Annual Report | 2018

Abstract

UNESCO was formed after the end of the Second World War, during a declaration to the press in March 1944, by the then US Secretary of State Cordell Hull. He explained the rationale for US participation in emergency educational and cultural reconstruction of war-torn countries. Teachers, students and scientists had been singled out for special persecution, during the war. Many had been imprisoned, deported or killed particularly those refusing to collaborate with the enemy. The United Nations Conference for the Establishment of an Educational and Cultural Organization was held in London from 1st to 16th November 1945. Ellen Wilkinson, British Minister of Education and President of the Conference announced in a plenary session that, although ‘Science’ was not part of the original title of the organization, the British would put forward a proposal for it to be included. On 5th November 1945, the conference divided itself into commissions. The first commission was charged with crafting of the title, preamble, aims and functions of the new organization. It was the American delegate who proposed that it should be called the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (UNESCO) The purpose of the organization, right from the start was mandated to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among the nations through education, science and culture. It was vital for scientists to be in touch with those who saw the world in human terms. On the 16th November 1945, the Heads of thirty seven delegations signed the UNESCO’s Constitution. Its first stanza is very compelling and binding, especially with respect to peace and sustainable development. The attainment of independence by India in 1947 and subsequent rapid decolonization process in the early 1950 and, 1960s increased UNESCO membership list. Uganda joined the organization on 9th October 1962.