On 4th of November 1946, the UNESCO Charter came into force. The first session of this organization was held in Paris from 19th of November to 10th of December 1946. It was attended by representatives of 30 States.

The basis of UNESCO's work in the field of culture is the promotion of cultural diversity based on human relationships. This approach was confirmed in 2001 with the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. In addition to protecting the world cultural and natural heritage, which is of value to all mankind, the organization protects different forms of intangible cultural heritage, masterpieces of verbal creativity. UNESCO regulates the preservation of cultural objects in the zone of armed conflict. Cultural issues are handled by regional bureaus in Venice and Havana. Among the UNESCO programs in charge of the cultural direction, the most significant are the programs "World Heritage" and "Intangible Cultural Heritage".

In 1972, UNESCO adopted the Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which entered into force in 1975.