CC BY
0UDC 341.16
Amannazarova S.
Senior Lecturer, Turkmen State Institute of Physical Education and Sports Turkmenistan, Ashgabat
SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES: UNESCO'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE AREAS, COOPERATION WITH SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTIONS AND CENTERS
Abstract: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is a UN organization responsible for international cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. It was created on November 16, 1945 and has its headquarters in Paris. UNESCO's goals include the promotion of peace, international security, access to quality education, respect for human rights and the preservation of cultural heritage. The organization's main activities are divided into five program sectors: education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture and communication.
Key words: UNESCO, organization, UN, international cooperation, education, science, culture, communication, goals, objectives, areas of activity.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has played a pivotal role in the advancement of the social sciences and humanities, fostering a comprehensive understanding of human societies and cultures. Since its inception in 1945, UNESCO has consistently emphasized the importance of these fields in promoting peace, fostering mutual understanding, and encouraging sustainable development. The organization's contributions span a
wide array of initiatives, partnerships, and programs that have significantly influenced the landscape of social sciences and humanities globally.
UNESCO's mandate includes the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication, with a particular emphasis on the social sciences and humanities. These disciplines are critical in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including social inequality, cultural diversity, human rights, and global citizenship. Through its work, UNESCO aims to build inclusive knowledge societies, support intercultural dialogue, and foster ethical frameworks that underpin sustainable development.
One of UNESCO's key contributions to the social sciences and humanities is the establishment of international frameworks and guidelines that shape research and policy. The organization has developed various normative instruments, such as declarations, conventions, and recommendations, that set global standards for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, the rights of indigenous peoples, and the ethical conduct of scientific research. These instruments provide a foundation for national policies and legislation, helping countries to align their efforts with international best practices.
UNESCO's work in the social sciences and humanities is also characterized by its emphasis on education and capacity-building. The organization supports numerous educational programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of education in these fields. For example, UNESCO's World Higher Education Database (WHED) serves as a comprehensive resource for information on higher education institutions worldwide, facilitating access to academic programs and research opportunities. Additionally, UNESCO's Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) program integrates social and humanistic perspectives into curricula, encouraging learners to develop critical thinking skills, ethical values, and a commitment to social justice.
A significant aspect of UNESCO's contribution is its collaboration with scientific institutions and research centers. Through its networks and partnerships,
UNESCO fosters interdisciplinary research and dialogue, bringing together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world. One of the most notable networks is the UNESCO Chairs program, which establishes university chairs and research centers in key areas of social sciences and humanities. These chairs serve as hubs for innovation and knowledge exchange, addressing global challenges through research, education, and community engagement.
UNESCO also collaborates with international and regional organizations to advance the social sciences and humanities. For instance, the organization works closely with the International Social Science Council (ISSC) and the International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences (CIPSH) to promote global research agendas, facilitate academic collaboration, and support scholarly associations. These partnerships enhance the visibility and impact of social sciences and humanities research, ensuring that it informs policy and practice at all levels.
Cultural heritage protection is another cornerstone of UNESCO's work in the social sciences and humanities. The organization administers several conventions, such as the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which aim to preserve cultural sites, traditions, and practices for future generations. UNESCO's efforts in this area include identifying and documenting heritage, providing technical assistance and capacity-building, and raising awareness about the importance of cultural diversity. By protecting cultural heritage, UNESCO not only preserves the richness of human history but also promotes intercultural understanding and dialogue.
In addition to its normative and educational work, UNESCO supports numerous research initiatives that contribute to the development of the social sciences and humanities. The organization funds and facilitates research projects that address critical social issues, such as migration, urbanization, social cohesion, and climate change. These projects generate valuable insights and evidence that inform policy and practice, contributing to more equitable and sustainable societies. UNESCO's Management of Social Transformations (MOST) program,
for example, promotes policy-relevant research on social transformations and encourages the use of research findings in policymaking.
UNESCO's commitment to gender equality and social inclusion is evident in its work in the social sciences and humanities. The organization advocates for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and voices in research and policy, particularly those of women, marginalized communities, and indigenous peoples. UNESCO's Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) outlines strategies for mainstreaming gender equality across all of its programs and initiatives, ensuring that social sciences and humanities research addresses gender disparities and promotes women's empowerment.
The organization's efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding are also integral to its work in the social sciences and humanities. UNESCO supports numerous initiatives that encourage cultural exchange, dialogue, and cooperation among different communities and societies. The International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures (2013-2022), for instance, aimed to enhance mutual understanding and respect among cultures, fostering a culture of peace and non-violence. Through such initiatives, UNESCO seeks to build bridges between different cultural and social groups, promoting tolerance, empathy, and global citizenship.
Communication and information are critical components of UNESCO's work in the social sciences and humanities. The organization recognizes the power of media and communication in shaping public opinion, influencing policy, and fostering social change. UNESCO's Communication and Information Sector supports initiatives that promote freedom of expression, media pluralism, and access to information. By enhancing media literacy and supporting independent journalism, UNESCO contributes to informed and engaged societies, where citizens can actively participate in democratic processes and hold governments accountable.
UNESCO's contribution to the social sciences and humanities is also reflected in its support for academic freedom and the protection of scholars at risk. The organization advocates for the rights of researchers and academics to conduct their work without fear of censorship, persecution, or violence. Through initiatives such as the Scholars at Risk Network, UNESCO provides support and protection to scholars facing threats, ensuring that their voices and contributions are not silenced.
In conclusion, UNESCO's contributions to the development of the social sciences and humanities are extensive and multifaceted. The organization plays a critical role in setting international standards, supporting education and research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting cultural heritage and intercultural dialogue. Through its partnerships with scientific institutions and research centers, UNESCO enhances the visibility and impact of social sciences and humanities research, ensuring that it informs policy and practice. By advocating for gender equality, social inclusion, academic freedom, and media pluralism, UNESCO supports the creation of equitable and sustainable societies. The organization's work in these fields is essential for addressing the complex social challenges of our time and for fostering a more peaceful, just, and inclusive world.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1. UNESCO and the Making of the Global Cultural Heritage Regime by Sophia Labadi and Colin Long (2018) - This book explores UNESCO's role in defining and preserving cultural heritage worldwide.
2. UNESCO: A History edited by Poul Duedahl (2010) - Provides a comprehensive historical overview of UNESCO's formation, evolution, and impact since its establishment in 1945.
3. UNESCO, Cultural Heritage, and Outstanding Universal Value: Value-based Analyses of the World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage
Conventions edited by Sophia Labadi and William Logan (2012) - Examines UNESCO's conventions on cultural heritage and their implementation.
4. UNESCO in Southeast Asia: World Heritage Sites in Comparative Perspective edited by Victor T. King (2015) - Focuses on UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia and their socio-economic impacts.
5. The UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions: Explanatory Notes edited by Sabine von Schorlemer and Harald Heger (2010) - Provides insights into UNESCO's efforts to protect cultural diversity through its conventions.
6. UNESCO and the Media: How to Create an Enabling Environment for Freedom of Expression by Monroe E. Price (2005) - Discusses UNESCO's role in promoting media freedom and pluralism globally.
7. UNESCO's Contributions to Education: Highlighting the Diverse Roles of an International Organization edited by Junyan Liu (2020) - Explores UNESCO's initiatives and impact in the field of education worldwide.
8. UNESCO, Cultural Heritage, and Educational Challenges edited by J. Holtorf and G. Magnusson (2017) - Discusses UNESCO's efforts to integrate cultural heritage into educational frameworks globally.
Аманназарова С.
Старший преподаватель, Туркменский государственный институт физкультуры и спорта
Туркменистан, Ашхабад
СОЦИАЛЬНЫЕ И ГУМАНИТАРНЫЕ НАУКИ: ВКЛАД ЮНЕСКО В РАЗВИТИЕ ЭТИХ ОБЛАСТЕЙ, СОТРУДНИЧЕСТВО С НАУЧНЫМИ
ИНСТИТУТАМИ И ЦЕНТРАМИ
Аннотация: ЮНЕСКО (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) — это организация при ООН, отвечающая за международное сотрудничество в сфере образования, науки, культуры и коммуникации. Была создана 16 ноября 1945 года и имеет штаб-квартиру в Париже. Цели ЮНЕСКО включают содействие миру, международную безопасность, доступ к качественному образованию, уважение прав человека и сохранение культурного наследия. Основные направления деятельности организации разделены на пять программных секторов: образование, естественные науки, социальные и гуманитарные науки, культура и коммуникация.
Ключевые слова: ЮНЕСКО, организация, ООН, международное сотрудничество, образование, наука, культура, коммуникация, цели, задачи, направления деятельности.
