The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in 1945 after the two World Wars to achieve the “intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind.” The organization seeks to fulfill this goal by developing educational tools, promoting cultural heritage, fostering equal dignity amongst cultures, addressing social and ethical challenges, and mobilizing scientific programs and policies. Over the years, UNESCO has carried out literacy campaigns, developed tsunami early warning systems, and established basic principles for scientific ethics, among many other projects. Moreover, the organization is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set in the 2030 Agenda. UNESCO works on building a culture of peace, eradicating poverty, and fostering intercultural dialogue through education, science, and culture.

As the world makes strides toward sustainable development, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are often left behind. SIDS regularly face the brunt of today’s largest climate challenges, including rising sea levels and increased pollution. With remote locations, small sizes, and small populations, SIDS are particularly vulnerable to climate disasters or events. These countries are also impacted by more frequent and intense extreme weather events, the warming of the ocean, and acidification. These issues endanger the lives of the 65 million individuals who live in these countries. SIDS are among the world’s most vulnerable, with their disaster mortality rate being over double the world’s average. With these frequent disasters and conflicts, as well as the vulnerable nature of SIDS, many states rely on imported goods and support from larger countries. Previously, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has taken steps to enrich historic landmarks and protect SIDS through the World Heritage Convention. However, delegates must now collaborate to create new guidelines and strategies to preserve the integrity of these islands. There is a need for solutions for these stark inequalities to ensure equitable and sustainable development for all.

One core tenet of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is the preservation and promotion of culture. Culture can range from monuments or museums to heritage practices, art, or celebrations. While lives are enhanced by culture, which also fosters inclusive, creative, and resilient communities, it is important to protect and safeguard these practices and communities. One of the most common ways to keep cultural practices relevant and popular within a country or community is through gatherings and celebrations. Cultural celebrations can range from Carnival in Brazil, Holi in India, and Germany’s Oktoberfest, each of which helps to build a stronger sense of identity and has the power to strengthen communities. However, many of these celebrations have earned a reputation in the international community for having large carbon footprints and being destructive to the surrounding environment. The travel required for many events, single-use waste, and potentially hazardous chemicals have impacts that last much longer than the celebrations do. These impacts often contribute to global warming, poor water quality, and damaged ecosystems. Delegates in UNESCO should aim to create a strategy that balances sustainability within cultural celebrations. By collaborating with different states, organizations, or cultural groups, a comprehensive approach to this issue can be reached.