Of UNESCO's 193 members states and 6 Associated Members, 196 have etablished set up National Commissions.
Under the Organisation's Constitution, the National Commissions, composed of members of the intellectual and scientific communities in each country, form the vital link between these communities and UNESCO.

Unique in this respect within the United Nations system, the National Commissions participate in the elaboration, execution and evaluation of UNESCO's programme.
They also organise their own activities, implement activities on behalf of UNESCO and disseminate information about UNESCO, often through publication of books and documents in national languages.

UNESCO's Secretariat -at Headquarters and in the field offices- maintains interactive relations with National Commissions. In addition, regular meetings of the Secretaries General of National Commissions on the regional and interregional level serve to keep UNESCO informed on local as well as global needs.