UNESCO cooperates with many Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), with which it shares the same goals and missions, emphasizing in particular its global priorities (Africa and gender equality). The Organization has strengthened and broadened its cooperation with IGOs, by concluding 87 formal agreements to reinforce its delivery through joint activities at country, regional and global levels.

The Organization renewed its collaboration and operational relations with the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), one of its longstanding partners and maintains close working relations with a number of regional organizations, including the European Union and Multilateral Development Banks.