UNESCO Study Guide

Committee Overview

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences, and Culture. With 193 member states, UNESCO develops educational tools, protects cultural heritage, promotes scientific programs, and defends freedom of expression.

Topic 1: The Protection of Endangered Indigenous Languages

Background

Of the approximately 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, 40% are at risk of disappearing. Indigenous languages are particularly vulnerable, with many having fewer than 1,000 speakers. When a language disappears, humanity loses not only a communication tool but also cultural knowledge, ecological wisdom, and unique worldviews. UNESCO declared 2022-2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages to promote preservation efforts.

Key Issues

• Documentation: Recording and preserving languages before they disappear
• Education: Creating curricula and teaching materials in indigenous languages
• Digital Presence: Ensuring indigenous languages exist in digital spaces
• Governmental Recognition: Official status and support for indigenous languages
• Intergenerational Transmission: Encouraging language use among younger generations
• Cultural Rights: Respecting language as a fundamental cultural right

Questions to Consider

1. How can technology support the preservation of endangered languages?
2. What role should educational systems play in indigenous language preservation?
3. How can indigenous communities be empowered to lead preservation efforts?
4. What policy frameworks can nations adopt to protect linguistic diversity?
5. How can media and creative industries support indigenous language use?

Relevant UN Documents

• UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007): Affirms language rights
• Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001): Recognizes linguistic diversity
• UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger: Catalogs at-risk languages
• Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages: Strategic framework

Topic 2: Protecting Journalists and Freedom of the Press Worldwide

Background

Press freedom is under increasing threat globally. According to UNESCO, over 1,600 journalists have been killed since 1993, with a conviction rate of only 13% for these crimes. Beyond physical threats, journalists face digital surveillance, legal harassment, arbitrary detention, and censorship. A free press is essential to democracy, transparency, and human rights protection.

Key Issues

• Safety of Journalists: Physical and digital protection
• Legal Frameworks: Laws that protect rather than restrict journalism
• Impunity: Addressing the lack of justice for crimes against journalists
• Digital Security: Protection from surveillance, hacking, and online harassment
• Economic Viability: Sustainable business models for independent media
• Information Literacy: Public ability to distinguish credible journalism from misinformation

Questions to Consider

1. What international mechanisms could improve journalist protection?
2. How should nations balance security concerns with press freedom?
3. What measures can address online harassment of journalists?
4. How can economically sustainable models for independent journalism be supported?
5. What role should social media platforms play in protecting journalists?

Relevant UN Documents

• UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists: Framework for protection
• UNESCO Windhoek+30 Declaration: Vision for information as a public good
• UN Security Council Resolution 2222 (2015): Protection of journalists in conflict
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19: Freedom of expression