United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a United Nations specialized agency based in France, with 194 Member States. UNESCO promotes peace and sustainable development through international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication and information. UNESCO works in developing countries, least developed countries and small island developing States to advance knowledge, strengthen capacity and protect cultural and natural heritage.

UNESCO’s climate expertise spans climate education, scientific research, water security, ecosystem restoration, cultural heritage protection and youth engagement. Climate action is embedded in its Medium-Term Strategy for 2022-2029 and aligned with the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement. Its country-driven programming supports nationally determined contributions and national adaptation plans through technical assistance, climate-risk analysis, stakeholder engagement and project preparation.

UNESCO combines scientific, educational, cultural and policy expertise in support of climate action. UNESCO’s technical networks advance climate knowledge, water and ecosystem resilience, risk-informed education and the protection of climate-vulnerable heritage. Partnering with GCF would help translate Member States’ national climate priorities into inclusive, investment-ready interventions through science, policy support and capacity-building.