UNESCO

In accordance with the "Directives concerning UNESCO's relations with foundations and similar institutions" adopted by the General Conference at its 26^th session in November 1991 and amended at its 28^th and 29^th sessions, UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura, has decided to admit the South Asia Foundation into official relations with UNESCO. The Executive Board of UNESCO took note of the Director-General's decision at its 175^th session (October 2006).
The obligations and benefits pertaining to this relationship are set out in Articles III and IV respectively of the UNESCO Directives.

Director-General letter

UNESCO Director-General Madame Irina Bokova announced on 26 October 2010, that the 12 SAF institutions can use the UNESCO logo as long as it is always associated with Madanjeet Singh's name and his official title of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Read more

This renewed relationship till 2030 marks a significant milestone in the continuing collaboration between the two organisations, which share a common vision of advancing inclusive education, intercultural dialogue, and youth empowerment across the region.

Renewal of South Asia Foundation official relations with UNESCO till 2030 UNESCO's Director-General, acknowledging the Foundation's consistent efforts in line with UNESCO’s mission and values. The renewed recognition highlights SAF’s ongoing contributions through its network of institutions, including the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institutions of Excellence in SAARC countries.

Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation and UNESCO Representative of the South Asia Foundation, welcomed this development as a reaffirmation of the late UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh’s enduring legacy. She emphasized that the continued collaboration will further strengthen the Foundation’s commitment to youth-led initiatives and cross-border cooperation

Access earlier renewals

Renewal of South Asia Foundation official relations with UNESCO for another Six-year term from 2014-Aug 2020 A decision by the UNESCO Director General Ms Irina Bokova after the Executive Board hundred and ninety-fifth session 195 EX/NGP/2 PARIS, 28 August 2014

Complete Renewal docs of NGOs in English & French only
Source: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002294/229455e.pdf

Renewal of South Asia Foundation official relations with UNESCO for another Four-year term from 2 Oct 2020-1 Oct 2024 A decision by the UNESCO Director General Ms Audrey Azoulay, following a positive evaluation of the cooperation between UNESCO and the South Asia Foundation (SAF), I am pleased to confirm that offical relations between two organizations, established under the Directives concerning UNESCO's relations with foundations and similar institutions, have been renewed untill Oct 2024.

Read about UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non- Violence

UNESCO

News UENSCO, Headquaters, Paris, France - 1st August 2025

UNESCO Renews Official Partnership with South Asia Foundation, Reaffirming Commitment to Regional Cooperation and Education

The renewal letter was addressed to the SAF Foundation by UNESCO's Director-General, acknowledging the Foundation's consistent efforts in line with UNESCO’s mission and values. The renewed recognition highlights SAF’s ongoing contributions through its network of institutions, including the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institutions of Excellence in SAARC countries.

News UNESCO Headquaters, Paris - 28th June 2025

Mme France Marquet Principal Trustee, MSF & SAF Representative to UNESCO Attended "Capacity Building Workshop on Youth & Gender"

Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation and South Asia Foundation Representative to UNESCO, participated in the Capacity-Building Workshop for Youth on Gender Equality, held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on June 27, 2025

News UNESCO Headquaters, Paris - 25th June 2025

Madam France Marquet attended Intergovernmental Conference of States Parties to the Global Convention on Higher Education

Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation and South Asia Foundation (SAF) Representative to UNESCO, attended the Second Session of the Intergovernmental Conference of States Parties to the Global Convention on Higher Education, held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

News Bozar, Center for Fine Arts in BrusselsBrussels today - 7th May 2025

Madam France Marquet, Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation, attends the World Press Freedom Day

Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation, attended the 2025 World Press Freedom Day signature event held at Bozar, the Center for Fine Arts in Brussels. Organized by UNESCO, the one-day global gathering brought together media professionals, policymakers, academics, and civil society to reflect on the critical theme: "Information as a Public Good in the Age of AI."..

News UNESCO Headquaters, Paris - 6th May 2025

Madam France Marquet, SAF Representative to UNESCO Attends UNESCO Master Class Against Racism and Discrimination

Madam France Marquet, Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation, participated in the UNESCO Master Class against Racism and Discrimination held on 6 May 2025 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The event took place in Room I from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM (CET)