UNESCO Guidelines in Intercultural Education

This document (available in English, Frenche and Spanish) presents the key standard-setting instruments and the results of numerous conferences, in particular, the Expert Meeting held at UNESCO Headquarters in March 2006,

in order to present those concepts and issues which may be used to guide future activities and policy making in this area.

The document reflects UNESCO’s unique role as international standard setter and convenor of diverse cultural and ideological perspectives. It is hoped that it will serve as a valuable practical resource for teachers and learners, curriculum developers, policy makers and community members alike, and all those who wish to promote Intercultural Education in interests of peace and

understanding.

UNESCO’s mission in the fi eld of education is to guide educational policyworldwide, with the goal of ensuing universal primary education for all.

The present position paper aims to synthesize the central issues surrounding Intercultural Education, and presents the fundamental guiding principles for an intercultural approach to education as viewed by UNESCO.

It is divided into three parts.

Part I outlines the key issues surrounding Intercultural Education, as well

as its objectives and basic operating principles.

Part II contains a short presentation of the normative framework for Intercultural Education, based on an analysis of international standard-setting instruments that make reference to education and intercultural issues, and on outcomes from International Conferences.

Part III synthesizes the international position on this issue and

provides a set of three basic principles that should guide educational policies with regard to Intercultural Education.