The Role of Unesco in International Scientific Communication

Abstract

By its constitution, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco) is concerned with information matters. Under its programs known as UNISIST and the General Information Program, it assists the flow of scientific and technical information across national boundaries, facilitates access to published information and data, and enhances member states' capacity to store, exchange, and use information needed for their development. The main thrust of Unesco's action is along five lines: development of internationally agreed-upon methods, standards, and tools to facilitate systems interconnection and exchange of information; the application of new technologies and the creation of data bases; the establishment of regional cooperative schemes, information programs, and networks; support for the creation of national information policies and infrastructures; and the development of specialized labor.

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