On 16 November 1945, out of the debris of a world war The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded.

UNESCO is a “specialized agency dedicated to strengthening our shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication.”

In Orkney we are probably more aware of it as the agency which granted World Heritage Status to the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ comprising the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, the tomb of Maeshowe, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar.

There are 194 Members States of UNESCO and 12 Associate Members. The UK has been a member since 1997.

UNESCO can trace its formation back to the League of Nations in 1921, however, its work was interrupted by the onset of World War II. UNESCO implements its activities through five programme areas: education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information.