Historical review of Russia and UNESCO relations: the soviet era period

The articledescribes the cooperation of Russian Federation and UNESCO within the Soviet era to trace back the development of their relationships. TheUSSR joined the UNESCO in 1954. The article describes what processes was undergo the USSR joining the UNESCO and negotiation processthat foreran the entry process. It is said that Soviet Union was reluctant to participate in the Organization activities. The Soviet leaders explainedthe reluctance by excessive «politicization of the UNESCO». At that period political and ideological issues of Soviet state were predominant forSoviet Union. The Central Committee of the CPSU determined as the main objective as «the further consolidation of political and ideologicalpositions of the USSR and its friendly socialistic states». The second significant task was determined as follow «efficiently use Organizationcapacities to struggle for peace, disarmament and détente». The third priority was designated as «propaganda of Socialistic values and SovietUnion achievements». And only in the field of natural sciences it was possible to keep the spirit of intellectual cooperation and avoid prevalenceof ideological component. The article points out at that period Soviet participation in the work of the Organization predominantly was oriented atthe implementation of political and ideological interests of totalitarian regime. As a result, the propaganda substituted practical contribution to thedevelopment of education, science, culture and communication in the Soviet Union. However, the changes in political system and Perestroikahave modified the character of relationships between Russia and the UNESCO. Capacities of the Organization opened broad opportunities toRussian scientists, artists, educators. After the USSR disintegration the Russian Federation continued to follow up this course.

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