Malaysia achieved a significant diplomatic milestone by being elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for the term 2025-2029. The announcement was made at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and marks another great moment for the nation on the global stage.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who also serves as President of the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO, said the victory reflects Malaysia’s global leadership in advancing education, science, and culture for sustainable development. She conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to UNESCO member nations for their confidence and support.

Fadhlina stated that Malaysia’s success was made possible by the combined efforts of the Education Ministry, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and Malaysia’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO in Paris. With this mandate, Malaysia hopes to ensure that the perspectives of developing countries, particularly those from the Asia-Pacific region, are represented and respected.

Malaysia received 167 votes, securing one of six seats in Electoral Group IV. This is the nation’s seventh term on UNESCO’s Executive Board, since joining in 1958. The country currently intends to deepen global collaboration, promote inclusive education, develop innovation, and protect cultural heritage in accordance with the Malaysia Madani vision and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.