Evaluation of UNESCO’s work to address hate speech and discrimination
The United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) hereby invites qualified companies/consulting firms to submit proposals to conduct the Evaluation of UNESCO’s work to address Hate Speech and Discrimination.
Hate speech and discrimination erode social cohesion, violate human rights, and threaten the very foundations of equitable and peaceful societies. The 2019 UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech provides a working definition of hate speech as "any form of communication, whether in speech, writing, or behavior, that attacks or uses discriminatory or pejorative language towards individuals or groups based on their identity, such as religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, gender, or other identity factors." Discrimination is defined as the unequal treatment of people based on characteristics like race, gender, social class, sexual orientation, religion, or physical ability. UNESCO has developed a multifaceted approach to combat hate speech and discrimination, recognizing the global significance of these issues. It leverages its intersectoral capabilities to tackle these issues, with a particular focus on gender equality and the Africa region.
The primary purpose of the evaluation is to provide a holistic understanding of how UNESCO has implemented initiatives addressing hate speech and discrimination and to systematically reflect about what has worked, what has not worked and to identify areas of improvements. As such, the evaluation will serve as a learning exercise for UNESCO staff and partners to strengthen, focus and better coordinate the work of UNESCO in these areas. More specifically, the objectives of the evaluation are the following:
• Assess the relevance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability and impact of UNESCO’s work in addressing hate speech and discrimination
• Provide forward-looking recommendations for the future strategic direction of UNESCO in these areas in the context of the Organization’s current Medium-Term Strategy for 2022-2029(41 C/4) and the Programme and Budget for 2022-2025 (42 C/5)
The time schedule for the evaluation is planned between Dec 2024 - June 2025
For more details, please refer to attached procurement notice form.
Sustainable Procurement practices integrate requirements, specifications, and criteria that are compatible and in favour of the protection of the environment, the social progress and in support of economic development. These practices seek resource efficiency, improve the quality of products and services, and ultimately optimize costs (HLCM Procurement Network). Sustainable Procurement is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (goals 12 and 12.7), and it also contributes to the achievement of all SDGs. This procurement opportunity is considered sustainable as it incorporates at least three sustainability considerations, in accordance with the HLCM Procurement Network's Sustainable Procurement Working Group - Sustainability Indicators Framework. To learn more about which considerations are included in this procurement opportunity, please see below for a specific description. For more information, contact the procurement official or author of this procurement opportunity.
The tender contains sustainability considerations for preventing or minimizing damage associated with climate change.
Examples:
Energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reporting and emission offsetting.
The tender contains sustainability considerations addressing gender equality and women's empowerment.
Examples:
Gender mainstreaming, targeted employment of women, promotion of women-owned businesses.
The tender contains sustainability considerations related to human rights, fundamental principles and rights at work, occupational health and safety, fairly traded goods, targeted employment of people with disabilities, etc.
The tender contains sustainability considerations for the prevention of polluting emissions to air, solid waste to land and discharges to water.
Examples:
EMS, waste management and wastewater management.
The tender contains sustainability considerations promoting sustainability through the entire supply chain.
Examples:
Sustainability requirements for tier 2 suppliers, identification and approval of subcontractors.
The tender contains sustainability considerations related to the protection of the environment, biodiversity and restoration of natural habitats.
Examples:
Sustainable/ organic agriculture, fishing or forestry.
This indicator summarizes sustainability considerations that relate to inclusion of a person with disability.
Examples:
Organizational policy on disability inclusion, recruiting people with disabilities, accessible premises, disability-inclusive supply chains, and manufacturing accessible products.
The tender contains sustainability considerations promoting the sustainable use of resources.
Examples:
Energy-saving measures, recycling, take-back programmes and responsible end-of-life management