General Conference

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The General Conference consists of the representatives of the States Members of the Organization, usually represented at ministerial level. At each session of the General Conference, several Heads of State and/or Government pay official visits to UNESCO.

It meets every two years and is also attended by representatives of Associate Members and observers from States Non Members as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

The Conference determines the policies and main lines of work of the Organization, particularly through the examination and adoption of the biennial programme and budget, of international standard-setting instruments as well as number of other decisions on important issues related to the fields of competence of the Organization.

The General Conference elects the members of the Executive Board and holds elections for membership of various subsidiary organs. Every four years, it also elects the Director-General of UNESCO.