster "mutual understanding and a truer and more perfect knowledge of each other’s lives" through inter-cultural dialogue. This is especially vital at a time when societies face new forms of inequality, discrimination, exclusion, violence, radicalization, extremism and bigotry, compounded by local tensions and conflicts. UNESCO’s action will be guided by the Interdisciplinary and Intersectoral Plan of Action for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence, as well as the Action Plan (194 EX/10) of the International Decade for Rapprochement of Cultures (2013-2022). Engagement of international and national partners will be essential.Human RightsMainstream human rights principles and standards._725ecc9c-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO6.4Efforts will be deployed to further mainstream human rights principles and standards across the work of the Organization. Promoting respect, tolerance and mutual understanding requires education for all, sharing the benefits of scientific knowledge, resilient cultures, and accessible communication and information networks. NeedsMap out current and future needs._725ed458-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO6.5UNESCO will use foresight and anticipation to fulfill its function as a global laboratory of ideas by mapping out current and future needs, and to design innovative proposals for the development of public policies. EthicsPromoting international standards for ethics pertaining to science and technology._725ed82c-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO6.6UNESCO will also continue to provide global leadership in promoting international standards for ethics pertaining to science and technology. The ethical, legal, environmental and societal dimensions of science and technology to sustain human life and life support systems are central to UNESCO’s holistic science mandate, as it strives to reach out to the most vulnerable segments of society and to contribute to sustainable development, social justice and peace through human rights-based approaches. In the field of bioethics, UNESCO will further identify and address the ethical issues that scientific advances and their applications may pose to the integrity of individuals and their rights or well-being. Fair access for all to scientific knowledge and developments, as well as integrity and responsibility in the research agenda will be promoted in order to support the emergence of scientifically informed, just and equitable societies. Social & Economic TransformationsEnable young women and men to engage in their societies and harness their full potential as agents and subjects of social and economic transformations._725edb60-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO6.7Young WomenYoung MenYoung women and men are vital actors of, and partners for, innovative initiatives in response to global challenges. Their energy, creativity and critical spirit in identifying solutions and building bridges and networks have been demonstrated in several regions. It is now time to improve investment in research, policies and programmes to create enabling conditions for youth, including the most vulnerable and marginalized and especially young women, to prosper, exercise rights and engage as responsible citizens and social actors. UNESCO will leverage its multidisciplinary expertise to enable young women and men to engage in their societies and harness their full potential as agents and subjects of social and economic transformations. As envisaged in UNESCO's Operational Strategy on Youth, the Organization's approach will be operationalized through three complementary, transversal and interlinked axes: (a) policy formulation and review with the participation of youth, (b) capacity development for the transition to adulthood, (c) civic engagement, democratic participation and social innovation. Sport IntegritySupport Member States with regard to the national, legal and institutional frameworks needed to uphold sport integrity._725ee100-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO6.8Sport for all is one of the most powerful vehicles to deliver messages about human rights, social development, peace values, and the rapprochement among peoples. Sport is also a tool for development and community-building. It fosters public health and cohesion, and is a means of increasing social capital, especially among young people. Physical education and sport offer a framework for action, for promoting the health of individuals and their communities, for social inclusion and cohesion, for sustainable development and ethical practices. Within its ethical mandate, UNESCO will support Member States with regard to the national, legal and institutional frameworks needed to uphold sport integrity, including through the International Convention against Doping in Sport. The Organization will work to provide policy advice and reinforce institutional capacities to support Members States in the formulation of inclusive policy and delivery in these areas.HeritageProtect, promote and transmit heritage_39110c02-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO7In the coming years, UNESCO will generate initiatives and mobilize energies, ideas and commitments to forge a new understanding of peace and sustainable development through culture. At the multilateral level, the Organization will capitalize on recent achievements in promoting culture as a driver and enabler of peace and sustainable development, as a human-centered approach to development, yielding sustainable, inclusive and equitable outcomes, can only be achieved with a strong culture component. Heritage, understood in its entirety -- natural and cultural, tangible and intangible -- constitutes assets inherited from the past that we wish to transmit to future generations because of their social value and the way in which they embody identity and belonging. These assets shall be used for promoting social stability peace-building, recovery from crisis situations, and development strategies.HeritageHarness the power of heritage as a positive and unifying force that can help prevent conflicts and facilitate peace-building as well as recovery and reconciliation._39110cf2-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73S07.1UNESCO will harness the power of heritage as a positive and unifying force that can help prevent conflicts and facilitate peace-building as well as recovery and reconciliation. Heritage is inextricably linked to the most pressing challenges facing humanity: climate change and natural disasters, loss of biodiversity, safe water, conflicts, unequal access to food, education and health, migration, urbanization, social marginalization and economic inequalities.Cooperation & DialogueProvide a unique global platform for international cooperation and dialogue._725ee65a-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9S07.2UNESCO's normative framework provides a unique global platform for international cooperation and dialogue. It establishes a holistic cultural governance system within a human rights-based approach, building on shared values, mutual commitments respecting cultural diversity, the free flow of ideas and collective responsibility. The implementation of the Organization's cultural conventions, recommendations, declarations and its intergovernmental programmes engages States in dialogue and cooperation at the international level, thereby facilitating inclusive governance, sharing knowledge and best practices at the policy level.Sustainable DevelopmentLeverage the contribution of cultural and natural resources to sustainable development through the promotion, protection and safeguarding of heritage._725eeab0-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9S07.3This cooperation platform is conducive to leveraging the contribution of cultural and natural resources to sustainable development through the promotion, protection and safeguarding of heritage -- with particular emphasis on immovable heritage (1972 and 1954 Conventions), moveable cultural property (1954 and 1970 Conventions), underwater cultural heritage (2001 Convention) and intangible cultural heritage (2003 Convention). The Organization's action will strengthen national capacities to better conserve, safeguard, manage and promote heritage at the professional and institutional levels and within communities. It will also promote the educational potential of heritage, in particular by strengthening traditional knowledge and integrating heritage into formal and non-formal education. Moreover, it will include providing assistance in the context of the heritage Conventions, enhanced through the recently created monitoring mechanisms under the 1970 Convention, which have demonstrated UNESCO's enduring relevance in working to protect and prevent the pillage and illicit trafficking of cultural property that violates the expression of a community's cultural identity.Strategies & ToolsDevelop strategies and tools._725ef136-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9S07.4Recent years have also been marked by an increasing trend to target culture in conflict. Conflicts arising within and between states involve cultural matters and target cultural differences in order to divide societies. The culture programme will engage to develop strategies and tools which will aim to ...Crises & ConflictsStrengthen the protection of cultural heritage and cultural expressions in crisis and conflict situations._725ef4b0-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9S07.4.1Differences & TensionsPrevent the instrumentalization of culture to exacerbate differences and tensions._725ef794-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9S07.4.2Destruction & DamageCollect and analyze data on the destruction of and damage to cultural heritage and cultural expressions._725efd66-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9S07.5Action will focus on the factual analysis and collection of data on the destruction of and damage to cultural heritage and cultural expressions, including the looting of cultural objects in crisis and conflict situations, and develop short-term emergency measures in response, based on UNESCO's long-lasting experience in this field (e.g. Iraq, Libya, Haiti, Mali). This effort will be part of a global strategy to fight impunity for cultural heritage destruction and to build on the power of culture for resilience, social inclusion, national reconciliation, and peace-building. UNESCO's support for traditional systems of environmental protection and resource management will enhance the sustainability of fragile land and marine ecosystems and preservation of biodiversity, while preventing competition and conflict over access to natural and cultural resources, including water. It will also strengthen disaster risk management strategies that fully respect and build on traditional knowledge and community participation.Cross-Border InitiativesPromote the role of shared or cross-border cultural heritage and initiatives._725f00c2-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9S07.6In advancing dialogue, "learning to live together" and inclusiveness, UNESCO will promote the role of shared or cross-border cultural heritage and initiatives to build bridges among nations and communities. Efforts will be undertaken to offer new perspectives on disseminating and teaching knowledge of history, particularly in the context of the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024). UNESCO will further develop its work to promote intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace as a contribution to the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures, and will also promote the role of museums as educational institutions and platforms for youth civic engagement that stimulate dialogue and cultural exchange and help reconcile history and memory.Creativity & DiversityFoster creativity and the diversity of cultural expressions_39110de2-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO8As a multifaceted human resource that involved processes, environments, persons and products, creativity can inspire positive, transformative change for future generations. In the coming years, UNESCO will highlight the role of cultural and creative industries in poverty alleviation through job creation and income generation, and providing further evidence of the link between culture and sustainable development in the post-2015 development agenda. Capacity-building will be pursued at all levels for the development of a dynamic cultural and creative sector, in particular by encouraging creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting the development of cultural institutions and cultural industries, providing technical and vocational training for culture professionals and increasing employment opportunities in the cultural and creative sector for sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth and development.Creative AssetsTap into creative assets can effectively contribute to making globalization a more positive force for all the world's peoples, now and in the future._39110ec8-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO8.1Economic inequalities, social exclusion, and unsustainable use of assets and conflicts over scarce resources are among the major challenges in our globalized world. Creativity, embracing cultural expression and the transformative power of innovation in knowledge societies, contributes to finding imaginative and better development outcomes. Tapping into creative assets can effectively contribute to making globalization a more positive force for all the world's peoples, now and in the future. Creativity is thus essential to promoting peace and sustainable development.Cultural LifeEmpower marginalized and vulnerable communities and individuals to participate fully in cultural life_725f039c-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO8.2Marginalized CommunitiesVulnerable Communities Marginalized IndividualsVulnerable IndividualsIndigenous CommunitiesWomenYouthIntangible cultural heritage is continually created and recreated. The 2003 Convention's potential as a powerful tool to improve the social and cultural well-being of communities and to mobilize innovative and culturally appropriate responses to the various challenges of sustainable development will be fully explored. Emphasis will be given to empowering marginalized and vulnerable communities and individuals, in particular indigenous communities, women and youth, to participate fully in cultural life through the continued creativity that is a defining characteristic of intangible cultural heritage, and to make cultural choices according to their own preferences and aspirations.Cultural & Creative Industries & MarketsSupport the emergence of dynamic cultural and creative industries and markets._725f098c-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO8.3Cultural IndustriesCreative IndustriesThe creative economy has become a new development paradigm. It relies on the transformation of creativity as raw material into assets, often operating on a small scale and offering new employment opportunities and forms of revenue at the local level, thus contributing to more balanced and inclusive economic growth. UNESCO will support the emergence of dynamic cultural and creative industries and markets, in particular by means of activities relating to the 2005 Convention. In so doing, it will encourage investments in the artistic and creative potential of individuals and institutions in developing countries, securing access and the full participation of all, in particular small- and medium-sized cultural enterprises and creators from the South. This will involve supporting the development of policy frameworks as well as technical and infrastructural capacities.ArtistsPromote the status of artists._725f0dd8-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO8.4ArtistsIncreasingly artists demand better social and economic conditions and unhindered mobility. UNESCO will promote the status of artists, including from a gender equality perspective, their individual mobility and preferential treatment for creative works from the global South. It will continue its efforts to support artists through fellowships and grants for young creators and re-invigorate the global debate and action necessary to improve the social and economic conditions for their work.Creativity & InnovationEnhance the creative and innovative capacity of societies._725f1210-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO8.5In pursuit of the Seoul Agenda and Development Goals for Arts Education to enhance the creative and innovative capacity of societies, priority will go to scaling up efforts and removing barriers that limit access to and participation in cultural life, capacities for cultural and creative expressions and the availability of diversified ranges of cultural goods and services. These are fundamental for the building of socially inclusive, creative and knowledge-based societies and enhancement of the overall quality of life.Cultural LifeScale up efforts and remove barriers that limit access to and participation in cultural life._725f1828-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO8.5.1Cultural & Creative ExpressionsEnhance capacities for cultural and creative expressions._725f1bac-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO8.5.2Cultural Goods & ServicesMake available diversified ranges of cultural goods and services._725f1ea4-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO8.5.3Public SpacesSupport shared urban public spaces._725f24bc-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO8.6Rapid and unprecedented urbanization around the world is putting pressure on the availability and use of resources, resulting in overburdened urban environments and generating new security issues that are unsustainable in the long run. Placing creativity at the heart of urban renewal and planning can lead to more livable, safer and productive cities offering better quality of life. UNESCO acts to support shared urban public spaces where creativity fosters social engagement, inclusion and security. UNESCO's action will focus on supporting the model of "creative cities" and in particular the revitalized Creative Cities Network as laboratories for sustainable development and poverty alleviation, places where imagination, inspiration and innovation are openly and freely exchanged.Expression, Media, Information & KnowledgePromote freedom of expression, media development and access to information and knowledge_39110fea-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO9By harnessing the power of knowledge through free communication and information, UNESCO seeks to facilitate the development of knowledge societies that are equitable, inclusive, open and participatory. They embrace values which are stated in its Constitution, and based on the following four key principles: * Freedom of expression which applies to traditional, contemporary and new forms of media, including the Internet; * Access to quality education for all; * Respect for cultural and linguistic diversity; * Universal access to information and knowledge, especially in the public domain.Freedom of ExpressionPromote freedom of expression, press freedom, media development, and universal access to information and knowledge_391110da-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73SO9.1MediaThe PressUNESCO will continue to play a leading role globally in the promotion of freedom of expression, press freedom, media development, and universal access to information and knowledge, for building inclusive knowledge societies.Knowledge SocietiesProvide pathways to sustainable development._725f2836-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.2The concept of knowledge societies, as defined by UNESCO and embraced by the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), has taken on a central role in discussions on pathways to sustainable development. Technological evolution has created unprecedented conditions for the production, exchange and use of information. Enabled by an increased access to and use of new technologies, the free flow of information and ideas, strengthens democratic governance, the promotion of all human rights, more inclusive, participatory and responsive political and social processes, as well as a culture of peace and dialogue.MediaSupport efforts by Member States in building vibrant media landscape._725f2b10-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.3AfricaLDCsSIDSThe free flow of information necessitates the promotion of the right to freedom of expression, including its corollaries of press freedom and freedom of information in accordance with all relevant human rights treaties. The creation of knowledge-based societies is linked to enhanced democratic governance. Strong efforts are needed to promote media development across all platforms, which includes support for media institutions and capacity-building for those producing journalism. This shall enable robust, dynamic, responsive and participatory media, in which men and women, particularly in post-conflict and post-disaster (PCPD) countries and countries in transition, can engage with and contribute to the information needed for decisionmaking. UNESCO will continue to support efforts by its Member States -- especially in Africa, LDCs and SIDS -- in building vibrant media landscape.Governance & InformationStrengthen democratic governance and facilitating the free flow of information._725f3074-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.4As media pluralism is a key pillar in strengthening democratic governance and facilitating the free flow of information, UNESCO will continue to be proactive in addressing the lack of community media and fully fledged public service media in many countries, the limited diversity in ownership and the lack of women's representation in media staffing and management.Community & Public MediaAddress the lack of community media and fully fledged public service media in many countries._725f34e8-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.4.1CommunitiesMedia OwnershipAddress the limited diversity in ownership._725f3934-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.4.2Media Staffing & ManagementAddress the lack of women's representation in media staffing and management._725f3f88-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.4.3WomenLiteracyIncrease the media and information literacy competencies of citizens._725f4334-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.4.4CitizensThese endeavors will be supported by initiatives to increase the media and information literacy competencies of citizens.Media DevelopmentEnhance the role of knowledge-driven media development._725f464a-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.5MediaThe democratic potential of independent media system also rests upon effective self-regulation and adherence to professional standards of journalism, both offline and online. Strong journalism organizations, and up-to-date and impactful journalism education programmes are important components of independence, as is the economic sustainability of media. There is a need to promote media sustainability by enhancing the role of knowledge-driven media development. UNESCO's expertise in these various dimensions of media independence will contribute to the multi-faceted underpinning of press freedom.JournalistsEnhance the safety of journalists._725f4c94-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.6JournalistsInternational efforts to promote a free media must be complemented by actions to enhance the safety of journalists. Threats against journalists, whether they be physical, cyber or financial, strike at the heart of press freedom. Recognizing the relevance of this issue, the United Nations adopted the UNESCO-developed United Nations Plan of Action on Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. It provides an overarching framework for the United Nations system to work together with all stakeholders, including the national authorities, and the various national and international organizations, as well civil society and the media, to improve the safety of journalists and combat impunity concerning attacks against them. UNESCO is entrusted with the overall coordination of United Nations efforts for the Plan and to promote its implementation by many stakeholders, both within and outside the United Nations framework.Development GoalsContribute to internationally agreed development goals._725f502c-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.7StudentsICT platforms enable higher quality educational opportunities for students and teachers, including those living in remote parts of the world.TeachersResearchersICTs provide young researchers with unfettered and open access to scientific research; and offer unprecedented opportunities for improving the delivery of education and enhancing the competencies of teachers.CitizensUltimately ICTs may empower all citizens, women and men including those living with disabilities with the tools to leverage knowledge.WomenMenPeople with DisabilitiesICTs have also become essential elements contributing to internationally agreed development goals. Countries and citizens continue to benefit from ICTs which amplify transformation opportunities.Common GroundFind common ground on freedom of expression, information society ethics, multilingualism in cyberspace, and digital inclusion._725f534c-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.8Issues including freedom of expression, ethical dimensions of the information society, multilingualism in cyberspace, and transforming digital divides into digital inclusions remain unresolved. UNESCO will therefore support various stakeholders, including Member States, to strengthen efforts to find common ground on these issues.Information AccessStimulate universality in content, technology, and processes, based on open technological standards and open licenses._725f5a5e-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.9In its efforts to support the building of knowledge societies, UNESCO adopts a strategic approach to fostering universal access to information by assisting Member States to tap into opportunities coming from the ever-increasing use of ICTs, information and data flows and to address related challenges. To this end, UNESCO will continue to facilitate the debate on the political, ethical and societal challenges of sustainable and inclusive knowledge societies. Specifically, UNESCO will seek to stimulate universality in content, technology, and processes, based on open technological standards and open licenses allowing for the free and legal sharing or crowdsourcing of information for effective collaboration and sustainable innovation at local, national and international levels.LearningEnsure that learning is at the core of knowledge societies._725f5f04-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.10However, the potential of ICT can materialize only if all citizens have the necessary skills to integrate ICT into their lives. For this reason, UNESCO will ensure that learning is at the core of knowledge societies: on the one hand, ICTs are tools for Member States to reach large numbers of learners of all ages; on the other, all citizens, and especially young women and men, need to be assisted to comprehend technology allowing them to unleash their creative participation for sustainable development.Multilingualism & Cultural DiversityEncourage multilingualism and respect for cultural diversity in cyberspace._725f626a-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.11The Internet is playing a major role in this endeavor, UNESCO will also encourage multilingualism and respect for cultural diversity in cyberspace.Technical AssistanceProvide technical assistance and advice on societal, democratic and cultural dimensions of knowledge societies._725f68f0-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.12Inclusivity and equitability are at the heart of UNESCO's mandate. The Organization will continue to promote international cooperation and partnerships for "building an information society for all". It will also continue contributing to high-level policy discussions rendering guidance to Member States in the area of access to knowledge for coping with the rapid development of information and communications technologies and their applications. UNESCO will further provide technical assistance and advice on societal, democratic and cultural dimensions of knowledge societies.Documentary HeritageStrengthen the preservation of documentary heritage._725f6cba-b798-11e7-9270-ce149342c8d9SO9.13Knowledge must not only be harnessed for economic and social development but must also be stored and protected for generations to come. Documentary heritage and repositories of rich knowledge are at risk of being lost forever due to natural disasters, wear and tear, and inadequate storage facilities. Thus, UNESCO will continue to strengthen the preservation of documentary heritage, in particular in digitized and digitally born formats.Conflict & Disaster ResponseRespond to post-conflict and post-disaster situations (PCPD)_39111198-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73Countries in TransitionUNESCO's response to crisis situations and countries in transition is a necessary part of the continuum of operational activities linking peace to sustainable development. Conflicts and natural disasters remain the single largest impediment to the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, in some cases reversing years of progress and investments. Successful national transitions from conflict to peace and sustainable development remain an elusive goal, with half of all post-conflict countries lapsing back into conflict within 10 years. Man-made and natural disasters have grown both in frequency and intensity as a result of climate change, and feed directly into a vicious cycle of conflict and violence.Crisis ResponseContribute to United Nations post-crisis response activities_391112b0-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73PCPD1UNESCO will be committed to making effective and essential contributions to United Nations post-crisis coordination mechanisms, joint needs assessments, multi-donor and other post-crisis and pooled funding modalities and inter-agency coordination bodies at global and United Nations Country Team levels. PeaceBuild sustainable peace_3911138c-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73PCPD2To address challenges facing countries afflicted by conflict, UNESCO will focus on building sustainable peace, breaking the cycle of violence, and reducing the risk of relapse into conflict. UNESCO with its own operational experience will support the Secretary General's 2010 seven-point Action Plan on Women's Participation in Peace-Building, which has put gender equality and empowerment high on the peacebuilding agenda. UNESCO action will need to be fast, as the immediate post-crisis period offers a window of opportunity to provide basic services, strengthen national ownership and offer capacity-building from the outset. UNESCO's strategic approach to peace-building will be fully integrated with recovery efforts in all its fields of competence. This will also allow the establishment of stronger links with United Nations peace-building mechanisms and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) processes.Education SystemsRehabilitate education systems following crises_391114cc-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73PCPD3Internally Displaced PersonsRefugeesDemobilized Ex-CombatantsEducation SystemsSpecifically, UNESCO will advocate for a sector-wide approach to the rehabilitation of education systems following a crisis, that gives equal attention to access and quality issues and avoid gaps in response affecting specific sub-sectors. In addition, it will give special attention and support to peace education and psychosocial rehabilitation, as well as to critical areas for recovery and longer-term development, such as TVET and life skills, for demobilized ex-combatants, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, secondary education, as well as higher education, including teachers’ education and training.HeritageSafeguard cultural and documentary heritage_391115ee-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73PCPD4When cultural and documentary heritage is deliberately targeted, UNESCO will advocate for its safeguarding during and in the aftermath of conflict. It will coordinate international efforts for emergency response for cultural heritage protection and support the positive role culture can play in peace-building. UNESCO also will support the safety of journalists and restoration of media freedom and independence in crisis settings, and provide information to help save lives and restore dignity in the aftermath of a disaster or conflict.RiskReduce the risk of disasters_391116e8-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73PCPD5UNESCO will maintain a major focus on disaster risk reduction (DRR), as the most cost-effective means to mitigate the effects of disasters and save lives, heritage and infrastructure. Emerging areas of DRR competence for UNESCO include the remote sensing of emergency groundwater resources in drought-affected countries; national floods forecasting and water resource management; DRR education including through radio and other media; as well as the global expansion of Tsunami Early Warning Systems. UNESCO's disaster-response strategy will focus on access: including access to fresh water, to education, to disaster risk reduction information, to hazard assessments, and to capacity-building for multi-hazard disaster early warning systems and resource management.Effectiveness & ResultsLead for effectiveness and manage for results_391117e2-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73In 2014-2021, the Organization will continue to enhance the institutional approaches, tools and mechanisms necessary to improve its overall outputs and results delivery with fewer but more sharply articulated expected results, greater outreach that leads to more discernible and traceable impact of its actions to the benefit of Member States. It will strengthen its proximity to the actual needs and priorities of Member States, including the National Commissions, its ability to deliver results effectively, its capacity to learn from successes and failures, its ability to communicate and report in a strategic manner, its resource mobilization ability, and the entire range of its strategic partnerships, including with civil society and the private sector. In doing so, UNESCO will build on the recommendations of the 2010 Independent External Evaluation and its follow-up, and further consolidate the progress made in the past two biennia in terms of management, effectiveness, efficiency and value for money.Relevance, Coherence & FocusImprove the relevance, coherence and focus of UNESCO's programmes_39111ad0-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73E&R1Increasing programmatic focus is one of the major challenges and a key driver for change. In order to improve its results and impact on the ground and maintain its relevance to Member States, the Organization will continue its efforts to concentrate programmatic efforts around fewer, more well-defined areas and with a foresight dimension. These will be areas where UNESCO possesses comparative strengths and advantages vis-à-vis other partners where it has an established track record, or where it has a clear added value and can effectively collaborates with others to meet the needs of Member States, with adequate human and financial capacities to deliver. UNESCO will also improve the coherence of its work across the entire UNESCO family of international centers and programmes. Faithful to its mandate and to its functions, UNESCO will in particularFunctionsRemain focused on core functions, concentrating in particular on upstream policy-related work, normative actions and related capacity development._39111bca-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73E&R1.1Strategic AlignmentDevelop an overall strategic coherence of all of the parts of the UNESCO family to deliver a common programme -- whether involving Headquarters, field offices, category 1 and category 2 institutes and centres, or intergovernmental programmes._39111cf6-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73E&R1.2Monitoring & ReportingFurther develop evidence-based and result-oriented monitoring and reporting; underscore the intervention's logic from results to longer-term impact; strive to inform on achievements viewed from the perspectives of key stakeholders and in particular direct beneficiaries._39111e22-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73E&R1.3Programme DeliveryIntroduce a systematic review and conduct an evaluation of the programme cycle with the objective of strengthening programme delivery._39111f3a-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73E&R1.4FragmentationReduce the fragmentation of programmes, building on synergies and cooperation, avoiding redundancies and marginal endeavours, and concentrating all efforts for attaining expected results and greater impact._3911205c-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73E&R1.5Flexibility & AuthorityEnsure that, at the regional and country levels, appropriate flexibility and delegation of authority exists to mobilize the full potential of UNESCO's programmes and resources so as to respond effectively to complex regional and national needs and priorities._39112192-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73E&R1.6CultureDevelop a results culture_39112296-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73Developing a results culture is fundamental to building the Organization's credibility and accountability vis-à-vis its Member States, partners and investors. UNESCO will work to institutionalize a results-delivery culture throughout its activities, by improving results- based management, monitoring, evaluation and results reporting. This will include a number of measures to be taken in the coming period:Results-Based BudgetingShow the causal links between inputs, budgets, outputs, expected results and outcomes._391123cc-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73C1The progressive refinement of results-based budgeting (RBB) as an integral part of results-based management (RBM) covering all of the Organization's activities, and showing clearly the causal links between inputs, budgets, outputs, expected results and outcomes.AccountabilityInstill accountabilty_391124ee-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73C2A greater accountability for results by all units and staff concerned, including in performance assessmentTrainingProvide training to UNESCO staff to impart the necessary skills and understanding for the development and use of a meaningful results framework._39112610-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73C2.1UNESCO StaffMetricsDeveloping proposals for measuring the results and impact of UNESCO's normative work and making them more widely known to internal and external stakeholders, including through the development of more effective approaches capturing and communicating UNESCO's priorities, key strategies and results achieved._39112746-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73C2.2MonitoringDevelop systematic programme monitoring based on transparent criteria for establishing new programmes and maintaining existing ones._3911287c-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73C3Review & SunsettingApply sunset clauses coupled with a systematic approach to programme review and evaluation providing at the end of each quadrennium proposals on the continuation, reorientation, reinforcement, exit strategies or termination of programmes and activities, as well as their expected results based on clear evaluation criteria._391129a8-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73C4AuthorityIncrease delegation of authority to the field in order to accelerate programme delivery, while maintaining a robust internal control environment._39112ae8-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73C5Risks, Opportunities & Strategic PlansProactively anticipate and manage risks and opportunities along with the development of appropriate strategic plans as critical factors for the attainment of results._39112c14-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73C6TransparencyComply with the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) within the United Nations system._39112df4-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73C7Field WorkWork closer to the field_39112f5c-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73The relevance and depth of UNESCO's action depends to a large degree on its Field-level experience and expertise. In order to be closer to its Member States, and to respond better to their needs and priorities, UNESCO will develop during the 2014-2021 period a strong operational culture and enhanced management of Field operations:Staff Decentralization& RotationEnsure the effective rotation of staff between duty stations at and away from Headquarters, and the decentralization of a greater proportion of Professional staff to the field._39113074-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73FW1UNESCO StaffReformPursue the comprehensive reform of the field network initiated in the past biennia._391131be-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73FW2Flexibility & DelegationEnsure that appropriate flexibility and delegation of authority exists at regional and national levels to allow UNESCO to mobilize the full potential of its programmes and resources so as to respond to national needs and priorities._3911331c-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73FW3UN ActivitiesContribute to deliverables of the common United Nations system of operational activities, including in the United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks and other United Nations system-wide mechanisms whenever possible._3911345c-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73FW4Post-Conflict/Disaster ActionEffectively coordinate post-conflict and post-disaster action._3911359c-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73FW5Country ProgrammingPrepare UNESCO Country Programme Documents (UCPD) for all countries where UNESCO has substantive involvement to ensure proper programme management, to facilitate engagement with UNESCO stakeholders and partners, to communicate better on results, facilitate integration with United Nations common country programming, and to enhance visibility._39113736-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73FW6Information & CommunicationsIntroduce new information and communication tools to ensure a better communication between Headquarters and field offices._39113876-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73FW7Field OperationsImprove and better integrate management of field operations across all components of UNESCO's Secretariat, including category 1 institutes, intergovernmental programmes and conventions, reducing overlaps and building on synergies._391139b6-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73FW8UN SystemStrengthen UNESCO's participation in the United Nations system_39113b14-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73UNESCO cannot work in isolation. It must continue to work actively within the framework of the United Nations system at the global, regional and national levels, to render its action as relevant as possible to the realization of internationally agreed development goals, such as the MDGs and the future post-2015 development goals, as well as of regional and national priorities and needs. The Organization will aim at creating synergies, joining forces and creating coherence with the efforts of the United Nations system at large and will seek to ensure that its leadership roles in its domains are recognized and effectively exercised. Joint and coordinated action will enhance the United Nations system’s capacity to be "fit for purpose", in response to the expectations Member States have expressed through the 2012 QCPR and other mandates, and to deliver and address effectively the complex challenges of our time, based on the values and principles of the United Nations Charter, UNESCO's Constitution and the United Nations system's unique legitimacy. During the 2014-2021 period, UNESCO will:Leadership & CoordinationEnsure an effective leadership and coordination role in the Organization's core priority areas within the United Nations system and its intergovernmental bodies, and contribute to relevant initiatives of the United Nations Secretary-General or assuming lead roles conferred to UNESCO by the United Nations General Assembly._39113c5e-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73UNS1United Nations Secretary-GeneralUnited Nations General AssemblyPartnerships & CollaborationEstablish concrete partnerships and collaborative efforts with other United Nations agencies on issues of joint interest, at the global, regional and national levels._39113db2-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73UNS2United Nations AgenciesDeliverySystematically work with other United Nations organizations in a system-wide effort to maximize the strength and the delivery capacity of the United Nations system at large and to make the entire range of expertise residing in the United Nations system available to Member States in a coordinated manner._391140aa-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73UNS3United Nations OrganizationsThis includes ensuring greater coherence of UNESCO's work with that of the United Nations system, creating synergies arising from collaboration based on a clear distribution of tasks building on technical expertise and comparative advantages, cooperating directly with other United Nations organizations in substantive areas, and contributing to the development priorities of Member States within United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAF) at country level, guided by the principles of “Delivering as One”, whenever possible.CoordinationEnsure effective contributions to UNDAF and other country-level United Nations processes, building on UNESCO's strong involvement in global coordination of United Nations reform efforts, operational activities and policy development, within the United Nations Development Group (UNDG at global level, the Regional UNDG Teams and as part of United Nations Country Teams, guided whenever possible by the achievements and experiences of the "Delivering as One" modality at the request of Member States and the related "Standard Operating Procedures"._39114212-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73UNS4ExpertiseIncrease staff expertise through rotation of staff within the United Nations system and contribution to the United Nations Resident Coordinators system at large. _39114370-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73UNS5UNESCO StaffPartnership StrategyImplement a comprehensive partnership strategy_391144ec-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73Alliances, Partnerships & CooperationFoster alliances, partnerships and cooperation at the international, regional and country levels._3911467c-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73PS1European UnionRegional Development BanksUNESCO will pursue a proactive strategic approach in working with other public and private partners, networks and constituencies, guided by the Organization's partnership strategy approved in 2013 by the Executive Board. Partnering with a broad range of entities providing diverse expertise, advice and support has become one of UNESCO's hallmarks in many areas of its work. UNESCO will also explore, with the support of Governments, cooperation possibilities with municipalities and provincial authorities. In the upcoming medium-term period, efforts will be intensified to leverage partners. The comprehensive policy (and its individual strategies for a range of partners) provides the framework for UNESCO to work more collaboratively and cooperatively with partners. It would be further developed by including other key multilateral stakeholders and partners which are crucial for meeting global challenges and improving good governance, such as the European Union and regional development banks. In recognition of the importance of multilateralism, aid effectiveness and the growing demand for international cooperation in UNESCO's fields of competence, UNESCO will foster alliances, partnerships and cooperation at the international, regional and country levels with manifold partners. The will also help enhance overall visibility and impact.NGOsPromote partnership with NGOs._3911479e-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73PS2NGOsNon-governmental organizations (NGOs), as platforms for strong civil engagement, are more than ever crucial partners of an intergovernmental organization such as UNESCO which needs to act globally while at the same time linking the global to the local. UNESCO will promote a genuine culture of partnership with NGOs, renew and revitalize the network of NGOs as its official partners. New efficient, visible and action-oriented partnerships will be sought, with a special attention on organizations from regions not adequately represented, namely Africa, and on youth NGOs.National CommissionsCooperate with National Commissions for UNESCO_39114924-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73National Commissions for UNESCONational Commissions for UNESCO, as national entities established by Member States" governments, according to the UNESCO's Constitution (Article VII) and the Charter of National Commissions for UNESCO serve as important bodies for liaison, advice, information and programme implementation. Through their natural link to government agencies and direct contact with intellectual communities and civil society networks, they contribute to the pursuit of UNESCO's objectives, the delivery of programmes, the development of partnerships and the visibility of action at national, subregional and regional levels. Their crucial role and unique value will be strengthened throughout the medium-term period._39114a8c-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73Extrabudgetary ResourcesMobilize of extrabudgetary resources_39114c3a-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73The relevance and effectiveness of the Organization, especially in the field, is strongly related to the level of extrabudgetary funding, especially in periods of financial constraints. Existing resource mobilization strategies for Member States, multilateral sources and private sector partners, tightly linked to UNESCO priorities and capacities to deliver, will be intensified as will be public/private partnerships. The sharpened fund mobilization strategy, adopted by the General Conference at its 37th session, and the targeted fundraising plan for Africa are examples in point. To ensure the sustainability of efforts in particular country settings or contexts, it is essential that all extrabudgetary funds complement regular programme priorities and contribute to meeting expected results. UNESCO will apply a coherent cost-recovery policy for all extrabudgetary contributions, aligned to the extent possible with agreed approaches by the United Nations system._39114d8e-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73Human ResourcesImplement an effective human resources management_39114ef6-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73UNESCO StaffThe greatest resource of UNESCO is a motivated, dedicated staff of the highest competence and integrity, representing equitable geographical distribution and gender balance, empowered to achieve the Organization's missions and strategic objectives through a commitment to managing for results.UNESCO Field OfficesInadequate staffing capacity in UNESCO field offices presents a major challenge to effective programme delivery and maintaining relevance vis-à-vis Member State governments and United Nations partners. Strategy & Action PlanUpdate the Human Resource Management Strategy and Action Plan for 2011-2016._39115068-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73HR1Modernization & FlexibilityModernize and ensure flexibility of human capacity._39115202-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73HR2The difficult global financial environment has brought greater attention to the need for UNESCO to modernize its human capacity, ensuring greater flexibility, in particular given the added challenge of mobilizing substantial levels of extrabudgetary funds. The management of human resources will need to continue to adapt its mechanisms, Regulations and Rules, towards a more flexible approach, considering its programme delivery needs as well as possible fluctuations of the funds mobilized through multi- and bilateral donors. This challenge, at the same time, will take into account the need for integration and harmonization of policies common to the United Nations framework and the values of the international civil service.Sills & CompetenciesEnsure that staff skills and competencies continue to be of the highest standards._39115374-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73HR3UNESCO StaffAnother challenge is to ensure that staff skills and competencies continue to be of the highest standards in order to support UNESCO’s delivery capacity and competitive edge in a multilateral environment. To successfully achieve its mission, UNESCO requires a skilled, motivated and dedicated workforce. The Organization will strive to attract and retain the best experts and professionals, support them in learning and development, and deploy and manage staff in the most cost-effective manner so as to contribute to the strategic objectives of the Organization.KM & ICTsApply knowledge management (KM) and information and communication technologies (ICTs)._391155e0-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73Technologies constitute the backbone of any modern organization. UNESCO's fields of competence being particularly knowledge- and information-rich, the importance of KM and ICTs for the Organization cannot be overestimated. It is therefore essential for UNESCO to endow itself with innovative tools and best practices in this area, so as to maximize its efficiency and effectiveness, extend its outreach, enhance the impact and visibility of its programmes, and play fully its role as a reliable partner within the concerted United Nations action. For 2014-2021, UNESCO will increase its efficiency and effectiveness through the full use of ICTs, the implementation of effective knowledge management and the fostering of a knowledge-sharing culture, thus turning UNESCO into a true learning organization. This will be accomplished through:IntegrationIntegrate programme support applications and data structures._3911578e-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73KMICT1InfrastructureProvide a single seamless information infrastructure linking Headquarters and field units, an optimization of the integration of core corporate systems, complementing them with a comprehensive workflow layer and offering to users a single point of entry._3911590a-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73KMICT2Tools & TechniquesEmbed knowledge management in programme execution with a variety of collaborative tools and techniques, facilitating sharing of available knowledge and expertise._39115a90-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73KMICT3ImprovementImprove the KM &  ICT function within UNESCO through increased involvement of the user community, enhanced ICT service delivery and performance, better security, architecture and standards, project portfolio management and business process improvement._39115c48-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73KMICT4RiskMitigate risks to infrastructural and logistic business continuity resulting from deepening under-budgeting of facilities management, safety and security arrangements and thinning out of staffing and continuous dispersion of resource._39115dc4-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73KMICT5Visibility & Public InformationMake UNESCO's mission and objectives known to a wider audience and mobilize partners to attain them._39115f4a-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73Public information provides a springboard for making UNESCO's mission and objectives known to a wider audience and mobilizing partners to attain them. These public and private partners are, in turn, vital in projecting UNESCO’s image and publicizing its action to the general public.Production & DisseminationEfficiently produce and disseminate information._3911610c-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73VPI1The Organization must have efficient instruments for the production and dissemination of information. Whether in the form of publications or media materials (in print and broadcast media), on its integrated web platform or relating to the organization of events, these products must comply with professional standards and contain high-quality content. By integrating and enhancing other, more common, information media (publications, video productions and so forth), the UNESCO Internet portal is developing into a multimedia work tool and a platform on which knowledge produced by the Organization can be organized and made available to the public. It also provides a base for UNESCO's increasingly important work in social communication, which will be further strengthened.MultilingualismStrengthen multilingualism of information products._39116292-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73VPI2The multilingualism of information products (press releases, Web features, publications and audiovisual productions) will also be strengthened, in part with the cooperation of field offices. Mobilization and outreach will be extended increasingly to the larger "UNESCO family", such as National Commissions and institutes and centres under the auspices of UNESCO. The public information and outreach programmes will also support the work of UNESCO in all countries engaged in United Nations common country programming exercises.Communication StrategyDevelop a communication strategy._39116422-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73VPI3UNESCO will develop a Comprehensive Communication Strategy designed to increase its visibility to its various stakeholders, enhance strategic partnerships and support resource mobilization.Green PracticesSwitch from paper to electronic media._39116756-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73Towards smart, green practices -- UNESCO will foster a culture change from paper to electronic medium. To underpin this objective, and resources permitting:Meeting & Conference RoomsAll meeting and conference rooms will be equipped with the IT equipment necessary to permit paper-smart meetings._391168dc-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73GP1Communication PortalsStandard communication portals will be developed for access to data from knowledge and information management systems._39116a80-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73GP2Production MethodsMethods of production will be modified, reducing in-house printing capacity to a critical minimum and instead providing support geared primarily towards e-communication and e-distribution._39116c56-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73GP3Stock ManagementOn-site stock management will be centralized and contained, with all distribution services of the Secretariat being centralized._39116df0-b3a6-11e7-afdd-231ed2594c73GP42014-01-012021-12-312017-10-22http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002278/227860e.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net