UNESCO's Priorities (2002-2003) Prioritizing the Organization's actions for greater focus and concentration.

 

Member States of UNESCO have chosen one "principal priority" and three "other priorities" for each of the Organization's action areas, (Education, Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture and Communication & Information), in an effort for greater focus and prioritization in UNESCO's programming and budgeting practices. These priorities include: Education Principal Priority: "Basic education for all" Other Priorities: Education for a culture of peace Science and technology education Technical and vocational education and Higher Education Natural Sciences Principal Priority: "Water resources and ecosystems" Other Priorities: Capacity-building in basic and engineering sciences Enhancing the scientific basis for the protection of the environment and sustainable use of natural resources Promoting sustainable development in coastal regions and in small islands Social and Human Sciences Principal Priority: "The ethics of science and technology" Other Priorities: Promotion and protection of human rights in UNESCO's fields of competence Improvement of policies relating to social transformations Developing anticipatory and forward-looking activities on certain contemporary issues Culture Principal Priority: "Protection of cultural diversity and the encouragement of pluralism and dialogue between cultures" Other Priorities: Normative action in the field of culture Culture and development Access to information and expertise in the field of culture Communication and Information Principal Priority: "Promoting equitable access to information and knowledge, especially in the public domain" Other Priorities: Promoting freedom of expression and freedom of the press Strengthening communication capacities Drawing up ethical principles and norms regarding the use of ICTs in the information society