UNESCO's Constitution was adopted in London on 16 November 1945 and sets up a General Conference, an Executive Board and a Secretariat

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UNESCO's Constitution was adopted in London on 16 November 1945 and sets up a General Conference, an Executive Board and a Secretariat

Background

The Constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization was adopted in London on 16 November 1945.
Its purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among the nations through education, science and culture.
The Organization includes a General Conference, an Executive Board and a Secretariat.
The General Conference consists of the representatives of the Member States and determines the policies and main lines of work of the Organization.
The General Conference meets in ordinary session every two years.
The Executive Board is elected by the General Conference and consists of fifty-eight (58) Member States.
The English and French texts of the Constitution are equally authoritative.

Constitution adopted: London, 16 November 1945 Organs: General Conference, Executive Board, Secretariat General Conference sessions: Every two years Executive Board: 58 Member States

Why it matters for exams: UNESCO's founding instrument, its organs and the cycle of its General Conference are standard UPSC and Kerala PSC topics on UN specialised agencies.

Kerala PSCUPSC

13 October 2026 Source: UNESCO Constitution (unesco.org) Updated 14 October 2026

In plain words

General Conference Assembly of all Member States — It determines the policies and main lines of work of UNESCO.

Executive Board 58-member governing body — It is elected by the General Conference from among Member States.

Secretariat Administrative arm — The third organ of the Organization, alongside the General Conference and Executive Board.