The National Commission, a distinctive feature of UNESCO was born from the idea that UNESCO, an inter-governmental body, cannot work effectively in the field of Education, Science, Culture and Communication without enlisting the help of educators, men and women of Science and Culture and Communication.

The National Commission for UNESCO acts as the vehicle for carrying out UNESCO's mandate in Saint Lucia. It functions as an essential partner of the Organization, and as the centre to which national intellectual resources can be associated with the work of UNESCO, thus ensuring their participation in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of UNESCO's programme, as well as in international intellectual co-operation.

 Since its establishment, the responsibilities of the National Commission have increased considerably, as have the expectation of its clients (Government, Non-governmental Organizations, the general public). Today, the role of the National Commission is much more broadly-based, given the context of challenges confronting the international community and the subsequent increase in UNESCO's international responsibilities.

The National Commission acts as an advisory, liaison, implementation, information and evaluation body for UNESCO's programmes. It is a key to the decentralized implementation of programme activities, to the promotion of the organization's intellectual mission, and to the close collaboration of St. Lucia in identifying national and regional applications of UNESCO's universal mission.

Acting in its dual capacity as a National Agency and channel for UNESCO's work in St. Lucia , the National Commission thus offers organic support, without which the organization could not carry out its mission.

Programme Formulation, Execution, Implementation

A major function of the National Commission is to elaborate and implement UNESCO's programmes and activities. This function involves:

• preparing St. Lucia 's participation in UNESCO's short and medium- term planning
• assisting governmental authorities in preparing and participating in the sessions of the General Conference and other inter-governmental meetings convened by UNESCO
• ensuring the active participation of the country in UNESCO's programme and activities
• preparing and organizing UNESCO meetings and conferences in St. Lucia ' organizing UNESCO exhibitions and activities to commemorate UNESCO days/years
• developing and maintaining relations with other National Commissions, particularly those in the same region, and participating with them in all programmes, studies and other joint activities of interest to the country 
• assuming alone or in collaboration with other bodies, responsibility for the operation of UNESCO projects in the country, and for national participation in sub-regional, regional or international UNESCO activities
• contributing to the organization's work and to the orientation or execution of its programmes, by making their views known when surveys or inquiries are carried out and by replying to questionnaires

The National Commission also ensures a permanent presence of UNESCO in the country, and contributes to the organization's efforts to promote international co-operation in the field of intellectual activities. It is also a place for meeting people, exchanging ideas and sharing knowledge and experience.