The agreement on the establishment of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) was adopted on 16th November 1945 in the presence of representatives of 44 states.
On this day – exactly 75 years ago – UNESCO was founded in the spirit of promoting the “intellectual and moral solidarity” of humanity in order to bring lasting peace between nations and peoples. The UNESCO Constitution has also been drafted along these objectives. According to the principles laid down (Article I), the main purpose of the organization is “to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among the nations through education, science and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations.“
In our accelerated and fast-paced world, UNESCO has become a crucial international player in helping to find a balance between the past and the future. Through the adoption of the Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1972, it created a unique international treaty to preserve the world´s most unique natural and cultural properties.
Beech forests as world heritage
Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe was declared a transnational UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017, encompassing 78 component parts in 45 protected areas in 12 countries. The BEECH POWER project works on various administrative levels to anchor the World Heritage site in sustainable regional development and introduce innovative models that support to safeguard the Outstanding Universal Value of European Beech Forests. Among others, the project consortium is currently working on developing a comprehensive tool to increase management effectiveness of World Heritage Beech Forests.
As we step into the 75th anniversary of UNESCO’s founding, it is important to recognize the great achievements of the past decades, as well to acknowledge the significant work that remains. Today, we thank and congratulate all the people who have committed themselves to preserving the exceptionally valuable European beech forests for future generations!
