It is a global development agency with missions that include promoting sex education, literacy, clean water and equality for women. It is responsible for promoting peace, social justice, human rights and international security through International cooperation on educational, science and cultural programs.
It has 195 member states and is based in Paris, France.It is known for its World Heritage Mission which encourages world countries to protect Natural and Cultural Heritage sites. It publishes Global Education Monitoring report and Gender Parity Index. It also leads the initiative of Man and Biosphere Programme for protecting Biosphere reserves across the world.