Pakistan Beats India to Secure the Vice Chair Post at UNESCO Executive Board

December 2, 2023

GS Paper II International Relations

Context: Pakistan has recently defeated India in an election at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) executive board for the Vice Chair post.

What are the key highlights of UNESCO’s 218th Session?

UNESCO Executive Board’s 218th Session: Unesco’s executive board held its 218th session in Paris, during which elections were conducted.
Vote Tally: Pakistan’s candidate secured victory with 38 votes, while India’s candidate received 18 votes in the election.
Asia Pacific Group: Pakistan secures the position of vice chair for the UNESCO Executive Board for 2023-2025 from the Asia Pacific Group.

About UNESCO

Aim: It promotes peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication, and information.
Establishment: Specialized agency of the United Nations, established on November 16, 1945.
Headquarters: Located in Paris, France.
Membership: The Organization has 194 Members and 12 Associate Members.

UNESCO Governance

General Conference: The General Conference comprises the representatives of UNESCO’s Member States. It meets every two years.
- Voting: One vote per country, irrespective of size or budget contribution.
- Languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish.
- Responsibilities:
  - Determines policies and Main work lines.
  - Set programs and UNESCO budget.
  - Elects Executive Board members.
  - Appoints Director-General every four years.
Executive Board: It oversees UNESCO’s overall management.
- Composition: Fifty-eight members elected by the General Conference, representing diverse cultures and regions.
- Meetings: Biannual sessions to address UNESCO’s governance.
- Term: 4 Years
Secretariat: The Secretariat is the Executive Branch of the organization. It consists of the Director-General and the Staff appointed by him or her.

India and UNESCO

Membership: India has been a member of UNESCO since 1946.
Principal Coordinating Body: The Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU) serves as the principal body facilitating collaboration between India and UNESCO, as mandated by the UNESCO constitution.
Leadership in Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH):
- India holds a significant role in UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for the 2022-2026 cycle.
Recognition of Durga Puja: Durga Puja in Kolkata was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.