Year 11 and 12 Students Visit UNESCO Headquarters in Paris

The visit provided students with a fascinating insight into the work of UNESCO and its mission to promote international cooperation through education, science, culture and communication. As they explored the iconic headquarters, students learned about the organisation's history, its global impact, and the role it plays in fostering peace and understanding between nations.

A highlight of the day was the chance to visit areas of the building that are not usually accessible to visitors, including the General Conference Room, where representatives from member states meet to discuss important global issues.

Reflecting on the experience, Eva said:

"Thank you so much for guiding us through the UNESCO headquarters last week. It was very interesting to learn about the history, formation and mission of UNESCO. I especially found it intriguing to learn about the artworks. The overall highlight of this trip was visiting the conference room. It was inspiring to be in a room where such important global decisions are made. Thank you again for sharing the importance of UNESCO with us."

Ruby also enjoyed discovering how art and architecture are woven into the identity of the organisation:

"I really enjoyed learning about the UNESCO building and feel like I gained a good understanding of what the organisation is about. It was interesting to see how much art was incorporated into the architecture and landscaping, all with so much intention and meaning. I also appreciated the opportunity to visit conference rooms that visitors do not usually get to see. The tour inspired me to learn more about UNESCO."

Shiomi reflected on how the visit broadened her understanding of the organisation's work:

"I would like to thank UNESCO, especially the officer who led our guided tour, and Ms Ann Beatty for facilitating this visit. Before the trip, I thought UNESCO mainly focused on world peace and art. The tour showed me the rich history of the organisation and how much it does for schools and science around the world. Our guide made complex global ideas easy to understand, and seeing the General Conference Room was fascinating. Walking through the headquarters really showed me how hard people work to bring different countries together."

The trip was a memorable and enriching experience, allowing students to connect their classroom learning with real-world global issues. We are grateful to UNESCO for hosting our students and providing such an engaging and educational visit.