Paris, 25 November 2023 (TDI): In a significant diplomatic achievement, Pakistan was elected as the Vice Chair of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the term 2023-2025.
The elections were held during the 218th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board currently ongoing at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Pakistan was elected as Vice Chair of the UNESCO Executive Board from the Asia Pacific group with overwhelming support, getting 38 votes against India with 18 votes.
From the 58 representatives of the member states elected to the Executive Board, the Board elects one chairperson and six vice-chairs from among its members.
The Vice Chairs are state members of the Executive Board, each one representing an electoral group. In the absence of the chairperson during a session, its functions are exercised in turn by the vice chairpersons.
Earlier this month Pakistan was re-elected to the executive board of UNESCO, securing the highest votes, in the group for the term 2023-2027.
In response to being elected as Vice Chair, the foreign ministry released a statement that Pakistan is grateful to members of the Executive Board and all member states of UNESCO for the overwhelming support and the trust reposed in its candidature.
The statement also added that Pakistan will carry out its responsibilities with a deep sense of commitment, credibility, honest dialogue, and mutual respect.
It also quoted that as an ardent advocate of cooperative multilateralism, Pakistan will continue to work together with all member states to defend the shared values, purposes, and principles of the United Nations Charter.
Also Read: Pakistan re-elected to UNESCO Executive Board
Pakistan will also help to mobilize collective efforts to promote our common objectives at UNESCO. These would include Africa and Gender Equality and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) operational strategy.
Pakistan’s election as vice chair and readiness to contribute to the Executive Board of UNESCO is its testament to its long-standing support and constructive role at the United Nations.
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