UNESCO works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values. It is through this dialogue that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which are at the heart of UNESCO'S mission and activities.

The broad goals and concrete objectives of the international community – as set out in the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – underpin all UNESCO's strategies and activities. Thus UNESCO's unique competencies in education, the sciences, culture and communication and information contribute towards the realization of those goals.

UNESCO's mission is to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information.

UNESCO has worked together with WFME for many years. Collaboration was formalised through the "Collective Framework Agreement" between UNESCO and the NGOs participating in the collective consultation of higher education, signed by UNESCO and WFME in 1997.

As a partner, WFME participated in the UNESCO World Conferences on Higher Education and the WFME World Conference on Medical Education "Global Standards in Medical Education for Better Health Care" in 2003 was held in cooperation with UNESCO.

WFME was a partner in the UNESCO/OECD Initiative on Quality Provision in Cross-border Higher Education (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Guidelines for Quality Provision in Cross-border Higher Education. Paris. UNESCO. 2005).

UNESCO is partner of the AVICENNA Directory of Medical Schools.

UNESCO