Pakistan outmanoeuvres India to secure UNESCO slot

With 38 votes as compared to India’s 18, Pakistan elected Vice Chair of UNESCO Executive Board for 2023-25 term

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Friday secured a significant victory by being elected Vice Chair of the UNESCO Executive Board for the term 2023-2025 from the Asia Pacific Group, triumphing over India for the crucial position at the UN-affiliated forum.

Out of the 58-member Executive Board, Pakistan garnered an impressive 38 votes, while India received 18.

The elections transpired during the 218th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board held in Paris.

In response to this accomplishment, a statement from the foreign office expressed gratitude to the Executive Board members and all UNESCO member states for their overwhelming support and trust in Pakistan's candidature.

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

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) November 24, 2023

"Pakistan is grateful to members of the Executive Board and all member states of UNESCO for their overwhelming support and the trust reposed in its candidature," read the statement.

It said Pakistan will carry out its responsibilities with a deep sense of commitment, credibility, honest dialogue and mutual respect.

Also read: Pakistan re-elected to UNESCO executive board

As a fervent advocate of cooperative multilateralism, Pakistan pledged to collaborate with all member states to uphold shared values, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and to mobilise collective efforts in promoting common objectives at UNESCO. These objectives notably include Africa, Gender Equality, and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Operational Strategy, as highlighted by the FO spokesperson.

This recent victory follows Pakistan's earlier success during the UNESCO General Conference, where it was re-elected to the Executive Board in elections held on November 15, 2023.

Pakistan's continued representation and leadership within UNESCO underscore its dedication to contributing actively to the organisation's mission and objectives.