United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)—UNESCO’s Contribution to the Implementation of UNISDR’s Global Initiative and ICLOpen image in new window

UNESCO operates at the interface between natural and social sciences, education, culture and communication, playing a vital role in constructing a global culture of resilient communities. UNESCO assists countries to build their capacities in managing disaster and climate risk and with their ability to cope with disasters. The Organization provides a forum for governments to work together and it provides essential scientific and practical advice in disaster risk reduction. UNESCO’s programmes in relation to the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) cut across all of its areas of competence (education, natural and social sciences, culture and communication). Working alone or in collaboration with both UN Agencies and other scientific entities, UNESCO has been a catalyst for international, inter-disciplinary cooperation in many aspects of disaster risk reduction and mitigation. Since the establishment of ICL in 2002, UNESCO has continuously supported ICL’s activities as a part of its contributions to ISDR, namely the Hyogo and now Sendai Frameworks for action.