We are incredibly proud to announce that Dr William Smith, Senior Lecturer in Education and Development and Director of Internationalisation, is one of three newly appointed pro bono Non-Executive Directors to the UK National Commission (UKNC) for UNESCO. Valuing education for all A specialist in education and international development, Dr Smith has had an inspiring career. Starting as a secondary teacher, he has worked in various roles, including positions in civil society, international organisations and academia. Dr Smith said, "I am delighted to support UNESCO and realise the value of education for all in my role as Non-Executive Director for Education. In the UK and around the world, all children have the right to benefit from an inclusive, equitable and high-quality education."Within this role, Dr Smith will leverage his expertise, which he has developed over the course of his extensive 20-year career in education, to support UNESCO and its mission to protect culture, safeguard freedom of expression and access to information and strengthen global citizenship and sustainability, while ensuring that education is accessible to all. Smith will provide pro bono advice to the UK and Devolved government on specific education matters. Education has an immense power for social mobility and the betterment of society. UNESCO, in its role as a global convenor and a proponent of the belief that education is a fundamental human right and a public good, is a global leader in promoting and supporting education for children and young people worldwide.- Dr William Smith, Senior Lecturer and Director of Internationalisation 80 years of a global leaderFounded in London on 16 November 1945, following the end of the Second World War, UNESCO is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Operating for eight dedicated decades as a specialised agency within the United Nations, UNESCO has successfully utilised education, science, culture, information and communication to build global peace, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue, while working toward eliminating poverty.In his role, Dr Smith will support the UKNC's efforts across government, civil society, universities and UNESCO sites, providing vital support at a time of rising global pressures, as challenges cross borders and disciplines. This position will further strengthen the UK's commitment to UNESCO's goals across all programmes, while ensuring that the UK continues to uphold and promote UNESCO's vision of peace through international cooperation.Related information:UNESCO press releaseDr William Smith profile (UNESCO)Dr William Smith profile (University of Edinburgh) Comparative Education and International Development (MSc) Tags Celebrations and ceremonies Education news Our community Research centres, groups and networks Children and young people Publication date 05 Dec, 2025
