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UNESCO releases 3 new volumes of its "General History of Africa"

UNESCO’s General History of Africa project was launched in 1964 with a clear goal: to tell the history of Africa from an African perspective. Over the years, more than 550 African and international experts contributed to this body of work, culminating with three new volumes released in 2025. Today, UNESCO is bringing this rich corpus to classrooms worldwide.

The art of recovery: UNESCO mobilizes for Beirut's revival

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay reaffirm the Organization’s commitment to Lebanon’s cultural recovery. Through this visit, the Director-General emphasizes the power of culture and education for the lasting recovery of communities.

© UNESCO

UNESCO pays tribute to Dr. Jane Goodall

Renowned scientist, conservationist, and lifelong advocate for biodiversity, Dr. Jane Goodall has inspired generations through her groundbreaking research and tireless education work. Her warmth, wisdom, and message of hope remain a lasting source of inspiration — made all the more special by her visit to UNESCO’s headquarters, where she delivered a historic speech one year ago. Today, we mourn the loss of an extraordinary voice for the planet, whose legacy will continue to guide us.

MONDIACULT 2025: UNESCO calls for stronger cultural policies and protection for artists

Today, 93% of UNESCO Member States include culture in sustainable development plans, showing broad global commitment. To advance protection for cultural professionals, MONDIACULT 2025 united 120 Ministers and representatives from 163 countries in Barcelona to shape future policies.

UNESCO has also launched the Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects , a pioneering platform that documents and educates on cultural goods taken from their communities of origin.

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A decade of action against antisemitism (2015-2025)

Between 2015 and 2025, UNESCO has been actively promoting Holocaust and genocide education. In partnership with key institutions, including the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, UNESCO has supported 24 Member States across all regions in incorporating Holocaust history into their national curricula.

This effort forms part of the International Programme on Holocaust and Genocide Education, which seeks to build a future free from hate.

© Mémorial de la Shoah

UNESCO's reconstruction of Mosul's landmarks

One year after the black flags of Daesh were lowered over Mosul, Iraq, UNESCO launched an ambitious initiative so this city could rise from the ashes. Today, "Revive the Spirit of Mosul " is writing a story of hope and resilience – and a powerful response to extremism. The rebirth of Mosul is a lasting legacy for UNESCO and multilateralism, highlighting how effective international cooperation can be.

UNESCO in brief

UNESCO is the United Nations organization that promotes cooperation in education, science, culture and communication to foster peace worldwide.

The Organization provides key services for its Member States, setting global norms and standards, developing tools for international cooperation, producing knowledge for public policies and building global networks of sites and institutions inscribed on its lists.

UNESCO lists and designations

UNESCO sites connect the world and highlight the best of our shared humanity.

Magazine: The UNESCO Courier

Reconstruction: reconciling the past and the future

In this issue, TheUNESCOCourier explores the myriad technical, social, cultural, and symbolic dimensions of reconstruction. From Mosul to Christchurch, Warsaw to AlUla, Mostar to Beijing, the examples bear witness to societies' capacity to transform trauma into a collective revival.