RP elected to UNESCO Executive Board

The Philippines has been elected to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Executive Board for a four-year term, from 2007 to 2011, as the international community affirmed the country's continuing contributions to secure greater global peace and development.

Based on the report of Philippine Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to the UNESCO Jose Zaide, the Philippines received 137 votes, placing second in the Asia-Pacific Group.

Nine countries competed for the six seats for the Asia-Pacific group. Other Asia-Pacific countries elected to the UNESCO Executive Board were Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Republic of Korea, Mongolia and Pakistan.

UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura lauded the Philippines' initiatives that advance greater peace and full development in the global community, including interfaith dialogue, debt-for-development swaps and lifelong learning.

The Executive Board is comprised of 58 member states divided across six regional electoral groups. Half of the board's membership is renewed at the biennial session of the General Conference, UNESCO's highest policymaking body.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus will represent the Philippines in the Executive Board. Ambassador Preciosa Soliven, Secretary General of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, will serve as alternate. She was Philippine representative to the Board from 1986-1987.

The Philippines has been a member of UNESCO since 1946 and was most recently in the UNESCO Executive Board from 1999-2003.

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