Unesco and the years ahead

Against a background of global change and major demographic, social, economic, political and technological trends, this article explores the future role of Unesco. Considering these major trends, this article first examines three global scenarios: optimistic liberal; pessimistic liberal; and sustainable human development. Building on the discussion of these scenarios, a possible future for Unesco is sketched out in terms of both priorities for action and management methods. The aim for this UN organization is not to set out a medium‐term strategy nor undertake a programming exercise but rather to ask often ignored questions and enliven debate on future world governance.