Luxembourg and UNESCO: a commitment to education, science, culture and communication
As the world becomes more interconnected, UNESCO's global efforts in education, science, culture, and communication are increasingly vital. Luxembourg remains dedicated to implementing these principles both domestically and through international development partnerships.
Education: Empowering Future Generations
Today's children and adolescents will shape tomorrow's societies. To prepare them, they need access to inclusive, high-quality education that fosters civic engagement and sustainability awareness. In Luxembourg, this vision is realized through 16 UNESCO-affiliated schools and various nationwide initiatives.
Luxembourg also prioritises education in its international development programmes, reinforcing its commitment to global progress.
Natural and Human Sciences: Addressing Global Challenges
Scientific innovation is essential to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Luxembourg fosters this progress through a network of research institutes and policies that welcome both local and international researchers. Additionally, the country supports underrepresented groups, including women, the LGBTIQ+ community, and vulnerable populations, ensuring diverse voices contribute to scientific advancements. This inclusive approach strengthens efforts to combat misinformation and tackle crises like climate change.
Culture: Preserving Heritage and Celebrating Diversity
Luxembourg stands at the crossroads of multiple cultural influences that enrich the country's cultural landscape and foster its social cohesion. With UNESCO's support, Luxembourg preserves its tangible and intangible heritage while embracing diversity, multilingualism and cultural openness. The nation exemplifies intercultural exchange, where shared ideas and experiences foster mutual growth.
Information and Communication: Facilitating Global Dialogue
In a multicultural society, freedom of expression is crucial for respectful dialogue and democracy. Luxembourg champions a safe environment for diverse voices, supporting multilingual media and associations that empower minority communities. The country actively backs UNESCO's International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), particularly in promoting journalist safety and combating disinformation.
Découvrez notre patrimoine en images
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Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall
With its grandiose landscapes, spectacular rock formations, deep valleys and rolling hills, this nature park is one of the most remarkable in Europe. It brings together local players and sustainable initiatives in the fields of agriculture, culture, tourism and environmental education. Since 2022, it has been part of the prestigious UNESCO Global Network of Geoparks.
© Sabino Parente
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Family of Man exhibition
In 1955, photographer Edward Steichen, an American of Luxembourg origin, unveiled a collection of 503 photographs taken by 273 artists from 68 countries. Commissioned by the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the exhibition was intended as a manifesto for peace and human equality through post-war humanist photography. It has been on show at the Château de Clervaux since 1994.
© LFT / Romain Girtgen
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Satellite communication and imagery
Luxembourg is mobilising its experience in satellite communications and imagery to support emergency responders around the world. The Emergency.lu mobile satellite telecommunications platform, designed for rapid deployment in humanitarian crisis situations, is one of Luxembourg's flagship cooperation projects. Since 2025, Luxembourg has also been supporting UNOSAT, as part of its partnership with UNESCO, to monitor cultural heritage in the event of armed conflict or natural disaster and document damage when it occurs.
© Emergency.lu
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The watchtowers, remains of the fortress
The remains of the fortress of Luxembourg City, once known as the “Gibraltar of the North”, dominate the surrounding valleys and offer magnificent panoramic views. Although the old buildings, barracks and fortifications have been modernised, they still retain the charm of a bygone era.
© Vic Fischbach
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The Fortress of Luxembourg, World Heritage Site
Built between the 10th and 19th centuries, the Luxembourg fortress characterises the city’s panorama. In 1994, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside the old quarters of the Ville-Haute, testifying to the historical importance of this remarkable ensemble.
© Christophe Van Biesen
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Meluxina, Luxembourg's supercomputer
Inaugurated in June 2021, the Meluxina supercomputer supports both public and private partners in carrying out complex calculations across a range of sectors. SES, RSS-Hydro and ispace are using it to optimise satellite performance, improve environmental simulations and plan lunar missions. More than 200 companies in 15 economic sectors have already expressed an interest in using Meluxina.
© LuxProvide / EuroHPC
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The Philharmonie: hub of cultural performance
The Philharmonie is one of Luxembourg's leading centres for musical performance and production. From classical symphonies to new sounds, it welcomes local artists as well as international stars and ensembles in over 400 performances per season. Its concerts for young audiences and the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra play a key role in attracting a varied local and international audience.
© NON INFORME!
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The Sprangpressessioun, UNESCO intangible heritage
Every year on Whit Tuesday, the abbey town of Echternach welcomes thousands of pilgrims and spectators from the region and beyond to attend the Dancing Procession. The participants leap to the rhythm of the musical groups as they make their way to the tomb of Saint Willibrord. Since 2010, the Sprangpressessioun has been part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
© LFT / Foto ACPresse
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From red matter to grey matter
On the former steel-making wasteland of Esch-Belval, the University of Luxembourg has established itself as a centre of academic and scientific excellence. Alongside research institutions such as the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), the site combines innovation and industrial heritage, offering a unique setting for teaching, research and technological development.
© LFT / Oliver Raatz
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Terres rouges, a Unesco-labelled biosphere
Once an iron ore mining region, the Minett in southern Luxembourg is now one of the most densely populated areas in the country. Right in the heart of the urban centres, the Terres Rouges, a former mining site, has been transformed into a nature reserve, home to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna.
© LMIH/Focalize
Luxembourg's Commitment to UNESCO Goals
Since its founding in 1945, UNESCO has promoted global peace and sustainable development through key initiatives in:
- Protecting cultural and natural heritage.
- Fostering cultural diversity.
- Ensuring access to quality education.
- Advancing scientific cooperation.
- Defending freedom of expression and independent pluralistic media.
Luxembourg plays an active role in UNESCO programmes both nationally and internationally through various networks. Key contributions include:
- Preserving cultural, intangible, and natural heritage in Luxembourg, through Man and the Biosphere, Geopark and World Heritage programmes.
- Establishing emergency communication systems for disaster relief (Emergency.lu).
- Supporting microfinance initiatives in developing countries to boost entrepreneurship.
- Engaging the private sector in achieving Sustainable Development Goals via the Business Partnership Facility.
- Addressing gender inequality by mainstreaming gender perspectives and empowering women and girls.
- Promoting shared values through mutual learning opportunities, UNESCO-affiliated schools and UNESCO Chairs.
Luxembourg's UNESCO-commitment is enhanced by HRH the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, who has been a goodwill ambassador for the organisation since 1997. Her main areas of focus are projects and programmes promoting the education of girls and women around the world, empowering them through microfinance, and protecting children's rights.
As of 2024, UNESCO had 194 member states. Its 58-member Executive Board oversees program execution, with members serving four-year terms. Luxembourg has submitted its candidacy for a seat on the Executive Board for the 2025-2029 term, reinforcing its commitment to UNESCO's mission.
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