This is the third time that Vietnam has been elected to the council after holding the position in the 1978-1983 and 2001-2005 terms.

Pham Sanh Chau, general secretary of the National Committee of UNESCO Vietnam, emphasised that the result demonstrates increasing Vietnam’s prestige in the international arena. Vietnam also obeys international regulations so achieved good results.

Being elected as a member of the UNESCO Executive Council is attributed to Vietnam’s open-door foreign policy, diversification and multilateralisation and international acknowledgement of its position, role and contribution to UNESCO’s activities.

UNESCO is an important multilateral forum for Vietnam to promote its role and prestige after finishing its term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in December.

On behalf of the UNESCO General Assembly, the 58 members of the UNESCO Executive Council will manage the implementation of new programmes and budgets, set the agenda for the General Assembly, propose new members and introduce candidates for UNESCO’s director. UNESCO Executive Council’s members play an important role in devising UNESCO’s strategies and action plans.