U.S. CONTRIBUTIONS TO UNESCO'S SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Although still a member of UNESCO, the United States has not paid dues to the organization for several years. How is the U.S. remaining active and engaged in UNESCO science programs? The U.S. National Commission for UNESCO serves as both an advisor to the State Department and coordinator of U.S. science professional societies interested in UNESCO’s programs. Through the U.S. National Commission, U.S. scientists and professional societies can influence, engage, and support UNESCO science programs. The U.S. National Commission’s organization and structure, including its Natural Science and Engineering Committee, will be described, and existing and future routes for working with UNESCO will be discussed. The Geoparks program will be highlighted as an example of current interactions between UNESCO and the U.S. geoscience community.