Member States

Permanent Delegations

The Permanent Delegations to UNESCO ensure liaison between Member States' Governments and the Organization’s Secretariat.

At present, 183 Member States have established Permanent Delegations to UNESCO. In addition, there are 3 Permanent Observers and 10 intergovernmental organizations with Permanent Observer Missions to UNESCO.

The Permanent Delegations are headed by a person having diplomatic status (generally with the rank of ambassador). When a Permanent Delegate is appointed to the Organization, the appointment is the subject of an official communication addressed to the Director-General of the Organization.

Broad consultations are held regularly with the Permanent Delegations on important matters concerning the Organization's functioning and its activities.