Its constitution was adopted by the London Conference in November 1945, and entered into effect on the 4th of November 1946 when 20 states had deposited instruments of acceptance. It currently has 188 Member States (as of 19 October 1999). The main objective of UNESCO is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations.

UNESCO performs five principal functions:

• Prospective Studies: what forms of education, science, culture and communication for tomorrow's world? • The advancement, transfer and sharing of knowledge: relying primarily on research, training and teaching activities.
• Standard-setting action: the preparation and adoption of international instruments and statutory recommendations.
• Expertise: provided to Member States for their development policies and projects in the form of "technical co-operation".
• Exchange of specialized information.