Education plays a fundamental role in the social and economic development of individuals and communities. As a centre of excellence as well as the UNESCO Institute specializing in curriculum, the International Bureau of Education (IBE) offers relevant advice, training and resources to help conceive and support efficiently processes of curricular reform and innovation. In order to broaden understanding of its approach and activities: "The Strategy and Programme of Work 2012-2017" was published and details IBE's vision, mission, goals, and strategy intended to contribute to the UNESCO priorities in the domain of education. Within the context of their overall goals, the main objectives of the IBE are to: (1) generate and share knowledge about curriculum products, processes, strategies, trends and emerging issues; (2) collect, analyse, synthesize and disseminate curriculum-related knowledge and information; (3) develop individual and institutional capacities and provide technical support and advice as well as other services to UNESCO's Member States and regions; (4) promote and advocate evidence-based policy dialogue; (5) facilitate South-South and North-South-South cooperation; (6) partner with academic and policy-oriented entities to support original, applied and action-oriented research initiatives and to analyse, synthesize and disseminate existing research findings; and (7) promote global policy dialogue among ministers of education and other relevant actors worldwide with regard to improving the quality of education for all.