Cyprus became a member-state of UNESCO on the 6th of February 1961. The Cyprus National Commission was created as a body on the 15th of February 1962, according to the UNESCO Constitution. It was operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affaires until 2001, year in which the Council of Ministers, by its Decision No. 53.621, dated 9/5/2001, transferred the UNESCO competencies from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of Education and Culture. One year later, the Council of Ministers, by its Decision No. 55.199, dated 27/2/2002, approved the amended constitution and the budget of the Commission.

The Commission’s objectives are the promotion of the UNESCO principles, ideals and programmes in Cyprus. To implement them, the Commission collaborates with all Ministries and Agencies of the government, as well as with semi and non governmental organizations and associations whose activities are related to those of UNESCO.

It encourages and coordinates the participation of governmental and non governmental organizations and individuals to the implementation of UNESCO programmes. It operates as an information point for the public and develops cooperation with other National Commissions for mutual interest.

The Commission is composed by the President, the Secretary-General and the Members. The President is appointed by the Council of Ministers, upon recommendation of the Ministry of Education and Culture. The Secretary-General is a permanent officer of the Ministry appointed by the Council of Ministers, upon recommendation of the said Ministry. The Members of the Commission are representatives of the following Ministries/Offices:
(i) Ministry of Education and Culture
(ii) Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(iii) Planning Bureau
(iv) Department of Antiquities
(v) University of Cyprus
(vi) Press and Information Office

The President of the Commission is Ms. Loukia Loizou Hadjigavriel, Director – Curator of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia and the Secretary-General is Mr. Pavlos Paraskevas, Acting Director of the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture

The Members of the Commission are:
• Koula Papadopoulou, Ministry of Education and Culture
• Stelios Georgiades Ministry of Foreign Affaires
• Maria Hadjikosti, Department of Antiquities
• Demetris Michaelides, University of Cyprus
• Marina Polydorou, Press and Information Office