Who we are

Founded in 1963, the UNESCO International Institute of Educational Planning (IIEP) is the only United Nations entity dedicated to educational planning and management.

For six decades, IIEP has supported Member States in designing and implementing educational policies and plans to reach both national and international education goals efficiently and effectively. Its work is led by teams based at its global headquarters in Paris, France, and through regional offices in Dakar, Senegal, and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

IIEP-UNESCO/Makmende Media

Our mission

We strengthen the capacity of UNESCO Member States to plan and manage their education systems to deliver equitable, transformative, and inclusive education for all.

Our work

We empower countries – primarily through ministries of education and their partners – to not only conceptualize but also to implement robust plans and policies that advance towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

Our Director

Dr Martín Benavides is the Director of IIEP-UNESCO. A researcher and sociologist, he was previously the Minister of Education of Peru and the superintendent of the National Superintendence of Higher University Education.

Learn more about our Director

IIEP-UNESCO

Our history

IIEP was created in July 1963 in Paris, at the initiative of UNESCO and with the support of the World Bank, the French government, and the Ford Foundation as important founding and financial partners. From the outset, it was conceived as an autonomous, multidisciplinary organization, designed to support educational planning capacities in developing nations, to build bridges between international actors, and offer expertise on strategic educational issues.

IIEP's Governance

IIEP is an integral part of UNESCO and subscribes to its main priorities. The Institute also has its own Governing Board, statutes, premises, four-year Medium-Term Strategy, staff, and budget. Additionally, IIEP sets its agenda and goals.

Meet our board members