The Canadian Commission for UNESCO sets its priorities based on the recommendations of its various committees, whose members pool their diverse knowledge to support UNESCO objectives. They also provide recommendations to government departments and UNESCO on a variety of priority issues, including safeguarding the Memory of the World, striking a balance between the development of societies and biosphere conservation, and building inclusive and sustainable societies. All advisory committee members are selected through an open application process.
Sectoral Commissions
CCUNESCO's three Sectoral Commissions are advisory entities in Education; Human, Social and Natural Sciences; and Culture, Communication and Information. Given their cross-sectoral nature, they are unique platforms for the sharing of knowledge and best practices. The Chair of each Sectoral Commission sits on the CCUNESCO Executive Committee.
Canadian Advisory Committee for Memory of the World
CCUNESCO's Canadian Advisory Committee for Memory of the World reviews and evaluates submissions to the International and Canadian Memory of the World Registers. It also makes recommendations to the Executive Committee on the Canadian program. To reflect the archival perspectives of Canada and Quebec, the Committee has one ex-officio member each from Library and Archives Canada and the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ).
Associated Schools Network Coordinating Committee
The Associated Schools Network Coordinating Committee oversees the membership process for new schools joining the Network and periodically reviews the degree to which commitments are being met by participating schools. The Committee is composed of a national coordinator as well as provincial and territorial coordinators who are selected according to the educational structures in place in their regions.
Youth Advisory Group
The Youth Advisory Group represents the voice of youth in all CCUNESCO activities. It makes recommendations based on youth issues and concerns, and develops new activities and initiatives in their communities. Group members are selected through a call for applications and have a demonstrated ability to mobilize youth in their regions.
Advisory Committee for the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities
The Advisory Committee advises CCUNESCO on ways to reinforce the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities (CIM) network. It reviews CIM's progress and identifies good practices, current and emerging issues, as well as potential approaches for optimizing the Coalition. It also provides recommendations on CIM's governance structure.