The UNESCO Participation Program (PP) is an important mechanism that complements UNESCO’s Regular Program by supporting national, sub-regional, regional and inter-regional projects proposed by Member States and Non-Governmental Organizations in official partnership with UNESCO. It strengthens collaboration between UNESCO, its Member States and civil society, while enhancing the visibility and impact of UNESCO’s work at country and regional levels.

Through the Participation Program, UNESCO enables Member States to implement priority initiatives aligned with its mandate in education, science, culture, communication and information, with particular emphasis on gender equality, youth, sustainable development and the needs of developing countries. Assistance may include the services of specialists and consultants, training and fellowships, publications, equipment, and support for conferences, seminars and capacity-building activities.

For each biennium, Member States may submit a maximum of seven project proposals, ranked in order of national priority, through their National Commissions for UNESCO.