ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic success, Pakistan defeated India and was elected as the Vice Chair of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Executive Board for the 2023-2025 term from the Asia Pacific Group.
The elections took place during the 218th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris. Out of the 58-member board, Pakistan secured 38 votes compared to India’s 18.
The Foreign Office expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating that Pakistan would fulfill its responsibilities with commitment, credibility, honest dialogue, and mutual respect, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson of the Foreign Office, said in the statement.
The country pledged to advocate for cooperative multilateralism and collaborate with member states to advance shared values and UN Charter principles at UNESCO. Key objectives include initiatives focusing on Africa, Gender Equality, and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Operational Strategy.
Pakistan Re-elected to UNESCO Executive Board
Last week, Pakistan was also re-elected to the UNESCO Executive Board for a four-year term (2023-2027), receiving the highest number of votes in the group.
The Permanent Delegation to UNESCO in Paris expressed gratitude for the support, stating that Pakistan would continue working with all member states to advance shared objectives.
Pakistan has been elected, with overwhelming support, as Vice Chair of UNESCO Executive Board (term 2023-25) from Asia Pacific Group at the ExB Session. Grateful to all members for their trust and support. 🇵🇰 is deeply committed to cooperative multilateralism and looks forward to… pic.twitter.com/Bd1YRuiIJy
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 24, 2023
