Funded in 1981 in the UNESCO framework, IOCD's mission is to promote the pursuit and application of the chemical sciences for sustainable, equitable human development and economic growth. It does so by repositioning chemistry as a science for the benefit of society and promoting the role of the chemical sciences in sustainable development. IOCD has been involved, and still is, in eductaion programs for students in low-income countries where it has made donation of books, scientific journals, laboratory equipment and chemical products.