UNESCO participates in the celebration of the following International Years proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations:
• 2012 – International year of Cooperatives (Resolution 64/136)
• 2011 – International Year of Chemistry
• 2011 – International Year of Forests
• 2010 – International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures
• 2010 – International Year of Biodiversity
• 2009 – International Year of Reconciliation
• 2009 – International Year of Astronomy
• 2009 – Year of the Gorilla
• 2008 – International Year of Planet Earth
• 2008 – International Year of Languages
• 2005 – International Year for Sport and Physical Education
• 2004 – International Year to Commemorate the Struggle against Slavery and its Abolition
• 2003 – International Year of Freshwater
• 2002 – United Nations Year for Cultural Heritage