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 UNESCO Headquarters, Paris - 20th February 2026

Madame France Marquet, SAF Representative to UNESCO, attended the commemorative event marking International Mother Language Day

South Asia Foundation (SAF) was honoured to be represented at this significant global observance, which celebrates linguistic diversity, multilingual education, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The occasion, observed annually on 21 February, holds special historical importance in Bangladesh, commemorating the Language Movement that shaped the nation’s identity.

News UNESCO Headquarters, Paris - 19th February 2026

Madame France Marquet Attends 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 Convention at UNESCO

Madame France Marquet, Representative of SAF to UNESCO, has been actively attending the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 Convention since yesterday, 19 February 2026, at UNESCO Headquarters.

News UNESCO Headquarters - 11th February 2026

Madame France Marquet, SAF Representative to UNESCO attend International Day of Women and Girls in Science Celebrated with Pride

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was celebrated with great enthusiasm under the theme “Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures”, with the distinguished presence of Madame France Marquet, SAF Representative to UNESCO.

News UNESCO Headquarters, Paris - 10th December 2025

Madame France Marquet, SAF Representative to UNESCO attended Special Master Class of Combat Racism and Discrimination

Madame France Marquet, South Asia Foundation India Representative to UNESCO, attended a landmark special edition of UNESCO’s Master Class Series held on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The session featured renowned scholar and bestselling author Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, who delivered an engaging and thought-provoking address on global strategies to combat racism and discrimination. The event drew strong participation from civil society leaders, academics, youth representatives, and human rights advocates. Dr. Kendi’s insightful lecture emphasized the urgent need to dismantle systemic racism and to strengthen global efforts toward equity, inclusion, and social justice—core principles upheld by UNESCO.

News UNESCO Headquarters, Paris - 9th December 2025

Madame France Marquet Represents the South Asia Foundation at UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education Ceremony 2025

Madame France Marquet, South Asia Foundation’s Representative to UNESCO and Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation, attended the prestigious UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education (GCED) – Inaugural Award Ceremony 2025 held on 9 December 2025 at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. The ceremony marked an important milestone in advancing the global discourse on inclusive, transformative, and peace-oriented education. Attended by diplomats, education leaders.....