Guyana elected to UNESCO Executive Board for first time in five decades

Guyana has been elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the first time in 50 years, marking a historic moment for the country’s leadership in global education, science, culture, and communication.

The election of new board members took place on Friday during the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO, currently being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Guyana’s election grants it a key role in shaping international standards and advancing collaborative solutions among UNESCO’s 194 member states.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Education described the achievement as “a proud moment for Guyana,” underscoring that the country’s representation on the board “provides an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s mandate of promoting peace and sustainable development through education, culture, science and information.”

During her address to the General Conference in Uzbekistan, Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to equality and inclusion in education.

“The Government of Guyana continues to prioritise academic equality and access, ensuring that every child—regardless of geography or circumstance—can benefit from quality education,” the Minister told the conference. She also highlighted Guyana’s efforts to preserve its rich cultural heritage while fostering creativity and cultural industries “as vital engines of economic growth and social cohesion.”

The Ministry of Education noted that the election aligns with the UNESCO Constitution’s guiding philosophy that lasting peace must be built “upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind.”

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has similarly reaffirmed Guyana’s dedication to advancing education as a foundation for sustainable development. “Guyana remains committed to Sustainable Development Goal number four, and inclusive and quality education for all,” the President said recently. “We are adopting measures to narrow educational gaps, including introducing more in-person tutoring, reforming the national curriculum, expanding ICT use in education, and increasing access to both digital and non-digital learning resources.”

Guyana’s election to the UNESCO Executive Board strengthens its voice in global discussions and policy-making aimed at building inclusive, knowledge-based societies through education, science, culture, and communication.