Established in 1971 at UNESCO's request, the Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU) was set up through collaboration between the Japanese government and private sectors, led by the publishing industry, to serve as a core hub for promoting cultural exchange in the Asia-Pacific region.

ACCU has since worked with international organisations, government education bodies, industry, and local communities. It has promoted initiatives tailored to local needs in educational cooperation, human resource development, and mutual understanding, contributing to the building of a sustainable society.