United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency dedicated to strengthening our shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication. UNESCO sets standards, produce tools and develop knowledge to create solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time, and foster a world of greater equality and peace. Protecting biodiversity, responding to artificial intelligence, advancing quality education, safeguarding heritage, and ensuring access to reliable information are some examples of the work that UNESCO does with its 194 Member States across the globe. UNESCO promotes quality education and lifelong learning for all to build a better future; supports scientific cooperation to enhance sustainability and support public policies; strengthens social policies and advocate for emerging technologies to benefit all; promotes and safeguards culture to build resilient communities; supports information literacy, protection of journalists and stronger digital governance; fosters international cooperation in marine sciences to improve ocean management; and through Priority Gender Equality, aims to empower both women and men through education, inclusion, and equal opportunities.

In the Skills Alliance for Ukraine, UNESCO is represented with three projects:

• Non-Formal TVET in Architectural Restoration , a pilot training programme in Lviv for craftsmen-restorers of heritage buildings, aligned with EU qualifications and labour market needs. This initiative responds to the urgent need for skilled restorers following wartime damage to over 1,000 cultural heritage sites in Ukraine. – The project introduces a dual-model professional development programme to train craftsmen-restorers in woodwork, metal structures, decorative plasters and mouldings. Aligned with Level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework, the training 3 – curriculum is co -developed with German institutions and aims to meet both Ukrainian and EU labour standards. – UNESCO -UNEVOC supports market needs assessments, curriculum design, and trainer preparation while facilitating links with heritage and private sectors. Upon successful completion, graduates will receive formal recognition and qualifications under Ukrainian law.

• Building MHPSS in Ukraine’s Education System, which supports developing a national MHPSS system in the education sector, ensuring inclusive and safe learning for all, including in TVET institutions. UNESCO is providing strategic and technical support to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MESU) to develop and implement a comprehensive national Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) system across the education sector. The project supports the operationalization of new national law on Mental Health and MESU’s newly endorsed Vision for MHPSS in Education, and focuses on developing key technical and legal documents, service delivery models, referral mechanisms, and cross-sectoral coordination frameworks. A special emphasis is placed on integrating MHPSS into the TVET sector, where current support structures are insufficient. This activity aims to ensure that learners, teachers, and educational personnel – especially those from vulnerable groups such as IDPs, veterans, and youth affected by trauma – can access safe, supportive learning environments and professional psychological services.”

• Lifelong Learning for Recovery in Ukraine, which seek to empower youth and adults in Ukraine with skills for recovery through inclusive, lifelong learning and city -based education strategies. UNESCO, in partnership with UIL and DVV International, is implementing a multi-year initiative focused on expanding access to lifelong learning and skills development for recovery, particularly for vulnerable groups such as youth, women, veterans, IDPs, and older persons. Four Ukrainian cities – Lviv, Sumy, Poltava, and Ternopil – have been designated as Learning Cities and are developing comprehensive five-year strategies to strengthen inclusive and demand-driven adult education systems. The project supports skills mapping, local labour market analysis, training program design, and capacity-building of municipalities and educators to make learning accessible to all. This initiative contributes to the reintegration of displaced persons and the economic empowerment of underserved groups by connecting them to relevant, flexible learning opportunities. It also aligns with Ukraine’s EU integration by enhancing quality standards in non-formal and vocational education.