United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Since its creation in 1945, UNESCO has been concerned with providing internationally coordinated support for communities directly faced with some of the world's most pressing contemporary issues. Within its broader programs of education, science, culture, and communication and information, UNESCO focuses on a variety of narrower themes, including climate change, HIV and AIDS, Indigenous peoples, and gender equality. Originally founded by 37 countries immediately following World War II, this critically important United Nations agency now claims 195 members.