The United Nations - Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency within the UN system that promotes international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication. Its main objectives include fostering quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, promoting cultural heritage preservation and creative diversity, advancing scientific knowledge and policies for sustainable development, and defending freedom of expression and access to information. UNESCO is perhaps best known for its World Heritage Sites program, which identifies and protects cultural and natural heritage sites of "outstanding universal value." The organization also leads global initiatives in education policy, scientific cooperation, and cultural preservation, contributing significantly to human development and intercultural understanding.