Ukraine has been elected to the UNESCO Executive Board for the period 2025–2029. The decision was made during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference taking place in Samarkand.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukraine received the highest support among member states
In the second group of member states, Ukraine was one of 25 countries that participated in the elections. Russia was also part of this group. Along with Ukraine, Romania and Moldova joined the Executive Board. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine received the highest number of votes, securing its victory over Russia, which has failed to enter the board for the second consecutive time.
“Together with Romania and Moldova, we have surpassed Russia: for the second consecutive time, Moscow has lost the elections and will not be part of the Board.”
Protection of cultural heritage and countering aggression
President Zelensky thanked all member states that supported Ukraine’s candidacy and emphasized the importance of utilizing UNESCO’s opportunities to restore peaceful life, protect culture, heritage, and the population. He also stressed the need for a decisive response to all forms of Russian aggression, including war and hybrid threats, and highlighted that there is no alternative to peace.
According to the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, as of April, 1,419 cultural heritage sites have been recorded in the country as having suffered damage due to Russian aggression. Of these, 139 are of national significance, 1,184 are of local significance, and 96 are newly identified sites.