In a significant diplomatic triumph for Pakistan on the global stage, the country has successfully clinched the position of Vice Chair of the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2023-2025 term within the Asia Pacific Group, securing an impressive majority.
Pakistan garnered a total of 38 votes out of the 58 cast by the Executive Board members during the elections held at the 218th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris. In contrast, India received only 18 votes, clearly placing Pakistan ahead in the competition.
Expressing gratitude, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch conveyed thanks to the Executive Board members and all UNESCO member states for their overwhelming support and trust in Pakistan’s candidature. Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to fulfilling its responsibilities with credibility, fostering honest dialogue, and promoting mutual respect.
Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, Baloch emphasized that Pakistan will collaborate with UNESCO member states to rally collective efforts in advancing common objectives, including the organization’s global priorities such as Africa, Gender Equality, and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Operational Strategy.
It’s worth noting that Pakistan’s re-election to the Executive Board took place during the UNESCO General Conference on November 15, where the country secured the highest number of votes within the group.
The Permanent Delegation of Pakistan to UNESCO, based in Paris, expressed gratitude to member states for their unwavering support and trust, emphasizing Pakistan’s continued collaboration with all member states in advancing shared objectives.
