Indonesia Elected to UNESCO Executive Board for 2023-2027 Period

Thepresidentpost.id - Paris, France - Indonesia has been elected as a member of the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2023-2027 period in an election that took place at the 42nd UNESCO General Conference at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France (15/11). In a fierce competition for 6 (six) UNESCO Executive Board seats with Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Korea, and Sri Lanka, Indonesia secured votes from 154 countries, occupying the second highest position in Group IV.

In his speech, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to France, Andorra, Monaco, Mohamad Oemar, who is the Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Indonesia to UNESCO, expressed his deepest gratitude for the unwavering support of UNESCO member countries.

"Indonesia is committed to actively engage and cooperate with other member states to ensure progress and sustainability in the various areas that UNESCO focuses on." UNESCO's mission, which is crucial in promoting global peace and the well-being of humanity, is recognised as a valuable milestone by Indonesia. "We highly value the principles of pluralism, multilateralism, and international cooperation; which are key to success in addressing world challenges including achieving the goals of the Sustainable Development Agenda in all areas of competence that are UNESCO's mandate," Ambassador Oemar said.

In addition to Indonesia, other Asia-Pacific countries that were also elected as members of the Executive Board for the same period were Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South Korea, and Australia. In the election, there were 188 UNESCO member States present and only 181 States were eligible to vote.

Indonesia's election as a member of the UNESCO Executive Board for the 8th time since Indonesia joined UNESCO in 1950 reflects the international community's trust in Indonesia's significant contribution in advancing issues of culture, education, science, and communication and information at the global level.

As a member of the Executive Board, Indonesia's role will be very important, given that one of its duties is to actively participate in formulating policies and making strategic decisions related to UNESCO's programmes and policies: The Executive Board also plays a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of UNESCO's programmes and ensuring the efficient and effective use of the organisation's budget in accordance with established policies. In addition, the Executive Board is also responsible for the implementation of policies that have been jointly agreed upon by all UNESCO member states.

With its diverse roles, the Executive Board is the driving force in ensuring that UNESCO achieves its goals and vision to build peace through international cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication and information. Indonesia's continued role as a member of the Executive Board demonstrates Indonesia's commitment to leading global initiatives for positive change.

As the world's third largest democracy and one of the most diverse nations, Indonesia's commitment to advancing peace and sustainable development around the world reflects a proactive stance centred on unity, mutual respect and harmony. The sustainability of this commitment is an important point in Indonesia's contribution to achieving common goals within the framework of UNESCO.

The Executive Board is one of the two most important governing bodies of UNESCO after the General Conference. The Executive Council consists of 58 member states from 6 Regional groups acting under the authority of the UNESCO General Conference.

For the period 2023-2027, the composition of the Executive Board members elected from each regional group is as follows:​
 

Group I: Italy, Spain, France, UK, Ireland, Germany, USA

Group II: Serbia, Albania, Slovakia, Czech Republic

Group III: Brazil, Cuba, Dominica, Argentina

Group IV: Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Republic of Korea, Australia

Group V (a): Mauritius, Nigeria, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Liberia

Group V (b): Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq