Malaysia has earned a place on the UNESCO Executive Board, following a strong showing at the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Held on 7 November 2025, the election saw Malaysia receive 167 votes, securing one of the six seats reserved for Electoral Group IV.
This will be Malaysia’s seventh term on the Executive Board since joining UNESCO in 1958. The result reinforces the country’s steady leadership in driving global cooperation across education, science and culture, and aligns with the ambitions outlined in ASEAN Vision 2045 and UNESCO’s broader priorities.
Malaysia’s presence on the Board adds to its active involvement in two major UNESCO bodies:
• The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2022–2026)
• The Intergovernmental Council of the Hydrological Programme (2023–2027)
UNESCO, as a key UN agency, works to enhance international collaboration in education, science, culture and communication. With this new mandate, Malaysia aims to contribute meaningfully to multilateral efforts that expand access to knowledge, push scientific innovation for sustainability and preserve cultural heritage.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to all UNESCO Member States for their support. Malaysia will be represented during the term by the Ministry of Education and the Permanent Delegation of Malaysia to UNESCO in Paris.
