OMEP has reached a historic milestone in its longstanding relationship with UNESCO. On the 20th October 2026, at its 225th session and on the recommendation of the Director-General, UNESCO’s Executive Board admitted OMEP to associate status. The partnership is established for a renewable period of eight years.
UNESCO has two levels of official partnership with non-governmental organisations: consultative status, which OMEP previously held, and associate status. Associate status recognises organisations that maintain close and sustained cooperation with UNESCO and make significant contributions to its work.
This recognition strengthens OMEP’s partnership with UNESCO and its opportunities to advocate internationally for young children’s rights and quality early childhood education and care. It provides a basis for longer-term collaboration, including a framework agreement identifying shared priorities. It also brings responsibilities to work regularly with UNESCO and strengthen cooperation through national and regional networks, including National Commissions for UNESCO.
In her announcement, OMEP World President Associate Professor Adrijana Višnjić-Jevtić thanked OMEP’s UNESCO representatives, the Past President, the Executive Committee and National Committees. She acknowledged that this achievement reflects both sustained representation at UNESCO and the projects, advocacy, research and everyday work of members in communities around the world.
