Who We Are
About the UNESCO Center for Peace
Flagship Member of the U.S. Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers & Associations
Our Purpose
Mission & Vision
The UNESCO Center for Peace promotes peace, justice, and human rights through education, culture, and the sciences. We believe that peace is more than the absence of conflict; it requires social justice, equality, and respect for diversity.
Our vision is a world where every person has access to quality education, lives free from discrimination, and participates fully in the cultural and scientific life of their community and the global society.
As a Flagship Member of the U.S. Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers & Associations, we work in alignment with UNESCO's global mandate to build the defenses of peace in the minds of people.
"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed."
UNESCO Constitution, 1945
What Guides Us
Our Four Pillars
Peace & Security
Promoting dialogue, conflict prevention, and reconciliation across communities and nations through education and cultural exchange.
Education & Science
Advancing quality education and scientific cooperation as foundations for sustainable peace and human development.
Culture & Diversity
Celebrating cultural heritage and diversity as sources of strength, mutual respect, and intercultural understanding.
Human Rights
Upholding the universal values of dignity, justice, and equality as enshrined in the UNESCO Constitution and the UN Charter.
Our Team
Leadership
Meet the dedicated leaders guiding the UNESCO Center for Peace in its mission to advance education, culture, and peacebuilding worldwide.
Meet Our LeadersOur Story
History & Background
The UNESCO Center for Peace was established to serve as a bridge between the global mandate of UNESCO and the communities, schools, and organizations across the United States and beyond. As a Flagship Member of the U.S. Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers & Associations, the Center operates in alignment with UNESCO's mission to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, and culture.
Over the years, the Center has grown into a dynamic institution hosting international conferences, youth programs, scholarship initiatives, and cultural exchanges. Its programs span West Africa, the Americas, and beyond, connecting educators, students, diplomats, and community leaders in a shared commitment to peace.
The launch of the International Publishing House marks a new chapter in the Center's history, expanding its capacity to produce and disseminate knowledge, research, and creative works that advance the cause of peace and human rights worldwide.
UNESCO Center for Peace established as a Flagship Member of the U.S. Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers & Associations.
Participation in the 40th Session of the Executive Board of WFUCA; expansion of international partnerships.
National Merit Scholarship Week 2023 with USAID Director Cheryl Anderson; Hip-Hop Raps Peace initiative launched.
UCP West African Spring Conference, Accra, Ghana; Model UN & Debate Youth Conference.
International Publishing House launched under President Djorken; Ambassador Imani appointed Deputy Director.
Historical Context
The United States and UNESCO
The United States was an important part of the creation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that was founded after World War II on 16 November 1945 to contribute to peace and security. Collaboration among nations through education, science and culture remains a cornerstone of a peaceful world order.
The United States joined UNESCO at its founding but later withdrew in 1984 because of a growing disparity between U.S. foreign policy and UNESCO goals. After an almost twenty-year absence from the organization, the United States rejoined the organization in October 2003.
In 2011, Mr. Guy Djoken was formally appointed by the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO as the Chairman of the United States National Commission for UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations in his capacity as Executive Director of UNESCO Center for Peace.
As Chairman of the U.S. Working Group for UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations, he successfully led the return of the U.S. UNESCO Clubs movement to the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations (WFUCA) in August 2011 during the organization's 8th World Congress and 30th Anniversary in Hanoi, Vietnam. In December 2012, he also oversaw U.S. Admission to the European and North American Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations during the organization's annual meeting in Bucharest, Romania.
Academic Partners
Partner Universities
Join Our Global Community
Whether you are an educator, student, diplomat, or community leader, there is a place for you in the UNESCO Center for Peace. Explore our programs or reach out to get involved.