The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), is an international nonprofit, educational foundation with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.  The IBO is a private organization recognized by the Council of Europe and has consultative status with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

Founded in 1965 as the, International Schools Examination Syndicate (ISES), the IBO (the organization adopted its current name in 1967) was the result of international school efforts to establish a common curriculum for students, who because of their parents professions were "geographically mobile". 

International educators were motivated by a dream that a shared academic experience emphasizing critical thinking would foster tolerance and inter-cultural understanding among the young people of the world. 

The organization's concentration on the last two years of secondary school sought to build a comprehensive curriculum - leading to a baccalaureate (diploma) - that could be taught in any country and recognized by universities around the globe. The Diploma Program's balanced curriculum and high standards of assessment, have evolved from its original purpose as a service to the international community and now also includes member schools across the globe. 

Mission

The educational philosophy of the organization is found in its mission statement: 
Through comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with challenging assessments, the International Baccalaureate Organization aims to assist schools in their endeavors to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. Beyond intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship, to the end that IB students may become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life.

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