What is the Value of UNESCO to the UK?

Organisations in the UK benefit by generating £90 million per year through the UK's membership of UNESCO. These finances, which include investment, tourism revenue and project grants, have contributed to regeneration, community development and conservation across the UK.

Given our excellent relationship in Pascal with UNESCO's Institute for Lifelong Learning, subscribers will be interested in this report.

These findings were published today in the UK National Commission for UNESCO report, Wider Value of UNESCO to the UK 2012-13, which for the first time, brings together data and analysis of the costs, benefits and wider value of UNESCO to the United Kingdom.

UNESCO has formal links with over 180 designated sites in the UK and Overseas Territories through its programmes. While financial benefit is rarely an explicit aim of these programmes, the report shows that it can be a direct by-product. The conservative estimate of £90 million comes from an analysis of these designations, which range from universities and local archives to cities.

This report is the first of its kind in making such an assessment. It also provides examples of how UNESCO membership promotes UK principles and agendas including: international development; sustainable development; foreign policy; cultural diversity; and influencing global policy.

The UK National Commission is discussing the report and its findings with UNESCO, UK Government and other UNESCO Member States, National Commissions for UNESCO and UNESCO affiliated sites across the UK.

The full report is featured below; further information may be found on the UNESCO website.