| MULTILATERALISM
8-23 April, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris (France) 224th session of the Executive Board The Executive Board, consisting of representatives of 58 Member States elected by the General Conference, will meet in its regular session to discuss the implementation of the programme adopted by the General Conference. UNESCO's response to ongoing crises will be front and center of the discussions. Learn more. EDUCATION 14 April, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris (France) Roundtable "Remembering the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi" In line with UNESCO's work to support education and dialogue initiatives related to the memory of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, including through the four Rwandan memorial sites inscribed onto the World Heritage List, the event will bring together experts from memorial sites, academia and civil society to examine how memory, educational initiatives and community dialogue can contribute to long-term peacebuilding. Learn more CULTURE 16-19 April, Paris (France) Festival du Livre de Paris As a Special Guest at the Paris Book Festival 2026, UNESCO will be present throughout the event and will organize two round tables on contemporary issues in literary creation and the sharing of knowledge. A first round table will focus on the publishing industry in Africa, and a second round table will be devoted to Indigenous knowledge and its essential role in preserving cultural and natural heritage. Learn more
CULTURE/SCIENCE
21 April, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris (France)
Launch of the "People and nature in UNESCO sites: Global and Local Contribution" report Ahead of Earth Day on April 22, UNESCO will present the first-ever global assessment of UNESCO-designated sites. This report, which brings together new insights and data on the state of its globally recognized sites — from trends in biodiversity and wildlife populations, to ecosystem health, climate impacts, and the communities that depend on these places. It also explores patterns in carbon storage, water resources, cultural diversity, and the pressures affecting these landscapes over time. These living sites, shaped by generations, sustain cultures, support local economies, and protect extraordinary natural heritage. As environmental and climate challenges intensify, the report highlights what is at stake while pointing to the solutions needed to safeguard this shared heritage for the future. Learn more about UNESCO-designated sites. CULTURE 30 April, Chicago (USA) and several other locations International Jazz Day On the 15th anniversary of this Day, activities will take place around the world to show appreciation for jazz music and to the contribution it makes to building more inclusive societies. A global concert, organised with the iconic musician and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, will take place in his home city, Chicago, USA. Among the artists confirmed to perform are Melissa Aldana, John Beasley (Musical Director), Terence Blanchard, Kris Bowers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Till Brönner, Terri Lyne Carrington, James Carter, Emmet Cohen, Jacob Collier, Kurt Elling, Béla Fleck, Renée Fleming, James Genus, Robert Glasper, Herbie Hancock, Christian McBride, Marcus Miller, Gregory Porter, Dianne Reeves, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Bobby Watson, and Lizz Wright—alongside additional surprise guests throughout the evening. Learn more. COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION 4-5 May, Lusaka (Zambia) World Press Freedom Day 2026 Global Conference On the heel of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the 2026 Global Conference "Shaping a Future at Peace" will be held on 4-5 May in Lusaka, Zambia. Bringing together press freedom advocates and digital rights communities at a time when the boundaries between journalism, technology, civic space, and human rights are increasingly intertwined, the conference will offer a critical moment to reaffirm the need for freedom of expression. According to the UNESCO World Trends Report in Freedom of Expression and Media Development (2022-2025), freedom of expression around the world has declined by 10% since 2012, a regression comparable in scale to the most unstable periods of the 20th century (First World War, Second World War, Cold War). EDUCATION 12 May, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris (France) Launch of the UNESCO Higher Education Trends Report UNESCO's first-ever report on the state of higher education will include data from nearly 150 countries on key trends and policies regarding participation and completion, equity and inclusion, financing, digital transformation and teaching personnel. The report will also provide an analysis of international student mobility, including the recognition of foreign qualifications and the situation of refugees. The report will be launched during an event at UNESCO's Headquarters dedicated to the UNESCO-China Project for higher technical education in Africa. Learn more PRIORITY AFRICA 19-22 May, Paris (France) Africa Week UNESCO Africa week is the annual flagship event of the Africa Group at UNESCO, a body that brings together the Member States of the African continent. Africa's heritage through exhibitions, conferences, film screenings, gastronomy and many other activities await you at UNESCO Headquarters during Africa Week. Africa week includes a kaleidoscope of cultural, scientific, artistic and epicurean events in honor of Africa Day (25 May), when the Organization of African Unity (OAU), today the African Union (AU), was founded in 1963. The theme of this year's edition is water, in parallel to the AU's theme of the year "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063", which guides the various activities and reflections throughout the week. As part of the celebrations, and in the Biennale of Luanda framework, a General History of Africa exhibition is presented in the Hall Ségur, highlighting key elements of the continent's historical narrative. Learn more. CULTURE 25-31 May, Paris (France) UNESCO Culture and Arts Education Week Culture and arts education plays a vital role in building inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable societies. Celebrated each year, this week highlights the power of culture and the arts to inspire creativity, foster empathy, and support lifelong learning. In a world marked by complexity, uncertainty, and profound transformation, the integration of culture and education is more critical than ever. Together, they equip individuals with the creativity, critical thinking, resilience, and social awareness needed to navigate change and contribute meaningfully to the common good. Learn more SCIENCE 5 June, Paris (France) World Environment Day The United Nations designated 5 June as World Environment Day to highlight that the protection and health of the environment is a major issue, which affects the well-being of peoples and economic development throughout the world. The 2026 theme underscores that climate action is not just about reducing carbon emissions—it is about rethinking the systems that power our economies and repairing our relationship with the climate. This Day is an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and communities to deepen their understanding and take responsible action to protect our environment. Learn more OCEANS 8 June, Paris (France) World Oceans Day In the context of this International Day, UNESCO will publish its flagship stocktake of progress in ocean science worldwide, tracking research capacity, funding, and infrastructure across the countries that drive most global ocean research (42 countries accounting for 80% of ocean research). The 2026 edition will assess a decade of progress since 2015, including key findings on gender balance in ocean research, funding of ocean science, from governments to philanthropy, or how much ocean research is open access. Learn more SCIENCE 12 June, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris (France) L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards Created in 1998, the International Awards L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science honours - every year - 5 eminent women scientists from 5 regions of the world. On 12 June at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, these researchers will be recognised for their pioneering contributions to physical sciences, mathematics and computer science. Learn more |
