An international centre for the content of education, the IBE was founded in Geneva in 1925 as a private institution. In 1929, it became the first intergovernmental organization in the field of education. In 1969, the IBE joined UNESCO as an integral, yet autonomous, institution.

At the present time, the IBE: (a) manages World data on education, a databank presenting on a comparative basis the profiles of national education systems; (b) organizes courses on curriculum development in developing countries; (c) collects and disseminates through its databank INNODATA notable innovations on education; (d) co-ordinates preparation of national reports on the development of education; (e) administers the Comenius Medal awarded to outstanding teachers and educational researchers; and (f) publishes a quarterly review of education - Prospects, a quarterly newsletter - Educational innovation and information, a guide for foreign students - Study abroad, as well as other publications.

In the context of its training courses on curriculum development, the Bureau is establishing regional and sub-regional networks on the management of curriculum change and developing a new information service - a platform for the exchange of information on content.

The IBE is governed by a Council composed of representatives of twenty-eight Member States elected by the General Conference of UNESCO.

http://www.ibe.unesco.org