Introduction to Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO (PNCU)

Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO (PNCU) is a vital link between UNESCO and Government of Pakistan, dedicated to promoting UNESCO's mission of building peace through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. Established as an autonomous body on July 1, 1985, and now operating under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, PNCU ensures that Pakistan's achievements are represented on the global stage. Pakistan has been an active UNESCO member since 1949 and has been part of the UNESCO Executive Board since 1951.

Mandate and Functions:

• Advisory and Coordination: Advising the Government of Pakistan on UNESCO-related matters and coordinating the implementation of UNESCO programs.
• National Implementation: Ensuring that UNESCO initiatives align with Pakistan's development goals.
• Educational Advancement: Supporting literacy, technical education, and lifelong learning.
• Cultural Preservation: Protecting Pakistan’s cultural heritage and promoting diversity.
• Scientific Innovation: Encouraging research and innovation to address national and global challenges.
• Communication and Information: Enhancing information flow and communication capacities.

Key Achievements:

• Executive Council of the IOC: Elected for the term 2023-2025.
• UNESCO/Poland Fellowship Program: Three Pakistani students selected in 2023.
• WASH Programme Agreement with ICESCO: Emphasizing water, sanitation, and hygiene.
• World Network of Biosphere Reserves: Inclusion of two new Biospheres namely Gallies Biosphere Reserve and Chitral Bashkar Garamchashma.
• 194 Recommendation on Education: Significant contributions, including a new paragraph on digital media literacy.
• UNESCO Participation Programme 2020-21: Completion of five impactful projects.
• Girls' Right to Education Programme: Successful implementation via the Malala Funds in Trust Programme.
• Emergency Assistance in Gilgit Baltistan: Completion of a 50,000 USD project.
• UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education: Awarded to PAGE's Star Schools programme in 2023.
• UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize: Awarded to The Himaliyan Literacy Network (THLN) Mobile Schools Programme in 2023.
• SDG4 Progress Report: Successful mid-term review submission.
• Einiki Fiesta: Participation and prize-winning.
• UNESCO Chairs: Renewal and establishment in various universities.
• Intangible Cultural Heritage Nomination: Successful nomination of 'Suri Jagek'.
• Educational Innovation Award: Winning the 2022 Wenhui Award for AI-Driven Adaptive and Blended Learning Solution.

Vision for the Future: PNCU aims to make education, culture, and scientific innovation the cornerstones of sustainable development in Pakistan, fostering partnerships, advocating for inclusive policies, and implementing transformative projects in line with UNESCO's global mission.