As the United Nations continues to grapple with the existential threat of climate change in all its forms, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Executive Committee has decided to approach the issue by tackling societal and ethical thoughts on climate action. UNESCO Member States from all sectors of the world have made statements giving support to the fight against climate change, with many of them, such as the Republic of Uzbekistan, calling for expanding climate science amid a greater focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics in education. Others, like the Republic of Paraguay, have called for governments to internalize and integrate UNESCO’s Declaration of Ethical Principles into all sectors of society, from the government and non-governmental organizations to civil society and the private sector. From statements made by Member States in the leadup to the first UNESCO Executive Committee meeting, figuring out how to combine robust support of climate action in developing nations with a broad effort to change how the world looks at climate ethics will be a contentious topic for Member States looking to build consensus on the topic.

In addition to the UNESCO Executive Committee’s climate efforts, the Committee’s Member States will also discuss using new technologies, shifting views on women’s education, and building momentum for eradicating illiteracy in all corners of the Earth. While the goal of eradicating illiteracy is supported in statements by all Member States, the Republic of Belarus, has questioned the use of technology in combating illiteracy. In a statement leading up to the UNESCO Executive Committee session, the Republic of Belarus stated that, “Technology leads to misinformation being given to the populace. Therefore, causing strife within the population that is unneeded.” It is unknown if other Member States share the grievances of the Republic of Belarus in this matter, but the issue of involving technology in combating illiteracy could prove to be a pivotal roadblock in gaining consensus to act against illiteracy and inequality in the education of women.