UNESCO-International Bureau of Education – Centenary
100 years of transforming education: celebrating a century of innovation, impact, and inclusion; shaping national curricula and advancing global learning
We are honoured to commemorate the 100th anniversary of UNESCO-International Bureau of Education (UNESCO-IBE).
Founded in Geneva in 1925 in the wake of World War I and under the leadership of Jean Piaget, the IBE pioneered a child-centred approach to education, emphasizing the importance of curriculum in shaping not only knowledge but also cognitive and social development. An integral part of UNESCO since 1969, IBE has spent the past century advancing quality learning worldwide.
Today, the IBE generates cutting-edge research on curriculum and related matters, informs global education policies and frameworks, and houses an extensive archive of curriculum materials. The IBE also provides operational support to Member States, offering technical assistance and capacity-development programmes to create inclusive, holistic curricula aligned with national goals.
We are proud to be UNESCO’s global focal point for curriculum dialogue, cooperation, and innovation.
The Centenary of UNESCO-IBE marks a timely opportunity to reflect on the transformative role of education and its capacity to address the critical challenges of our time. As we commemorate 100 years of innovation, collaboration, and impact, we highlight the vital role of curriculum as both a framework and process to drive systemic change in education, fostering peace, sustainable development, and social cohesion.
As the city of peace and international cooperation, Geneva provides a fitting backdrop for the IBE’s centennial celebrations.
On 24 January 2025, we launch the Centenary Celebrations of the UNESCO International Bureau of Education (UNESCO-IBE).
This inaugural, roundtable event, “From Geneva to the World – A Journey to Transform Curriculum and Learning,” will reflect on UNESCO-IBE’s pioneering achievements in education, including its role in promoting inclusion, cultural diversity, and educational quality.
Read here for more information and register here.
As we celebrate 100 years of IBE, we also look to the future with renewed commitment to education as a positive force for change.
Join us to honour a century of educational excellence and innovation.