UNESCO Engagement Report 2024-2025

Ermitage International School Paris is proud to reaffirm its deep commitment to the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), an engagement that has enriched our community since 2008. In our annual activity report for 2024-2025 to the French National Commission for UNESCO, one initiative shines particularly bright: our students' inspiring participation in a crucial global discussion on gender equality in science.

An Important Debate : The Equality in Science

On February 11, 2025, the world marked the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. To commemorate this important occasion, twelve Ermitage students, ranging from seconde to première, took a proactive role by joining the organised round tables. Accompanied by their dedicated science teacher, Kathryn Russell, the students immersed themselves in two powerful discussion sessions focused on diversity and equality in science. The first panel, aptly titled “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science”, provided a platform for students to reflect on how a diverse workforce enriches scientific innovation and underscored the vital need for greater inclusion. Following this, the second session tackled the crucial role of media and representation, highlighting the power of visible role models and the imperative to sustain efforts to promote true equality in the field.

Our Value : Open-mindedness

This commitment is a perfect illustration of Ermitage’s mission: to challenge stereotypes, promote open-mindedness, and encourage creativity in all our students. It directly aligns with the objectives of the UNESCO ASPnet by raising awareness among young people about major global issues, actively promoting gender equality, and encouraging inclusive, quality education for all. The French National Commission of UNESCO wholeheartedly welcomed the involvement of Ermitage International School, noting that this project effectively demonstrates the importance of providing young people, especially girls, with inspiring role models in the scientific disciplines.

Our Place in a Global Community

For several years, as an affiliated school, we contributed to UNESCO's mission by teaching and integrating the organisation's values and objectives into our programmes. Every year, our IB and French Bilingual Schools’ teachers and students have the opportunity to organise or participate in a number of activities linked to the UNESCO agenda. Being a member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network means belonging to a worldwide community of schools that share similar values. It gives us access to learning resources and, soon, to collaborations with other member schools to share knowledge and experience and develop joint projects.

If you would like to learn more about the Ermitage's commitment to the Unesco ASPnet, you can (re)discover, as an example, our annual 2023-2024 activity report published last year. We look forward to continuing this vital work in 2025-2026, empowering our students to become informed, engaged, and responsible global citizens!