Ukraine has joined the UNESCO Executive Board for 2025–2029, receiving the largest support among all countries participating in the vote. However, Russia did not join this body for the second time in a row. This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Grateful to the member states that supported our candidacy. Together with our partners, we will use all the opportunities provided by UNESCO to restore life, protect our culture, heritage and people, the president said.
As reported by the Ministry of Culture, Ukraine received 137 votes of support – the highest result among the countries of the regional group. Membership in the UNESCO Executive Board opens up new opportunities for Ukraine: strengthening international cooperation in the field of education and science, strengthening the protection of cultural heritage suffering from Russian aggression, as well as promoting national initiatives at the global level.
The Minister of Culture of Ukraine Tetyana Berezhna expressed gratitude to international partners and all who support Ukrainian positions:
“We are grateful to everyone who works to strengthen Ukraine’s positions in the world. Ukraine remains the voice of truth in international organizations and will continue to fight for the preservation of its culture, heritage and the right to a future”.
The UNESCO Executive Board is the main governing body of the organization, which makes strategic decisions and coordinates its activities. The Council consists of 58 Member States, elected by the UNESCO General Conference for a three-year term.
The Council is responsible for implementing the decisions of the General Conference, formulating and approving the budget, and determining priority areas of work in the fields of education, science, culture, and communications. It also raises additional resources for international projects and promotes closer cooperation between Member States and other international institutions. The Executive Board meets twice a year, usually in April and October, and decisions are made by a majority vote of its members.
