The Governments of the States Parties to this Convention, on behalf of their peoples, declare:
“That the dignity of man requires the diffusion of culture and general education in the pursuit of justice, liberty, and peace, thereby imposing sacred duties upon all nations to be fulfilled in a spirit of mutual assistance;”
For these reasons, the States signatories to this Convention hereby establish the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, for the purpose of gradually achieving, through the cooperation of the nations of the entire world in the fields of education, science, and culture, the goals of international peace and the common welfare of humanity—goals for which the United Nations Organization was established and which its Charter proclaims.
The Italian Youth Association for UNESCO (AIGU) was established in 2015, originally created as the Youth Committee of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO (CNIU), with the aim of promoting activities and events in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication to spread values and priorities through the active participation of younger generations and civil society in initiatives and events of national importance.
In 2018, the Association, under the auspices of the CNIU, was officially recognized by UNESCO as a Member of the UNESCO Associations and Clubs.
Today, AIGU is composed of approximately 200 young people aged between 20 and 35, including students, researchers, artists, professionals, managers, and entrepreneurs.
AIGU is currently chaired by President Eleonora Vita and organized into a central structure, consisting of a Board of Directors and a National Coordination body, and a regional network made up of teams present in all regions of Italy, coordinated by Regional Representatives.
Due to the quality of its projects and its solid organizational structure, the Association has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the best practices for youth participation in UNESCO programs. This recognition was reaffirmed by Eric Falt, Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Public Information at UNESCO, who described the Italian Youth Association for UNESCO as an innovative best practice to be exported internationally.
Furthermore, in early 2018, the Association received the Medal of Representation from the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.
MILESTONES
MISSION
The Italian Youth Association for UNESCO aims to promote activities in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication by disseminating projects, values, and priorities in local communities through the active participation of young people and civil society in initiatives and events of national importance.
VISION
Building a future of peace through personal growth and youth engagement in UNESCO’s values of education, science, culture, and sustainability.
OBJECTIVES
- Disseminate UNESCO ideas and priorities among young people and the general public.
Bring together representatives from diverse social groups, ages, and ethnicities. - Develop scientific and cultural value through the organization of events.
- Promote topics related to youth access to education.
- Enhance tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
INVOLVING YOUTH IN UNESCO VALUES
STRUCTURE
