In a major diplomatic win, Pakistan emerged victorious over India in the elections for the Vice Chair position on the UNESCO Executive Board for the term 2023-2025.
The elections, held during the 218th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris, saw Pakistan securing an impressive 38 votes out of the 58-member board, while India received 18 votes.
This triumph highlights Pakistan’s growing influence on the international stage and its ability to secure key positions in prominent UN-affiliated forums.
Expressing gratitude, the foreign office released a statement thanking the Executive Board members and all UNESCO member states for their overwhelming support and trust in Pakistan’s candidature.
The statement emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities with credibility, honest dialogue, and mutual respect.
As a proponent of cooperative multilateralism, Pakistan pledged to collaborate with all member states to uphold shared values and promote common objectives at UNESCO, including initiatives focused on Africa, Gender Equality, and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Operational Strategy.
The Vice Chair position on the UNESCO Executive Board holds significant strategic importance, allowing Pakistan to actively contribute to the organization’s mission and objectives.
Pakistan’s commitment to cooperative multilateralism aligns with its advocacy for shared values and the principles of the UN Charter. The recent victory follows Pakistan’s re-election to the Executive Board during the UNESCO General Conference on November 15, 2023.
The country’s continued representation and leadership within UNESCO underscore its dedication to playing a vital role in shaping international agendas and fostering collaboration on crucial global issues.
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Pakistan’s recent success at the UNESCO Executive Board elections builds on its recognition during the UNESCO General Conference, reinforcing its position as a key player in the UN-affiliated forums.
The FO spokesperson highlighted that Pakistan’s responsibilities would extend to promoting objectives related to Africa, Gender Equality, and the SIDS Operational Strategy.
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
This diplomatic achievement showcases Pakistan’s ability to secure influential positions and actively contribute to shaping policies and initiatives on the global stage.