On 27 July 1956, Romania became a Member State of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, joining an international endeavour founded on the belief that peace is built through education, knowledge, culture and cooperation among peoples.

A few months later, on 21 September 1956, the Romanian National Commission for UNESCO was established. Since then, the Commission has served as the principal link between Romanian institutions and UNESCO, bringing together ministries, universities, schools, research institutes, cultural organizations, experts and local communities around the values and programmes of the Organization.

These 70 years represent more than a succession of dates. They reflect a sustained effort to promote Romania’s heritage, culture and creative achievements, as well as its participation in major international debates on education, science, freedom of expression, cultural diversity and heritage protection.

Romania has enriched UNESCO’s heritage landscape with a cultural legacy of remarkable diversity: monuments, traditions, crafts, artistic expressions and community practices passed down from one generation to the next.

Over the course of these seven decades, Romania has participated in international expert networks, educational and scientific projects, youth programmes and debates on the major transformations shaping contemporary society. UNESCO Associated Schools, universities, research institutes, geoparks, biosphere reserves, cultural institutions and national specialist committees give this cooperation a tangible presence in public life. Through their work, UNESCO’s principles are reflected in education, research, culture, environmental protection and efforts to build more open, informed and cohesive societies.

In recent years, Romania has strengthened its profile within the Organization, holding the presidency of the General Conference (2023–2023) and serving as a full member of the Executive Board (2025–2029).

Seventy years after joining UNESCO, Romania reaffirms its commitment to international cooperation, cultural diversity, access to education and freedom of research. This anniversary is both a moment of celebration and a call to responsibility: to protect what we have inherited, to promote the values and achievements that define us, and to use education, science and culture to build a more inclusive and open society.

The 2026 anniversary is being marked through the programme “Romania–UNESCO 70: Celebrating the Past, Building the Future Together,” initiated and coordinated by the Romanian National Commission for UNESCO. Taking place throughout the year, the programme brings together conferences, debates, exhibitions, educational projects, academic meetings and cultural events. It aims to bring Romania’s contributions to UNESCO back into the public spotlight while creating new spaces for dialogue on the role of education, culture and science in contemporary society.