Bangladesh Elected President of UNESCO General Conference for the First Time

Darwin, October 8 — For the first time, Bangladesh has been elected President of the UNESCO General Conference, defeating Japan. In the election held in Paris, France, Bangladesh’s candidate, Ambassador Khondker M. Talha, won by a vote of 30 to 27.

This marks the highest position Bangladesh has held at UNESCO in the 53 years since joining the organization, and is being hailed as a “historic milestone.”

The election took place on Monday during the 222nd session of UNESCO’s Executive Board in Paris. Initially, Japan, India, and South Korea were in the race for the position. However, in September, India and South Korea withdrew their candidacies, leaving Bangladesh and Japan in direct competition.

Expressing his feelings after the victory, Ambassador Talha said, “This is a historic moment for our country. I will sincerely work to uphold the ideals of UNESCO, especially at a time when global cooperation is more important than ever.”

Ambassador Talha is currently Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO and also serves as Ambassador to France, Monaco, and Côte d’Ivoire.

He will assume his new role at the 43rd General Conference to be held later this month in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, succeeding the current president, Simona-Mirela Miculescu of Romania. The conference will run from October 30 to November 13.

Describing the victory as a “landmark achievement for the country,” Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude, saying, “This is a proud moment for Bangladesh. We are thankful for the successful diplomatic efforts of our permanent mission.”

Professor Dr. C. R. Abrar, Chairman of the Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO and Education Advisor, also congratulated the nation, calling it a “glorious and historic achievement.”

In a statement, he said, “Bangladesh being elected to the presidency of UNESCO is undoubtedly a remarkable achievement. It reflects not only our diplomatic success but also our national prestige and international credibility.”

He further stated, “This achievement strengthens Bangladesh’s position on the global stage as a soft power.”

Cultural affairs advisor and filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki also expressed joy on social media, noting, “Bangladesh earned this unique honor by defeating Japan with a vote count of 30-27.”

The UNESCO General Conference is one of the most important global platforms for setting policies on education, science, and culture. Being entrusted with its presidency is regarded as a prestigious international accomplishment for any country.