UNESCO is the only UN Agency to have a global network of national cooperating bodies known as National Commissions for UNESCO. Set up by their respective governments in accordance with the Article VII of the UNESCO Constitution, presently, there are 199 National Commissions for UNESCO across the world.
The Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO was established by Law in 1991 (Government Gazette 173 on November 20, 1991 on the “Ratification of the Charter of National Commissions for UNESCO and setting up of the Greek National Commission for UNESCO”) and is supervised by the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The governing bodies are: the President, the Board of Directors and the General Assembly, composed of 130 members among them academicians, representatives of ministries, educational officers, cultural and research institutions and prominent personalities. Since October 2004 the post of President holds Ms. Aikaterini Tzitzikosta.
Key priorities of the Hellenic National Commission is the strengthening of the relations of UNESCO with all stakeholders at national, regional and international level, the promotion of networking, the cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organizations and civil society. More specifically, the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO is in close cooperation with the six Ministries for the implementation of the projects and initiatives. The Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, among others, organizes international conferences and workshops in UNESCO’s priority areas, grants its auspices in educational, cultural, environmental and scientific programs, participates and is represented in major international conferences and forums, develops new partnerships with the private sector, grants awards, establishes UNESCO Chairs in Greek Universities and establishes numerous UNESCO networks, such as Cities Networks and the 150 Associated Schools Network.