KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Malaysia has made history on the international stage after being elected to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) executive board for the 2025-2029 term.
Education Minister and Malaysian National Commission for Unesco president Fadhlina Sidek said Malaysia’s election was announced during the 43rd Unesco General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, today.
She said the achievement represents global recognition of Malaysia’s leadership and contribution in advancing the international agenda on education, science and culture for inclusive and sustainable global development.
“On behalf of Malaysia, I extend my deepest appreciation to all Unesco members for their trust and confidence in our country,” she said in a statement today.
Fadhlina said the success was the result of collective efforts by the Malaysian National Commission for Unesco, the Education Ministry, the Permanent Delegation of Malaysia to Unesco in Paris, the Foreign Ministry, and other strategic partners.
She said Malaysia now bears the responsibility of ensuring the voices of developing countries, especially in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, continue to be heard and respected.
She added that the mandate reflects Malaysia’s commitment to building a more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable future for the next generation.
“Through this new mandate, Malaysia will play a strategic role in shaping Unesco’s direction for the next four years, in line with the Malaysia Madani vision and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.
Fadhlina reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to remain a strategic, proactive and constructive partner in Unesco, advance quality education, strengthen science and technology for sustainable development, and preserve the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
